Suggested Itineraries
Top Ten Attractions by Age
Not listed in order of significance.
Mackinac Baby (infant to 5 Years)
1. Butterfly Houses
There are two butterfly houses on the island. Wings of Mackinac located at Surrey Hill and The Original Butterfly House located on McGulpin Street behind St. Anne’s Church. Both offer a wide variety of free flying butterflies from around the world. Children can watch in amazement as the colorful butterflies fly among the lush, flowering plants.
2. Playgrounds
There are a couple of great playgrounds for kids to enjoy – one located at the public school overlooking the water and another in the far corner of Marquette Park.
3. Windermere Point
The Dog House is the place to grab hot dogs, brats and ice cream in a beautiful park setting with great views of the ferry boats, freighters and Round Island Lighthouse. Families like to skip stones into the water from the beach and see the kites flying high!
4. Family Kite flying
Mission Point Resorts Great Lawn is an ideal place for families to fly kites. Enjoy lunch at Bistro on the Greens while overlooking the water and an 18-hole executive putting course. Parents can relax in the Adirondack chairs while children run and play.
5. Fort Mackinac
Fort Mackinac is great fun for the whole family. All age groups will enjoy seeing the soldiers marching, cannons blasting, rifles firing and history being retold through exciting reenactments. Be sure to save time to grab lunch at the Fort Mackinac Tea Room with spectacular views overlooking Marquette Park and the harbor.
6. Mackinac Island Carriage Tours
Mackinac Island Carriage Tours is the official tour of Mackinac Island State Park. Families will have a horse experience while learning about the history of the island while viewing limestone rock formations, flora and fauna and the Surrey Hill Carriage Museum, where there is also a small food court and souvenir shops. Surrey Hill also has a beautiful park to relax and watch the off duty horses. The Grand Hotel and Mackinac Island Carriage Tours offer tours of the new stables that house the Grand Hotel’s Horses and this is open to the public at Surrey Hill as well.
You can add attractions onto your Carriage Tour – such as admission to Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory and Fort Mackinac. Note: package may be purchased in advance online from www.mackinacislandpackage.com
A private carriage tour is available for hire by the hour with a one hour minimum.
7. Mackinac Island Public Library
The Mackinac Island Public Library offers a great selection of children’s books. Sit in the children’s corner and read stories with your child. The Public Library is a beautiful building and they sometimes have a fire going in the fireplace on cool days.
8. Bike ride around the island
Mackinac Island’s main road, M-185, takes you along the perimeter of the island, with beautiful water views. There are a number of bike rentals that offer children’s bike seats, burleys and tag-alongs for your child to enjoy the trip with you. Stop off at British Landing for a snack or drink at the Cannonball Oasis. You can also use the public restrooms at the British Landing Nature Center for a bathroom break.
9. A Mackinac Picnic
Grab a locator map provided by the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau and go exploring on the island. This map details a number of picnic spots and restrooms. Doud’s Market offers a wide selection of picnic foods and beverages to take with you as you explore the State Historic Park. You can also pick up provisions at Boxwood Coffee Shop and Café and picnic at Mission Point Resort on the Great Lawn.
10. Art Classes
Watercolor Café offers children’s art classes on certain days. Kids can create with café owner Kate, and take a little masterpiece home with them. Check out their website for classes: www.watercolormackinac.com. Mission Point Resort offers Turtle Ornament Painting on select days, available to guests and non-guests of the resort.
Mackinac Sprout (ages 5 through 12)
1. Mackinac Island Carriage Tours
Mackinac Island Carriage Tours is the official tour of Mackinac Island State Park. Families will have a horse experience while learning about the history of the island while viewing limestone rock formations, flora and fauna and the Surrey Hill Carriage Museum, where there is also a small food court and souvenir shops. Surrey Hill also has a beautiful park to relax and watch the off duty horses. The Grand Hotel and Mackinac Island Carriage Tours offer tours of the new stables that house the Grand Hotel’s Horses and this is open to the public at Surrey Hill as well.
You can add attractions onto your Carriage Tour – such as admission to Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory, Fort Mackinac and Grand Hotel. Note: package may be purchased in advance online from www.mackinacislandpackage.com
A private carriage tour is available for hire by the hour with a one hour minimum.
2. Butterfly Houses
There are two butterfly houses on the island. Wings of Mackinac located at Surrey Hill and The Original Butterfly House located on McGulpin Street behind St. Anne’s Church. Both offer a wide variety of free flying butterflies from around the world. Children can watch in amazement as the colorful butterflies fly among the lush, flowering plants.
3. Playgrounds
There are a couple of great playgrounds for kids to enjoy – one located at the public school overlooking the water and another in the far corner of Marquette Park.
4. Maze of Mirrors
Located on Main Street, the Maze of Mirrors is a fun attraction right in the heart of downtown. With 3D glasses, children of all ages can find their way through the maze.
5. Haunted Theater
You can get your heart pumping, walking your way through the wax figures and a spooky maze in the Haunted Theater. You can request the degree of scariness with the staff before you enter. You can’t miss this attraction on Main Street – you can find your way there by following the pipe organ music and screams of surprise.
6. Greens of Mackinac at Mission Point Resort
You can work on your short game at the 18 hole executive putting course at Greens of Mackinac at Mission Point Resort. This picturesque par 2 course overlooks Lake Huron and Round Island. You may even be able to catch a glimpse of a passing freighter. Enjoy a bite to eat at the Bistro on the Greens after you play. There is also glow golf in the evening which makes for an extra fun round of golf.
7. British Landing stone skipping
Take a leisurely bike ride out to British Landing. This rocky beach is filled with the stones sized for skipping. Wear sandals or water shoes and dip your toes in the cool waters of Lake Huron. Be sure to grab snack or ice cream from the Cannonball Oasis while you’re there.
8. Fort Mackinac
Fort Mackinac is brimming with exciting reenactments demonstrating what fort life was like in the 1800s. You’ll see soldiers marching, cannons blasting, rifles firing. Explore the original buildings of the historic fort and be sure to visit the museum and gift shop. Enjoy lunch at the Fort Tea Room overlooking Marquette Park and the harbor. Your admission ticket to the fort also gives you access to some of the historic buildings on Market Street.
9. Bike ride around the island
Mackinac Island’s main road, M-185, takes you along the perimeter of the island, with beautiful water views. There are a number of bike rentals that offer children’s bike seats, burleys and tag-alongs for your child to enjoy the trip with you. Stop off at British Landing for a snack or drink at the Cannonball Drive Inn. You can also use the public restrooms at the British Landing Nature Center for a bathroom break.
10. Pirate Cruise
Ahoy! Grab your best mates and go on an evening cruise upon a pirate ship! You’ll experience a real cannon blast as you pull into the harbor. Great fun for all. For more info visit: www.mackinacferry.com
Mackinac Teen (age 13 to 19)
1. Fort Mackinac
Fort Mackinac is brimming with exciting reenactments demonstrating what fort life was like in the 1800s. You’ll see soldiers marching, cannons blasting, rifles firing. Explore the original buildings of the historic fort and be sure to visit the museum and gift shop. Enjoy lunch at the Fort Tea Room overlooking Marquette Park and the harbor. Your admission ticket to the fort also gives you access to some of the historic buildings on Market Street.
2. Butterfly Houses
There are two butterfly houses on the island. Wings of Mackinac located at Surrey Hill and The Original Butterfly House located on McGulpin Street behind St. Anne’s Church. Both offer a wide variety of free flying butterflies from around the world. Children can watch in amazement as the colorful butterflies fly among the lush, flowering plants.
3. Haunted Theater
You can get your heart pumping, walking your way through the wax figures and a spooky maze in the Haunted Theater. You can request the degree of scariness with the staff before you enter. You can’t miss this attraction on Main Street – you can find your way there by following the pipe organ music and screams of surprise.
4. Glow Golf at Mission Point
Around dusk, glow golf begins at the 18-hole par 2 putting course at The Greens of Mackinac located at Mission Point Resort. The golf ball and flags are lit up against the backdrop of beautiful Lake Huron.
5. Mackinaw Parasailing
Mackinaw Parasailing offers single and tandem flights. You can soar up to 600 feet and get a bird’s eye view of the Straits of Mackinac and the island. Morning flights are offered for the early bird. Bring along your camera for some great shots.
6. Bike to Fort Holmes
Grab an island map and some beverages from Doud’s Market and set out on a journey to Fort Holmes. Along the way check out some significant landmarks and state park trails.
7. Horseback riding
Cindy’s and Jack’s Riding Stables provide horseback riding tours into the state parks. The minimum one hour tour has an option of a guide or take a map of set trails and explore on your own.
8. Haunted Walking Tour
Scare yourself silly on an evening walk along the streets of Mackinac with Haunts of Mackinac. A tour guide will lead the group and narrate, telling ghostly stories along the way.
9. Kayak Tours
See the island from the water on a guided kayak tour with Great Turtle Kayak Tours. Sunrise and sunset tours available as well as tours throughout the day.
10. Haunted Theater
You can get your heart pumping, walking your way through the wax figures and a spooky maze in the Haunted Theater. You can request the degree of scariness with the staff before you enter. You can’t miss this attraction on Main Street – you can find your way there by following the pipe organ music and screams of surprise.
Romantic Mackinac
1. Sunset walks
There are countless scenic spots to take a sunset walk on Mackinac Island. Check out Sunset Rock or walk up to Fort Holmes, both in the interior of the Island. Walk along the boardwalk on the shore for incredible views!
2. Private Carriage Tour
Mackinac Island Carriage Tours and Gough Livery offer a private horse-drawn tour of the island. The minimum one hour tour is an intimate journey of the sites and history of the island. Your personal driver will narrate and answer questions about the places you will see. Take pictures along the way to capture the memories.
3. A Mackinac Picnic
Grab an island map, provided by the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau, and go exploring on the Island. This map details a number of picnic spots and restrooms. Doud’s Market offers a wide selection of picnic foods and beverages to take with you as you explore the State Historic Park.
4. Horseback riding
Cindy’s and Jack’s Riding Stables provide horseback riding tours into the state parks. The minimum one hour tour has an option of a guide or take a map of set trails and explore on your own.
5. Massage and spa
Mackinac Island offers some unique ways to relax. An afternoon of spa treatments and a massage can get rid of the tension and stress. Grand Hotel Spa and Lakeside Salon and Spa offer a wide range of services to rejuvenate the body and mind – treat yourself to a couple’s massage at Lakeside Salon and Spa.
6. Fine Dining
There are many great restaurant choices, from casual to fine dining. Have dinner at one, dessert or after-dinner drink at another!
7. Evening bike ride around the island
There are bike shops that will rent bicycles into the evening hours. You can even rent a bicycle built for two! Take a ride along the shore road or grab an island map and cruise trails in the State Park.
8. Ballroom dancing at Grand Hotel (Must observe dress code)
Grand Hotel is a great place to spend an elegant evening. You can dance to a live orchestra in their ballroom – open to hotel guests and the public. Get dressed up and put on your dancing shoes! Be sure to go up to the Cupola Bar to see the panoramic views of the Straits of Mackinac.
9. Sunset Cruise
Take a Sip n’ Sail Cruise and see beautiful sunsets in the Straits of Mackinac. If the weather conditions allow, the cruise will go under the Mackinac Bridge. Beverages and live entertainment make for a lovely evening on the water.
10. Kayak Tours
See the island from the water on a guided kayak tour with Great Turtle Kayak Tours. Sunrise and sunset tours available as well as tours throughout the day. Make it even more romantic by choosing a tandem kayak!
The Great Outdoors on Mackinac
1. Mackinaw Parasailing
Mackinaw Parasailing offers single and tandem flights. You can soar up to 600 feet and get a bird’s eye view of the Straits of Mackinac and the island. Morning flights are offered for the early bird. Bring along your camera for some great shots.
2. Bike to Fort Holmes
Grab an island map and some beverages from Doud’s Market and set out on a journey to Fort Holmes. Along the way check out some significant landmarks and state park trails.
3. Morning run around the island
In the cool hours of the morning, while it’s still quiet and calm, enjoy a run along the perimeter road, M-185. Take in beautiful sunrise and water views on a Sunrise Hike at Mission Point Resort.
4. Fishing charter tour
E.U.P. Fishing Charter and North Shore Fishing Charter will supply you with all the gear needed for a fun day of fishing in the Straits of Mackinac.
5. Horseback riding
Cindy’s and Jack’s Riding Stables provide horseback riding tours into the state parks. The minimum one hour tour has an option of a guide or take a map of set trails and explore on your own.
6. Mackinac Island Carriage Tours
Mackinac Island Carriage Tours is the official tour of Mackinac Island State Park. Families will have a horse experience while learning about the history of the island while viewing limestone rock formations, flora and fauna and the Surrey Hill Carriage Museum, where there is also a small food court and souvenir shops. Surrey Hill also has a beautiful park to relax and watch the off duty horses. The Grand Hotel and Mackinac Island Carriage Tours offer tours of the new stables that house the Grand Hotel’s horses and this is open to the public at Surrey Hill as well.
7. Drive Your Own Buggy
Jack’s Livery offers Drive Your Own Carriages for those who want to try their hand as a carriage driver – and the horses know the route. Meander through the interior of the island or along the shore in a two, four or six passenger carriage
8. Golfing
Nestled in the interior of the island, Wawashkamo offers a challenging course situated in a quiet, peaceful setting. One of Michigan’s oldest courses, you can really go for an old-fashioned experience by using traditional Hickory Sticks. You can also golf at Grand Hotel’s beautifully manicured course, The Jewel. There are horse-drawn taxi services and shuttles to get you and your clubs to the courses.
9. Kayak Tours
See the island from the water on a guided kayak tour with Great Turtle Kayak Tours. Sunrise and sunset tours available as well as tours throughout the day. Make it even more romantic by choosing a tandem kayak!
10. Walking and Biking Tours
Chad’s Wonderful Walking Tours and Inside Out Tours both offer narrated walking tours that can be customized. Mackinac Jane’s Audio Tours offers a self-guided audio tour. CAP Excursions will take you on a guided bicycle tour, with an island local.
Bachelor’s Weekend
1. Golf Wawashkamo
Nestled in the interior of the island, Wawashkamo offers a challenging course situated in a quiet, peaceful setting. One of Michigan’s oldest courses, you can really go for an old-fashioned experience by using traditional Hickory Sticks. There are horse-drawn taxis to get you and your clubs to the course.
2. Golf at Grand Hotel
Play Grand Hotel’s beautifully manicured golf course, The Jewel. A horse-drawn shuttle will take you and your clubs from the Grand Nine to the Woods Nine – where you can grab a boxed lunch and drinks from Bobby’s Bar at the Woods Restaurant.
3. Ugly Anne Boat tour
The Ugly Anne is an authentic North Atlantic lobster boat and will take you on a cruise around the Straits of Mackinac. Go under the Mackinac Bridge or charter a private tour to neighboring islands. Scheduled tours out of Mackinac Island are available.
4. Custom made knife
Create your own custom knife with a blacksmith at Forge A Memory located at Surrey Hills. You can make a great keepsake to take home with you.
5. Dinner at Jockey Club
Jockey Club offers group seating indoors or outdoors in a casual atmosphere. There is live acoustic guitar music.
6. Night life and entertainment
On Main Street and beyond, you’ll find evening entertainment at local establishments. Enjoy live music with some of Mackinac Island’s signature cocktails. Check out The McCartney Years live show, at Mission Point Resort.
7. Fort Mackinac
Fort Mackinac is brimming with exciting reenactments demonstrating what fort life was like in the 1800s. You’ll see soldiers marching, cannons blasting, rifles firing. Explore the original buildings of the historic fort and be sure to visit the museum and gift shop. Enjoy lunch at the Fort Tea Room overlooking Marquette Park and the harbor. Your admission ticket to the fort also gives you access to some of the historic buildings on Market Street.
8. Biking the trails
Head out into the Mackinac Island State Park for some trail riding. Be sure to wear a helmet and grab an island map!
9. Fishing charter tour
E.U.P. Fishing Charter and North Shore Fishing Charter will supply you with all the gear needed for a fun day of fishing in the Straits of Mackinac.
10. Kayak Tours
See the island from the water on a guided kayak tour with Great Turtle Kayak Tours. Sunrise and sunset tours available as well as tours throughout the day.
Ladies Weekend
1. Lunch on the waterfront
Cool breezes and the sound of waves on the shore invite you and your friends to enjoy a casual lunch at the Carriage House at Hotel Iroquois.
2. Massage and spa
Mackinac Island offers some unique ways to relax. An afternoon of spa treatments and a massage can get rid of the tension and stress. Grand Hotel Spa and Lakeside Salon and Spa offer a wide range of services to rejuvenate the body and mind. You and your group can take over the salon suite at Mission Point Resort!
3. Grand Hotel self-guided tour and afternoon tea
The self-guided tour offers a look at the history and artwork displayed at the Grand Hotel. There are boutique shops in the hotel and you can relax with Afternoon Tea while listening to the soft sounds of harp music.
4. Shop around town
You will find shops located in the downtown area and beyond. See a list of shops on our website.
5. Lounge with a book
Sit by the lake and relax with a book. The Island Bookstore has newly published books, books on island history, magazines and more!
6. Sunset Cruise
Take a Sip n’ Sail Cruise and see beautiful sunsets in the Straits of Mackinac. If the weather conditions allow, the cruise will go under the Mackinac Bridge. Beverages and live entertainment make for a lovely evening on the water.
7. Hiking
Mackinac Island State Park offer many trails and scenic views to explore. Grab a map and take a hike to some of the islands unique lime stone rock formations.
8. Bike ride around the island
Mackinac Island’s main road, M-185, takes you along the perimeter of the island, with beautiful water views. There are a number of bike rentals that offer children’s bike seats, burleys and tag-alongs for your child to enjoy the trip with you. Stop off at British Landing for a snack or drink at the Cannonball Oasis. You can also use the public restrooms at the British Landing Nature Center for a bathroom break.
9. Private Carriage Tour
Mackinac Island Carriage Tours and Gough Livery offer a private horse-drawn tour of the island. The minimum one hour tour is an intimate journey of the sites and history of the island. Your personal driver will narrate and answer questions about the places you will see. Take pictures along the way to capture the memories.
10. Horseback riding
Cindy’s and Jack’s Riding Stables provide horseback riding tours into the state parks. The minimum one hour tour has an option of a guide or take a map of set trails and explore on your own.
Rainy Day on Mackinac
1. Mackinac Island Carriage Tours
Mackinac Island Carriage Tours is the official tour of Mackinac Island State Park. Families will have a horse experience while learning about the history of the island while viewing limestone rock formations, flora and fauna and the Surrey Hill Carriage Museum, where there is also a small food court and souvenir shops. Surrey Hill also has a beautiful park to relax and watch the off duty horses. The Grand Hotel and Mackinac Island Carriage Tours offer tours of the new stables that house the Grand Hotel’s Horses and this is open to the public at Surrey Hill as well.
You can add attractions onto your Carriage Tour – such as admission to Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory, Fort Mackinac and Grand Hotel. Note: package may be purchased in advance online from www.mackinacislandpackage.com
2. Private Carriage Tour
Mackinac Island Carriage Tours and Gough Livery offer a private horse-drawn tour of the island. The minimum one hour tour is an intimate journey of the sites and history of the island. Your personal driver will narrate and answer questions about the places you will see. Take pictures along the way to capture the memories.
3. Butterfly Houses
There are two butterfly houses on the island. Wings of Mackinac located at Surrey Hill and The Original Butterfly House located on McGulpin Street behind St. Anne’s Church. Both offer a wide variety of free flying butterflies from around the world. Children can watch in amazement as the colorful butterflies fly around among the lush, flowering plants.
4. Mackinac Island Public Library
The Mackinac Island Public Library offers a great selection of children’s books. Sit in the children’s corner and read stories with your child. The Public Library is a beautiful building and they sometimes have a fire going in the fireplace on cool days.
5. Fort Mackinac
Fort Mackinac is great fun for the whole family. All age groups will enjoy seeing the soldiers marching, cannons blasting, rifles firing and history being retold through exciting reenactments. Be sure to save time to grab lunch at the Fort Mackinac Tea Room with spectacular views overlooking Marquette Park and the harbor.
6. Grand Hotel self-guided tour and afternoon tea
The self-guided tour offers a look at the history and artwork displayed at the Grand Hotel. There are boutique shops in the hotel and you can relax with Afternoon Tea while listening to the soft sounds of harp music.
7. Mackinac Island Art Museum
The Mackinac Art Museum houses art exhibits throughout the season and holds a variety of classes. There is a kids’ craft room for youngsters to explore their creative side.
8. Massage and spa
Mackinac Island offers some unique ways to relax. An afternoon of spa treatments and a massage can get rid of the tension and stress. Grand Hotel Spa and Lakeside Salon and Spa offer a wide range of services to rejuvenate the body and mind.
9. Shop around town
You will find shops located in the downtown area and beyond. See a list of shops on our website.
10. Stuart House Museum
Stuart House Museum is filled with local history and interesting island facts. Located on Market Street.
