Planning a Trip to Mackinac Island

Once you get a sense of what makes the USA’s Best Summer Travel Destination so unique, planning a Mackinac Island getaway is easy. So, first things first: Here are the basics.

Accessibility

Mackinac Island offers unique experiences and fun for everyone. Island businesses and attractions continue to add and enhance…

Getting Here

Here’s a rundown on the most common ways of making your way to Mackinac Island.

Getting Around

Because there are no cars on Mackinac Island, people get around in old-fashioned ways.

An Overview of Mackinac Island

What’s So Special About Mackinac Island?

Mackinac Island has been car-free for more than 100 years. That makes it a one-of-a-kind vacation destination filled with history, natural beauty, and timeless experiences, from horse-drawn carriage rides to old-fashioned fudge shops to scenic waterfront views.

Where Is Mackinac Island?

Mackinac Island is surrounded by water in the Great Lakes, between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. Most visitors arrive by ferry boat, although you can also get there by private boat or small airplane.

When Is the Best Time to Visit?

The main visitor season runs late April through October, with summer offering the most activity and spring and fall providing quieter visits and cooler weather.

How Long Should I Stay?

A day trip is possible, but most visitors stay one to three nights to experience a wider range of activities and dining while enjoying the island’s slower pace of life. Many visitors especially love Mackinac Island after the last ferry boat leaves for the night.

What Kind of Trip Do You Want?

Mackinac Island vacation planning can look a lot different depending on who you’re traveling with and what kind of adventure you’re looking for.

A romantic getaway with carriage rides, lake views, and cozy inns?
A girls’ trip with shopping, dining, and relaxing?
A guys’ trip with golf, hiking, and nightlife?
A family vacation full of biking, history, and fudge?
A relaxing escape where you can sit in the lap of luxury at world-class resorts
A quick day trip with downtown exploration?

Other Things to Know Before You Go

Mackinac Island is designed for walking and biking, so comfortable shoes are essential. Electric mobility scooters and wheelchairs are available for rent. (E-bikes are generally not allowed, except for visitors with qualifying mobility disabilities who apply in advance.)
Lodging fills up quickly, especially in summer
Weather can change quickly in every season so pack layers
Ferry service is frequent and first-come-first-served
Bring cash for tips and horse-drawn taxis

How Do I Get to Mackinac Island?

Here’s a 3-step process for getting to Mackinac Island:

Get to Northern Michigan – Travel to Mackinaw City or St. Ignace by car or fly into nearby airports such as Pellston or Chippewa County International and shuttle to the ferry docks.
Take the Ferry – Most visitors take a ferry boat from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, with trips lasting about 15–20 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the dock or online. Ferries run frequently, as often as every 15 minutes in peak season. Reservations aren’t required for a specific time and tickets are flexible. (You can also dock a private boat or take a short flight into Mackinac Island Airport, where you can have a horse-drawn taxi pick you up.)
Arrive on the Island – When you arrive, you’ll step right into downtown. You can walk to your hotel, rent a bike or have your luggage delivered by dockporters directly to your room.

Where Should I Stay on Mackinac Island?

Mackinac Island offers a wide variety of lodging from resorts, inns, and hotels to B&Bs, condos, and cottages:

Hotels & resorts offer convenient amenities such as on-site dining, swimming pools, historic charm, and scenic views
Bed & breakfasts and inns are perfect for intimate stays where you get to know both innkeepers and fellow guests
Downtown/Main Street accommodations are walkable from the ferry docks and close to lots of shopping, dining, and nightlife
Hotels and condos outside of downtown tend to be peaceful and more secluded

What Will I Do on Mackinac Island?

There are things to do for every type of traveler, from relaxation seekers and foodies to adventure lovers and history buffs.

Bike the Island

Ride the iconic 8.2-mile loop all the way around the outer edge of the island on Lakeshore Drive or explore 70-plus miles of trails through the middle of Mackinac Island State Park.

Visit Historic Sites

Tour Fort Mackinac and other historic landmarks including Fort Holmes, Historic Downtown Mackinac, the Stuart House City Museum and more.

Eat & Drink

Sample world-famous fudge, savor delicious local dining, and sip your favorite beverage while listening to live music that plays every night.

Go Shopping

Discover charming, locally owned boutiques and galleries in downtown and elsewhere on Mackinac Island including the Mission District, Grand Hotel and Surrey Hill.

Take a Carriage Ride

Enjoy a narrated public tour, the most popular visitor experience on the island, or book a private ride. You can even take the reins in a drive-it-yourself carriage or explore trails by horseback.

Seasonal Snapshot of Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island is a delight in all four seasons, with the main visitor season running from May through October.

Spring on Mackinac Island

Spring on Mackinac Island brings the opening of visitor season with colorful wildflowers and the exciting buzz of a new year getting underway. Check out Sneak Peek Week the last week of April and Opening Day and be among the first visitors of the season. Late spring features the annual Mackinac Island Lilac Festival that sees 10 days of events and fun.

Summer on Mackinac Island

Summer on Mackinac Island is peak season with all attractions open plus signature events such as the iconic 4^th of July celebrations and sailing races. Summer brings perfect weather with pleasant days and comfortable nights that make Mackinac Island America’s Coolcation Destination.

Fall on Mackinac Island

Fall on Mackinac Island welcomes a quieter atmosphere with spectacular sunny days, gorgeous foliage and two major October events, the Fall Fudge Festival and Mackinac Island’s Halloween Weekend. The tourism season and fast ferries generally end toward the end of October.