10+ Best Things to Do on Mackinac Island, Michigan
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Mackinac Island is one of those places that feels almost too charming to be real! Between the car-free streets, horse-drawn carriages, historic architecture, lake views, blooming flowers, and fudge shops everywhere you turn, there are so many fun things to do on Mackinac Island that it is easy to see why people fall in love with this little Northern Michigan gem.
We worked Mackinac Island into a bigger Northern Michigan trip with Traverse City, and it ended up being one of the most memorable stops. You can absolutely visit for the day, but if you can swing one night on the island, I highly recommend it!
Quick Mackinac Island Planning Notes
Before we get into the best things to do on Mackinac Island, there are a few planning details that make the whole trip smoother. Since cars are not allowed on Mackinac Island, you will arrive by ferry, private boat, or small plane, then get around by walking, biking, horse-drawn carriage, or horse taxi.
Most visitors take the ferry from either Mackinaw City or St. Ignace. For a full breakdown, check out my guide on how to get to Mackinac Island, but here are the two main ferry companies to compare:
- Arnold Transit Company: Arnold offers service from Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, with fast ferry and classic ferry options depending on the season and dock. Always check the current schedule and pricing before you go.
- Shepler’s Ferry: Shepler’s is another popular option with departures from both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace. The ride is quick, scenic, and easy, and buying tickets ahead can help during busy summer weekends.
For our trip, we flew into Traverse City, drove from Traverse City to Mackinac Island to catch the ferry, spent one night on the island, spent one day in St. Ignace so we could check out Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and then went back to enjoy four amazing days in Traverse City. It felt like the perfect little Northern Michigan road trip.
Driving to the Mackinac Island Ferry?
If you’re flying into Traverse City and need a car to reach the Mackinac Island ferry terminals, compare rental car prices ahead of your trip to find the best deal for your travel dates.
Compare rental cars →And book in advance. We tried getting a rental car last minute, and there were none available, even in surrounding cities!
Things to Do on Mackinac Island
1. Enjoy a Cup of Joe
All the best adventures start with coffee (at least that’s my motto). We grabbed delicious iced lattes from Lucky Bean Coffee House, and it was the perfect first stop before wandering around town. Whether you prefer a classic drip coffee or a frothy latte, Lucky Bean is a cute little caffeine stop to add to your morning.
2. Main Street
Main Street is the heart of Mackinac Island, and I can promise you will be enchanted by the blooming flowers, charming homes, historic buildings, and adorable shops lining the street. Every corner offers a new photo opportunity, especially when a horse-drawn carriage trots by at the exact right moment.
Take your time to pop into unique boutiques, admire the architecture, and maybe even pick up a souvenir or two!
3. Sample Fudge
Mackinac Island is famous for its fudge, and sampling a few shops is absolutely one of the most classic things to do on Mackinac Island. You will smell it before you even decide where to stop, which is both pleasant and dangerous.
From classic chocolate and vanilla to more adventurous options like peanut butter chocolate, maple walnut, and carrot cake, the flavor options are wild. One of my favorite fudge shops on Mackinac Island just so happened to be at the Murray Hotel where we were staying!
After sampling a few, I ended up getting the carrot cake fudge, and the little guest discount for staying there made it even sweeter.
4. Visit the Grand Hotel
Even if you’re not staying at the Grand Hotel, popping by this iconic landmark is an absolute must! You can’t miss it; it’s the grand beauty that greets you from miles away as you approach the island.
Step inside, and it’s like stepping into a whole new level of elegance. Wander along the world’s longest porch (yes, really!), grab a bite at one of their fancy restaurants, or sip a cocktail while soaking in those jaw-dropping views. We couldn’t get enough of the vibes at the Cupola Bar; it’s definitely a highlight!
The hotel also offers afternoon tea, live music, restaurants, bars, and beautifully manicured gardens to explore. Just note that non-guests may need to pay admission to visit the property, so check Grand Hotel’s current visitor policy before you go.
5. Discover the Secret Garden
Tucked away at the Grand Hotel is the Secret Garden, a hidden gem that feels like stepping into a fairytale! This enchanting garden is filled with beautiful flowers, winding paths, and peaceful spots perfect for a quiet moment or a photo op.
When we turned the corner to see it, my jaw literally dropped! It’s one of the most stunning things to do on Mackinac Island.
6. Take a Carriage Ride
One of the most iconic things to do on Mackinac Island is taking a horse-drawn carriage ride. Since cars aren’t allowed on the island, the carriages aren’t just for show. They’re part of the whole Mackinac experience, and you’ll see them everywhere, from narrated tours to horse taxis moving people around town.
If you want to see more of the island without biking the hills, this is such a charming way to do it. The tours usually pass by historic homes, wooded areas, scenic overlooks, and some of Mackinac Island’s most famous landmarks, all while your guide shares stories about the island’s history.
7. Bike the Island
Biking is easily one of the best ways to experience Mackinac Island. With no cars on the roads, you can actually relax and take in the scenery instead of worrying about traffic. The full loop around the island is about 8 miles.
We only had a little over an hour to bike, so we didn’t do the full loop, but we still made the most of it. We checked out Sugar Loaf Rock, the overlook near Sugar Loaf Rock, and Arch Rock, which was absolutely worth the effort. If you want to add another stop, you can also pop by The Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House.
If you like having a little context while you explore, this Mackinac Island self-guided cycling audio tour could be a fun add-on. You rent your bike separately, then use the audio guide as you ride so you can explore at your own pace. Another option is this 2.5-hour guided bike tour if you want something more structured that includes your bike rental.
Just know that some of the inland routes do have hills, so wear comfy clothes, bring water, and don’t feel like you have to rush.
8. Visit Fort Mackinac
If you’re into history, Fort Mackinac is one of the top things to do on Mackinac Island. It sits high on a bluff overlooking the harbor, so you get both the history and some of the prettiest views on the island. The fort dates back to the late 1700s and has exhibits, historic buildings, demonstrations, and interactive displays that make the island’s past feel much more real.
You can watch cannon and rifle demonstrations, walk through old military buildings, learn about daily life at the fort, and take in those beautiful views over downtown Mackinac Island and the water. Even if you’re not usually a huge museum person, the setting makes this one feel extra special.
9. Round Island Lighthouse
Don’t miss the view of Round Island Lighthouse. You’ll likely spot it from the ferry, from the shoreline, or while enjoying the waterfront, and it makes such a classic Mackinac photo. The lighthouse sits on nearby Round Island and has that perfectly picturesque Great Lakes look.
If you want to see more of the Straits of Mackinac from the water, a cruise can be a fun way to add another perspective. This Mackinac Bridge History Cruise focuses more on the bridge and surrounding history, but it could be a good option if you want extra time on the water.
10. Enjoy Local Restaurants
There are so many cute restaurants on Mackinac Island, and I wish we had more time to eat our way through them. If you are trying to narrow down where to go, these are the spots we enjoyed most:
- The Pink Pony: This is a Mackinac Island classic for a reason. It has waterfront views, a fun atmosphere, delicious cocktails, and a solid menu. I recommend the calamari and the whitefish, which had the most amazing lemon butter caper sauce.
- The Mustang Lounge: This spot feels like a local hangout. The menu is filled with hearty comfort food, including sandwiches, burgers, and tasty appetizers. There’s no other choice but to start with the smoked whitefish dip; it’s phenomenal and such a Mackinac Island staple. For my meal, I went with the server’s recommendation, the chicken katsu sandwich, and it was a 10/10!
- Seabiscuit Cafe: A great breakfast or lunch spot. We could not stop going in on their nacho appetizer, and their lobster roll was delicious as well!
Where to Stay on Mackinac Island
While you can experience a lot of Mackinac Island in one full day, staying overnight takes the magic to a whole new level. Trust me, if you’re visiting during the busy season, make sure to book in advance.
Here are a few options for where to stay on Mackinac Island:
- The Murray Hotel: This is where we stayed, and the location was so convenient. It’s right near the ferry dock and Main Street, which made it easy to drop our bags and start exploring. The rooms have that classic Mackinac charm, and bonus: they have amazing fudge, a guest discount, and free morning donuts that were unbelievably good.
- The Grand Hotel: If you don’t mind a splurge, The Grand Hotel is one of Mackinac Island’s most famous landmarks, with its massive porch, elegant interiors, beautiful grounds, restaurants, bars, and that timeless old-world feel. Even if you don’t stay here, I still think it’s worth visiting.
For available hotels and inns during your travel dates, check here.
Are you ready to experience some of the best things to do on Mackinac Island?!
Mackinac Island is such a special little place, and I have no doubt it will charm you immediately. Between biking around the island, sampling fudge, wandering Main Street, visiting Grand Hotel, exploring Fort Mackinac, and eating your way through local restaurants, there are so many memorable things to do on Mackinac Island. I hope this guide helps you plan a trip that feels fun, relaxed, and full of those classic Northern Michigan moments!
Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Michigan blog posts:
Must-Visit coffee shops in Traverse City
Best Old Mission Peninsula Wineries
