Mackinac Island

Travel Guide
Photo provided by Pure Michigan
This tiny Michigan island city prohibits the use of motor vehicles, making it an unusually tranquil and old-fashioned enclave of the United States.

Mackinac Island’s simple charm is perfect for visitors who enjoy the quiet life. Its large state park offers a wide range of sightseeing opportunities, and there are many outdoor activities on offer, including hiking and cross-country skiing in winter.  

Getting to Mackinac Island is best done by ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace. Ferries depart daily in the summer season. Cars have been prohibited on the island for more than 100 years, so bikes, horses and walking are the predominant means of getting around.  

Take a carriage tour of the island or hire a bike from the rental companies on the island. If you prefer, you can also take your own bicycle over on the ferry for a small fee.

The prime time for visiting Mackinac Island is during the warmest months, which commence in May and taper off around August. The island does operate as a winter resort as well, though, with picturesque walks and cross-country skiing on offer. In the winter, you may also get to see the much-talked-about “ice bridge”, created when the water between Mackinac Island and St. Ignace freezes around February.

Mackinac’s history as a Victorian summer resort can be seen in some of its architecture, such as the Grand Hotel, which is still operational today.

With a perimeter road of just 8.3 miles (13.3 kilometers), Mackinac Island is particularly small, and you can see most things inside a few days. Make sure to take in the highlights, including the historic Fort Mackinac (which once served as a military outpost and is today an immersive visitor experience), Great Turtle Park and the Island’s butterfly sanctuaries. The coastline around the whole Island is a beautiful mixture of marinas, cliff tops and beaches.

Mackinac Island is also famed for its assortment of fudge shops, such as Murdick's Fudge, which uses natural butter, cream and flavorings. Don’t be surprised if people call you a “fudgie” that’s the nickname given to tourists. 

Mission Point Resort
Mission Point Resort
3.5 out of 5
One Lakeshore Drive, Mackinac Island, MI
The price is CA $497 per night from May 27 to May 28
CA $497
CA $608 total
includes taxes & fees
May 27 - May 28
Book a stay at this spa resort in Mackinac Island. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Excellent location for people who like a more quiet area, but still want to get into the action at a reasonable walking distance."

Reviewed on May 23, 2024

Mission Point Resort
Island House Hotel
Island House Hotel
3.5 out of 5
6966 Main Street, Mackinac Island, MI
The price is CA $474 per night from Jun. 2 to Jun. 3
CA $474
CA $555 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 2 - Jun 3
Stay at this 3.5-star historic hotel in Mackinac Island. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"Location was very convenient. Staff very friendly."

Reviewed on May 22, 2024

Island House Hotel
Murray Hotel
Murray Hotel
2 out of 5
7260 Main St, Mackinac Island, MI
The price is CA $409 per night from Jun. 2 to Jun. 3
CA $409
CA $478 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 2 - Jun 3
Stay at this hotel in Mackinac Island. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Well cared for hotel with amazingly friendly staff. Room was immaculate and beds were super comfortable. Right across from the ferry dock, so we didn't have to cart our luggage around."

Reviewed on May 18, 2024

Murray Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Historic Mackinac Island Cottage
Historic Mackinac Island Cottage
Mackinac Island
Stay at this cottage in Mackinac Island. Enjoy in-room jetted tubs. Popular attractions The Jewel at the Grand Hotel and Star Line Mackinac Island Main Dock ...
Historic Mackinac Island Cottage
Mighty Mac Bridgeview Cabin 1
Mighty Mac Bridgeview Cabin 1
Mackinaw City
Stay at this cabin in Mackinaw City. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal and Mackinac ...
6.6/10 (12 reviews)
Mackinaw trip
"We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. We would definitely consider staying here again should we take another trip to the area. Highly recommend."

Reviewed on Sep. 30, 2023

Mighty Mac Bridgeview Cabin 1
Walk To The Lake, Beach, Indoor Waterpark And Downtown
Walk To The Lake, Beach, Indoor Waterpark And Downtown
Mackinaw City
Stay at this vacation home in Mackinaw City. Enjoy a water park, a garden, and patios. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
6.2/10 (59 reviews)
Mackinac City
"The property was very clean and well maintained. I think the only thing that I would have liked that wasn't provided was an internet connection."

Reviewed on Sep. 18, 2023

Walk To The Lake, Beach, Indoor Waterpark And Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Mackinac Island

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
10
" "5 - Excellent 76.92307692307692%
4 - Good
3
" "4 - Good 23.076923076923077%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Sep. 17, 2019

Pretty place. Varied shopping but expensive. Be prepared to tip quite a bit for every little thing. Consider going in June for the Liliac Festival

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Sep. 7, 2019

Very beautiful and a lovely place to stay.

5/5 - Excellent

David
Aug. 8, 2019

Our family had a great time. It’s very geared towards tourists and things are expensive but I’d recommend checking out Mackinac Island at least once. Make sure you go to the Pink Pony for a drink.

5/5 - Excellent

Susan
Jul. 20, 2019

Great unique destination! Loved cycling around the island....! Perfect for couples and families alike! Not for you if you don’t enjoy nature, walking and/or cycling and exercise!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Jul. 15, 2019

Lunch at Cafe at Fort Mackinaw was highlight of trip. Beautiful view, Gr8 food, reasonable prices.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Oct. 14, 2018

Breakfast: poor variety.