Few visitors ring in the New Year on Mackinac Island, given that it comes right in the middle of winter. Yet, it’s the perfect way to recognize the timeless nature of one of the world’s most amazing places. Even as the year changes, Mackinac Island remains the same!
Plus, there’s a turtle drop at midnight!
So, make a point of experiencing New Year’s on Mackinac Island if you’re adventurous enough to travel here in the winter. And in spring, summer and fall, there are many other special days that are made for celebrating on Mackinac Island, too.
Dates to Plan Your Mackinac Island Trip
- Earth Day in April: This day comes right around the time that ferries resume regular daily service between Mackinac Island and the mainland. The vast majority of visitors come to Mackinac Island on a ferry boat. Why? Because you can’t drive here. Mackinac Island is car-free! That’s pretty great for the environment. Plus, Mackinac Island composts a massive amount of waste, keeping it out of landfills and creating great soil for beautiful flower gardens instead. Why there are no cars on Mackinac Island
- National Dog Mom’s Day in May: Because Mackinac Island is pet friendly! Take a look at these super cute photos of dogs enjoying Mackinac Island!
- National Fudge Day in June: What better place to celebrate than at the home of world-famous Mackinac Island fudge! Mackinac Island has more than a dozen fudge shops and produces 10,000 pounds of fudge per day in peak season. How to get free fudge samples on Mackinac Island
- World Bicycle Day in June: With no cars, people get around on Mackinac Island using bicycles and horse-drawn carriages. In fact, Mackinac Island has the most bicycles per capita on the planet. Why there are so many bicycles on Mackinac Island
- National Veggie Burger Day in June: Among all the delicious places to eat on Mackinac Island, there are many vegetarian options to find. Lots of international foods, too. Where to get lunch and dinner on Mackinac Island
- National I Love Horses Day in July: In a place where the horse is king, go on a horse-drawn carriage tour of Mackinac Island sights or maybe a horseback ride on Mackinac Island State Park trails. Everything to know about horses on Mackinac Island
- National Refreshment Day in July: There are so many great watering holes where you can get a drink on Mackinac Island.
- National Girlfriends Day in August: Get your friends together and have some fun! Top things to do for girls weekend on Mackinac Island
- Wife Appreciation Day in September: Once the kids are back in school, sneak away to Mackinac Island with your spouse for a time of fun and relaxation, just the two of you. You also could enjoy a couples vacation on Mackinac Island for International Kissing Day in July, Sweetest Day in October or National Boyfriend Day in October, too! Top 9 things to do on Mackinac Island for couples
- National Sunset Day in October: Put on a sweater, cuddle up on the downtown boardwalk and admire the beautiful colors of a fall sunset on Mackinac Island. Best places on Mackinac Island to watch the sunset
Best Seasons of the Year to Visit Mackinac Island
Well, Mackinac Island happens to have perfect weather in June. July and August offer breezy relief from the oppressive heat of summer, and both September and October offer a truly special experience of spectacular fall colors.
May is another month to circle on your calendar as the natural beauty of Mackinac Island State Park returns to life after its winter slumber. Or, maybe you want to be on the very first ferry from the mainland when regular service resumes in late April!
The truth is that anytime from late April through the end of October makes for an awesome trip to Mackinac Island. In addition to special days, there also are many special Mackinac Island events and festivals all season long, from road runs and sailboat races to the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival and the iconic Halloween weekend.
And no matter what the calendar says, Mackinac Island will always be synonymous with fudge and forts, horses, bicycles and breathtaking views all around. Come and see for yourself!
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