Why Go
An idyllic island sanctuary trapped in the late 1800’s – early 1900’s Victorian age. Mackinac Island is a pristine, park-like setting, surrounded by water, without the congestion and noise of automobiles. Stroll through the streets, hop on a horse-drawn carriage, or while the hours away on a rocking chair on the porch of a grand-old hotel, and don’t forget to pick up a sample of the homemade fudge.
Where to Go
Mackinac Island’s remoteness is a large part of its appeal, and has helped maintain its unique character all these years. Located in the Straights of Mackinac connecting Lake Michigan with Lake Huron, the island lies between the Lower and Upper Peninsulas of Michigan. To set foot on the island, most people must first get to Mackinaw City in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula approximately 290 miles north of Detroit. From there you will leave your car behind (they are not permitted on the island) and board a ferry that will transport you back in time to Mackinac Island. Ferries can also be found from the Upper Peninsula town of St. Ignace for those traveling from Wisconsin or Canada.
What to Do
The entire island of Mackinac is listed on the registry of historic places, and for 20 years (1875 – 1895) the island was our second national park after Yellowstone National Park. In 1895 the federal lands of Mackinac Island National Park were turned over to the state of Michigan to become Mackinac Island State Park (the first state park in Michigan).
- Mackinac Island State Park – the vast majority of the land (80 percent) are preserved as Mackinac Island State Park filled with scenic vistas, rock formations, and historic sites. A vast network of trails and roads crisscross the island with many interpretive signposts along the way.
- Walking Tours – one of the best ways to see the island is simply by walking around. Ferry boats drop families off on a bustling tourist street, and visitors can walk M-185 (Lake Shore Drive) the entire 8-mile route around the island. M-185 is the only state road in Michigan that bans cars. Along the way are a number of historic homes, churches, and schools that date back to the early 1800’s. The Grand Hotel is impossible to miss, an historic 4-star hotel built in 1887 that has hosted world-leaders, presidents, and other notable individuals. Known for its sweeping porch lined with rocking chairs, there is a $10 fee to enter the Grand Hotel.
- Horse Drawn Carriage Tours – one of the best ways to experience the island is via a horse drawn carriage. Mackinac Island Carriage Tours dates back 100 years, and takes visitors on a two-hour tour of the island. Notable sites on the tour include the Surrey Hills Carriage Museum, Butterfly Conservatory, Arch Rock, the Grand Hotel, and Fort Mackinac.
- Bicycling – a number of shops on the island rent bikes to tourists, including tandem bikes to ride together. Biking is a great way to see the sites of the island on your own terms. The M-185 perimeter road is flat, paved surface offering plenty of Great Lake views. Or you can head more inland to see more of the rock formations, caves, and historic houses such as the Michigan Governor’s Summer Residence.
- Fort Mackinac – dating back to 1780, this historic site served as a strategic location watching over the Straights of Mackinac. Built by the British during the American Revolution, the Fort was the scene of two major battles during the War of 1812. After Fort Mackinac’s decommissioning, the location served as the headquarters for Mackinac Island National Park. Today, the complex of buildings are the oldest structures in Michigan, and a must-see destination for visitors. Each day historic reenactments take place including rifle demonstrations, cannon firings, and other exhibits illustrating soldier life.
- Golf – the small island boasts one of the oldest golf courses in the state of Michigan. Wawashkamo Golf Club dates back to 1898, and has been named one of America’s historic golf landmarks.
- Mackinac in Winter – the island does not close in winter although many of the shops and hotels are not open. Mackinac Island takes on an entirely different character in the winter, and it is the only time motorized vehicles (snowmobiles) are allowed on the island. When the Straights of Mackinac freeze in the wintertime, snowmobile riders can cross from St. Ignace to the island over an ice bridge. In addition, the east portion of Mackinac Island is entirely dedicated to cross-country skiing in the winter.
Getting Around
Mackinac Island is not easy to get to, but it is certainly worth the trip. It is approximately a 4-hour drive north from Detroit to Mackinaw City where you will board the ferry to the Island. Or you can catch a ferry from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula town of St. Ignace. There is a small landing strip at the Mackinac Island Airport for private and charter aircraft. Once you arrive on Mackinac Island, cars are not permitted, and the way to get around is by foot, hoof, or bicycle.