Mackinac Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Pure Michigan
Photo provided by Pure Michigan
Photo provided by Pure Michigan
Photo provided by Pure Michigan
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 kilometres), 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. 

Where to stay in Mackinac Island

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Harrisonville

If you're spending some time in Harrisonville, Lake Huron and Mackinac Island State Park are top sights worth seeing.

Harrisonville
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Downtown Mackinac Island

If you're spending some time in Downtown Mackinac Island, Lake Huron and Haunted Theatre are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Mackinac Island
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East Bluff

While visiting East Bluff, you might make a stop by sights like Arch Rock and Fort Mackinac.

East Bluff
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Hubbard's Annex

While visiting Hubbard's Annex, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Huron and Mackinac Island State Park.

Hubbard's Annex
Mission Point Resort

Mission Point Resort

3.5 out of 5
One Lakeshore Drive, Mackinac Island, MI
Stay at this spa resort in Mackinac Island. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,015 reviews)
"Mission Point has an old world feel, and the great thing is it’s a quiet place to stay and relax"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Mission Point Resort
Harbour View Inn

Harbour View Inn

3 out of 5
6860 Main Street, Mackinac Island, MI
Stay at this 3-star B&B in Mackinac Island. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
Beautiful Stay
"Lovely location just a bit down from the main action in Mackinac Island. Very clean hotel. Decent breakfast. If you have mobility issues, request a room on a lower level since the stairs are plentiful, but I would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Harbour View Inn
Inn on Mackinac

Inn on Mackinac

2.5 out of 5
P.O. Box 1716, Mackinac Island, MI
The price is ₹29,494 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹29,494
per night
17 Aug - 18 Aug
Stay at this inn in Mackinac Island. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,017 reviews)
"This was a delightful inn with a great porch for morning coffee and afternoon wine. I would highly recommend this location to anyone traveling to Mackinac. It was away from the crowds but still just a short walk from everything."

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Inn on Mackinac
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.
Affordable Suites of America Detroit-Warren

Affordable Suites of America Detroit-Warren

3 out of 5
30180 North Civic Center Dr, Warren, MI
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Warren. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour business centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,330 reviews)
"Guest service check in lady was very nice and made the process easy. Overall made the stay. The stove didn’t work properly didn’t find out until way after check in. Pool wasn’t open but the area is nicely set up"

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Affordable Suites of America Detroit-Warren
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Gabriel Richard Apartments Downtown

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Gabriel Richard Apartments Downtown

3.5 out of 5
305 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, MI
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Detroit. Enjoy a fitness centre, concierge services and in-room washers/dryers. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,353 reviews)
"I liked the location of the property but the immediate outside area is a little run down and could be perceived as a little sketchy. You are walking distance to almost everything. The room was a nice size. The lobby area needs a little TLC. But no issues and no drama. Would stay there again."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Gabriel Richard Apartments Downtown
Kasa Cadillac Square Detroit

Kasa Cadillac Square Detroit

4 out of 5
139 Cadillac Square, Detroit, MI
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Detroit. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, in-room washers/dryers and housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (549 reviews)
"Amazing stay and amazing place! 5/5 stars."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Kasa Cadillac Square Detroit
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.

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