If you’ve never been to Mackinac Island, it can be hard to know where to start planning your first visit. Making your way around mackinacisland.org is a fantastic way to identify things to do and sights to see. Yet, there’s so much packed into the island’s 3.8 square-miles that it can be overwhelming, too!
Sometimes it’s best to pin down your lodging and go from there. For starters, think about when you want to be on Mackinac Island. To help you narrow that down, here’s a look at five things to consider while making your room reservation:
1. Are You An Event Goer? If you love big events, then build your vacation around one of Mackinac Island’s big festivals. From the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival in early June to the 4th Of July festivities and the Mackinac Island Fall Fudge Festival and Halloween Weekend in October, there’s always something to celebrate. Here’s a look at Mackinac Island’s annual event schedule.
2. Do You Love Fall? You may know Mackinac Island as the USA’s Best Summer Travel Destination. But did you know it also was voted the USA’s Best Place To Visit For Fall? Summer is truly amazing on Mackinac Island. Yet, many visitors like fall on Mackinac Island the best! Here are just a few reasons why you might fall in love with Mackinac Island in September or October.
3. Are You Looking Forward To Spring? Hey, let’s not sleep on spring! Many people prefer visiting Mackinac Island in May or early June because crowds are often smaller and lodging rates are often lower. Plus, everything is coming back to life after winter and the lilacs – oh, my, the lilacs! – are absolutely gorgeous (and sweet smelling, too!). There are lots of things people love about Mackinac Island in the spring. Opening day of the visitor season is typically right around May 1, and you can even visit in late April once the ferry boats start running.
4. Keep An Eye Out For Deals. Speaking of ferry boats, some places to stay on Mackinac Island offer special packages that include round-trip ferry transportation along with other lovely perks such as admission to historic Fort Mackinac or other popular attractions. As you’re choosing between Mackinac Island’s hotels, resorts, condos, cottages and B&Bs, keep an eye out for any specials posted here. You may find the best deals on certain dates in spring and fall.
5. Don’t Wait! By booking your trip to Mackinac Island sooner than later, you have a better chance of getting your preferred dates – and lower rates! That’s especially true for summer visits. In fact, here’s a look at how far in advance you should reserve a place to stay on Mackinac Island.
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Once you’ve picked a place to stay, then you can spend all the time you need planning what to do, where to eat and how to get around car-free Mackinac Island. Bookmark mackinacisland.org, of course, and browse the official Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau blog for tips on everything about your trip, from what to pack and what kind of weather to expect to where to park your car and how much to tip your horse-drawn taxi driver.
It's also a great idea to follow Mackinac Island on social media including Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and Pinterest. Plus, request a Mackinac Island Visitor Guide and sign up for the island’s e-News to get regular updates by e-mail.
RELATED MACKINAC ISLAND BLOGS:
· 5 things to do on your first trip to Mackinac Island
· Historic places to stay on Mackinac Island
· Mackinac Island places to stay off the beaten path
· Choosing between condos, cottages, hotels, resorts and B&Bs