PLAN YOUR TRIP TO MACKINAC ISLAND
So, you’re planning a trip to Mackinac Island. That’s great! You’re going to have such a good time.
To help you get started, here’s a checklist of things to consider as you look forward to your visit:
WHAT TO DO ON MACKINAC ISLAND
More like, what not to do? You can take a narrated, horse-drawn carriage tour, sample world-famous fudge, pedal a bike all the way around the island, ride horseback on the trails through Mackinac Island State Park, walk through butterfly houses, tour historic forts, play golf, go fishing, go shopping, enjoy a sunrise or sunset paddle in a kayak and so much more. There’s something fun for all ages, not to mention several annual events that are perfect for planning a Mackinac Island visit around.
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WHERE TO STAY ON MACKINAC ISLAND
Mackinac Island has full-service resorts, luxury condos, charming B&Bs, brand new and historic hotels, quaint cottages and more. You can stay downtown amid all the activity on Main Street or escape to quiet places scattered all around Mackinac Island.
Whichever of the 1,600-plus unique rooms you choose, you can know that each place to stay is a one-of-a-kind, family-owned gem that provides extraordinary Mackinac Island hospitality. There are no chain hotels on Mackinac Island!
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WHAT TO PACK FOR MACKINAC ISLAND
It depends on when you visit because the weather on Mackinac Island varies significantly from one season to the next. While summer brings long days of warm, sunny skies and comfortable nights, spring and fall have cool mornings and evenings sandwiched around gorgeous afternoons. (A few hardy souls even make their way to Mackinac Island in winter when the weather is, well, wintry!) In general, you’ll want to dress in layers so you can be prepared to enjoy Mackinac Island both indoors and out. And good footwear is important, too, because many visitors tend to do more walking than normal during their visit.
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WHERE TO EAT ON MACKINAC ISLAND
Just like Mackinac Island is full of unique places to stay, it’s also home to many one-of-a-kind bars and restaurants. In fact, Starbucks is the only restaurant chain on Mackinac Island. From world-class resorts to sports bars, pubs, spectacular waterfront patios and casual downtown hangouts full of character, you’ll find a wide variety of memorable dining and drinking options at a range of price points.
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HOW TO GET TO MACKINAC ISLAND
Many visitors get to Mackinac Island by ferry boat from the mainland, while some fly into Mackinac Island Airport or take their own private boat. There’s a variety of ways to reach Mackinac Island, and each one is part of the fun.
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HOW TO GET AROUND ON
MACKINAC ISLAND
With no cars on Mackinac Island, horse-drawn carriages and bicycles are the most popular ways of getting from place to place. Much of Mackinac Island also is easily walkable for many visitors, while wheelchairs and electric bicycles are available to visitors who may need assistance.
- Getting around Mackinac Island
- How much does it cost to rent bikes on Mackinac Island?
- How much does it cost to ride horses on Mackinac Island?
- Are e-bikes allowed on Mackinac Island?
Do you have more questions?
Check out these 11 Mackinac Island FAQs for vacation planning
