Visiting in June – Mackinac Island

June is a lovely month on Mackinac Island. Everything is open, the crowds are picking up but it’s not too busy, the temperature continues to rise and the weather is generally mild, and it’s the kick off to our most beloved festival, the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival.

It’s hard to predict and of course weather dependent, but the lilacs generally bloom the second week of June. With so many lilac varieties in so many locations on Mackinac Island, they tend to have a 2-3 week window from bud to peak bloom.

Why there are so many beautiful lilacs on Mackinac Island

A pink and purple lilac bloom brightens Mackinac Island’s Marquette Park at the foot of Fort Mackinac

WEATHER ON MACKINAC ISLAND IN JUNE

June weather is generally mild on Mackinac Island. Temperatures continue to rise, the flowers begin to pop, and it’s a perfect chance to enjoy the outdoors. Average high temperatures are generally around 70 degrees with lows of 50.

As always, be sure to pack comfortable shoes and sun gear as you prepare to explore and enjoy your visit to Mackinac Island. Layers are a must as it cools off in the evenings and early mornings.

What to pack for a trip to Mackinac Island

A horse-drawn carriage clip-clops down a Mackinac Island street lined with blooming lilacs on a sunny June day

GETTING TO MACKINAC ISLAND IN JUNE

There are 3 ways to get to Mackinac Island in June: public ferry, personal boat, or airplane.

Ferries to Mackinac Island

There are two ferry companies, Mackinac Island Ferry Company and Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry, that operate out of two port cities on the mainland, Mackinaw City and St. Ignace.

The ferry schedule changes throughout the month so be sure to double check the times and dates before your visit. June generally sees expanded hours to accommodate summer travelers.

Round-trip tickets are around $35 for adults and the ride takes around 20 minutes. Parking and ticket information can be found on the ferry company websites.

Pro tip: For an extra treat, plan on taking an “Under the Bridge” ferry! Both ferry companies offer a free experience of going under the Mackinac Bridge (the 5th largest suspension bridge in the world) before heading to Mackinac Island. This adds on an extra 10 minutes or so and is a fun bonus trip if you’ve never tried it!

What to do with your car when you go to Mackinac Island

Personal Boat to Mackinac Island

You can bring your personal boat to Mackinac Island. Docking is available at the State Park marina (re-opening July 2023) or at a private dock such as East Dock or the Coal Dock.

Where to dock your boat for overnight stay on Mackinac Island

Flying to Mackinac Island

There are three options when it comes to flying to Mackinac Island. You can take a 7-minute air taxi, order a charter flight to pick you up from a different airport, or fly your own plane!

Fresh Air Aviation operates out of the St. Ignace Airport and flies directly to the Mackinac Island Airport. It is about a 7-minute flight for a $45 one-way adult ticket. Call ahead to schedule a flight with them at 906-285-6727.

North Country Aviation is another way to get to Mackinac Island and offers chartered flights from nearby airports and around the country. Visit their website for more information.

You can also fly a private plane to Mackinac Island. Click here for more information about Mackinac Island Airport prices, rules, and contacts.

If you are flying into the Mackinac Island Airport, it is recommended to arrange a horse-drawn taxi ahead of time 906-847-3323. The Mackinac Island Airport is about 2 miles from the downtown area.

Yes! You can fly to Mackinac Island

Visitors walk down Mackinac Island’s Main Street in June when it’s lined with blooming lilacs

WHAT’S OPEN ON MACKINAC ISLAND IN JUNE

Everything! Businesses begin to open at the end of April and throughout May so by June, they are a well-oiled machine.

On Mackinac Island, there are no days off. Almost everything is open 7 days a week with downtown shops staying open until the last ferry, restaurants open into the evening, and a handful of late night bars open until 2 a.m. with live music!

Mackinac Island nightlife: 5 things to do after dark

A horticulturist talks about lilacs during one of the many events that are part of the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS ON MACKINAC ISLAND IN JUNE

June is the month of lilacs! Mackinac Island is home to more than 250 varieties of lilacs and over 300 plants. They grow taller, wider and fuller than lilacs you’ve ever seen because of the lake and weather conditions, limestone rock and just because.

The annual Mackinac Island Lilac Festival takes place every June and 2023 will be the 75th anniversary! This 10-day event features free lilac walking tours, lilac planting sessions, Lilac Queen coronation, Lilac 10K run/walk, cornhole tournament, live music and of course the Grand Parade.

If you love flowers and lilacs, this is an event you won’t want to miss!

Other events for the month of June include live music at bars and restaurants, events through the Mackinac Arts Council, classes at Watercolor Café, daily kayaking trips, Sip N’ Sail cruises, events with Mackinac State Historic Parks and so much more!

For daily events, visit our website or stop by our downtown booth for a list of activities!

Cottages line the bluff high above the water around Mackinac Island on a beautiful summer evening

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT MACKINAC ISLAND IN JUNE

  • Extended ferry hours begin the middle of June
  • Warm during the day, cools off at night and in the morning
  • Not as busy as July and August but definitely picking up
  • Because of our cool weather and the lake conditions, the lilacs generally bloom weeks later than our downstate friends. It’s almost like a second season of getting to enjoy the lilacs!

 

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