Unlock the Best Things to Do on Mackinac Island
Welcome to Mackinac Island, the small island on Lake Huron where time stands still. A favorite Midwest vacation destination, this little spot in the Straits of Mackinac in northern Michigan has captured the hearts of many.
On Mackinac Island, the mail is delivered by horse and the highway is filled with bicycles and carriages. The main street and surrounding neighborhoods, lined with Victorian homes and businesses, invite you to step into the era of bustles, petticoats and top hats.
Should you find yourself lucky enough to visit, you’ll need to choose from the best things to do on Mackinac Island with kids or families. Stick with us. We visit regularly and are ready to help you plan the best Mackinac Island family vacation.
Best Things to Do on Mackinac Island
3 – Explore the Grand Hotel
286 Grand Ave, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Why It’s One of the Best Mackinac Island Things to Do:
Famous for the grand front porch and for its part in the movie Somewhere in Time, the hotel is a major island attraction and should be on everyone’s island activity list.
The Grand Hotel has been operational since 1887 and has been labeled “a top resort in the Midwest and a National Historic Landmark.”
If you want to tour the Grand Hotel, keep in mind that there is a $10 entrance fee for non-hotel patrons. (Also, certain areas of the hotel have a dress code.)
The admission fee includes a map of the hotel and gardens and allows visitors to experience the hotel via their own self-guided tour.
Afternoon Tea is served daily in the parlor from 3:30 – 5 PM. During Afternoon Tea, you get to sit down and enjoy tea, sherry, champagne, petite finger sandwiches, fresh-baked scones, and an array of pastries, all accompanied by a live music recital.
Want to spend the night? Here’s how to make the most of a stay at the Grand Hotel, along with tips if you opt to spend a night or two at this iconic hotel.
6 – Visit Fort Mackinac: Fire the Cannon, Watch a Reenactment
Fort Mackinac
7127 Huron Rd, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Why It’s One of the Best Mackinac Island Things to Do:
Climb the big hill to Fort Mackinac and buy an admission ticket. A visit to Fort Mackinac is worth it if you have kids old enough to understand Michigan history – and you want a few spectacular views like this:
Re-enactments happen every 45 minutes; you can even watch them fire the cannon.
If you sign up (call 906-847-3328 to reserve your spot at least 48 hours in advance), visitors ages 13 & up can fire the Fort Mackinac Cannon in the morning or all four weapons at closing time.
Is this one of the best things to do on Mackinac Island?! It might be!
Typically, the historic buildings are open, allowing you to explore different aspects of fort life.
There is even a Kids’ Quarters with hands-on displays and interactive games.
You might spend more if you decide to have a meal at the Tea Room, operated by the Grand Hotel.
Fort Mackinac Tea Room
7127 Huron Rd, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
(906) 847-3331
One of the stops along the way is Surrey Hills Museum.
Surrey Hills Carriage Museum
7528 Carriage Rd, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
This is where you exit your first carriage and have time to look at antique carriages and do a little snacking/shopping.
This stop features a working blacksmith shop as well as concessions and a picnic area.
Additional stops on the carriage tour usually include Arch Rock and the Butterfly Conservatory.
10 – Visit the Blacksmith Shop & Biddle House
Biddle House & Benjamin Blacksmith Shop
7406 Market St, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Why It’s One of the Best Mackinac Island Things to Do:
Head to this reconstructed blacksmith shop to see how a blacksmith worked in the early 1900s. Demonstrations show traditional blacksmithing techniques like forming hot iron into fireplace tools, hinges, and household items.
Then tour the Biddle House for live programs and exhibits showcasing the life and ways of the Native Americans who first called Mackinac Island home.
*Admission also includes the Biddle House, featuring the Mackinac Island Native American Museum and The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum. Admission to the Benjamin Blacksmith Shop is included with a Fort Mackinac ticket.
12 – Consider Stopping Into Lesser-Known Historic Sites
Why It’s One of the Best Mackinac Island Things to Do:
Given that Mackinac Island is a historical site itself, it’s no surprise that many of the dwellings and places on the island are historically significant as well.
This list covers additional historical island places that you may want to include on your family’s list of things to do on Mackinac Island.
Fort Holmes – 2234 Fort Holmes Rd, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Climb the steep hill to visit Fort Holmes, located on the highest point of Mackinac Island. Here, you can find great views and little nuggets of fort history. Off the beaten path and not usually crowded, this reconstructed fort is open from May to October. British soldiers built the fort to help defend Fort Mackinac during the War of 1812.
Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum – 7070 Main St, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Stop here if you’d like to step into the Mackinac Island story. Art and photography populate the galleries of this small, diverse art museum, along with artifacts like hand-beaded Native American garments, 17th and 18th-century maps of the Great Lakes and unique pieces from Mackinac Island’s Victorian era.
Tours and hands-on kids activities also offered. Admission is included with a Fort Mackinac daily pass.
16 – Go on a Guided Kayak Tour at Sunset
Great Turtle Kayak Tours
7395 Main St, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Why It’s One of the Best Mackinac Island Things to Do:
Great Turtle Kayak Tours offers a variety of paddle-related things to do on Mackinac Island with kids.
One option: take the Arch Rock tour in a tandem kayak. This tour is approximately three miles long and clocks in at two hours. It’s great for beginners. Guides will help with all of your questions, from gear to route, to weather, and kid-related queries.
18 – Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory
7528 Carriage Rd, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Why It’s One of the Best Mackinac Island Things to Do:
The smaller of the two butterfly conservatories on Mackinac Island, the glass-walled Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory is located in Surrey Hill. Butterflies might just land on you as you stroll through the conservatory. (This stop is included in the carriage tour combo ticket.)
24 – Go to Horse Camp
Mackinac Community Equestrian Center
British Landing Rd, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Why It’s One of the Best Mackinac Island Things to Do:
For island visitors that are staying for a week or longer, consider signing up for Horse Camp at the Mackinac Community Equestrian Center.
They offer a first pony camp for younger campers aged 7 – 14, as well as a second pony camp for advanced riders aged 13 – 18. Camp activities are tailored to participants.
Traveling with Young Kids
Are there things to do with little kids on Mackinac Island?
Definitely! Don’t be intimidated by the busy downtown or throngs of horses and bicycles if you’re thinking about visiting with little kids. Even toddlers and babies have fun on the island.
Here are some great things to do with this age group:
When is the best time to visit Mackinac Island?
Mackinac Island is fully open to tourists from May to October.
During May, the horses arrive and businesses (hotels and restaurants included) start opening for the season. Expect the island to be fully open with services and amenities by Memorial Day. Most will remain open through Halloween.
A visit anytime between Memorial Day and Halloween will be lovely. Summer weekends and holidays are extremely busy, with hotels booking up in advance. July is the warmest month, with an average high temperature of 75°F.
The Lilac Festival is a fragrant, beautiful time to visit. It’s a 10-day celebration held annually in early June and includes a parade, walking tours, street dances, entertainment, tours of the Governor’s Mansion & Fort Mackinac, community events, and more.
For a less busy visit (with lower lodging rates) consider visiting on a weekday in May, early June, September, or October.
If you visit during the off-season, you will find only one or two open restaurants and very few lodging options. Winter hiking or cross-country skiing visits are welcome, but prepare your accommodations in advance.
How do you get to Mackinac Island?
You cannot drive to Mackinac Island – there is no road or bridge. Most visitors get to Mackinac Island by ferry.
Visitors arriving by car will need to park at a ferry dock on the mainland and take a boat over to the island.
There are two ferry lines serving Mackinac Island: Mackinac Island Ferry Co (formerly Star Line) and Shepler’s. Both depart from docks in Mackinaw City (lower peninsula) and St. Ignace (upper peninsula). Round-trip ferry ticket pricing is listed in the table below.
The ferry ride is approximately 20 minutes. No reservations are needed.
You can also fly to Mackinac Island. Fresh Air Aviation flies from St. Ignace, MI (1220 N. State St, St Ignace, MI 49781) to Mackinac Island year-round. A round-trip adult ticket is $98, and a child ticket is $68, with a two-seat minimum.
What is the weather like on Mackinac Island?
Mackinac Island weather varies greatly from month to month and from morning to night. While days in August can get up into the 80s, evenings tend to be cool and breezy.
Dress in layers and be prepared for occasional rain. Tourist shops sell many sweatshirts because summer on the island is much cooler than visitors expect.
Which items aren’t allowed on Mackinac Island?
Cars, motorized vehicles, hammocks, electric bikes, Segways, and drones are not allowed on Mackinac Island.
Kids with training wheels are also not allowed to ride bikes on Main Street, Market Street, or Cadotte Avenue.
(Note: Electric mobility devices, such as bicycles/tricycles utilized by qualified people with mobility issues, are allowed.
Best Mackinac Island Hotels
Bicycle Street Inn & Suites
7416 Main St, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Why It’s One of the Best Mackinac Island Hotels:
56 rooms right on Main Street! Kids (and parents too) enjoy opening the wide French doors to watch the happenings along Main Street.
Chippewa Hotel Waterfront
7221 Main St #103, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Why It’s One of the Best Mackinac Island Hotels:
This built-in-1902 hotel has been updated with amazing amenities. The Chippewa Hotel has huge rooms and suites, offering plenty of space for kids to stretch out.
Their 25-person jacuzzi hot tub is centrally located on the hotel patio and overlooks Lake Huron.
Even more? The hotel is home to the famous Pink Pony, where you’ll be treated to fabulous dining and drinking experiences. The hotel is located downtown and is just a 5-minute walk from the ferry.
Grand Hotel
286 Grand Ave, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Why It’s One of the Best Mackinac Island Hotels:
Don’t be intimidated by the formality associated with the Grand Hotel, it truly is a family-friendly accommodation.
Hotel Iroquois
7485 Main St, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Why It’s One of the Best Mackinac Island Hotels:
This is a great waterside boutique hotel often enjoyed by adult couples.
The Inn at Stonecliffe
8593 Cudahy Cir, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Why It’s One of the Best Mackinac Island Hotels:
Bring your bikes! It has an outdoor pool and a wonderful breakfast included with your stay. You’ll find suites in their Summer House building if you’re looking to give your family more room to spread out.
LakeBluff Condos at Stonecliffe
3561 Eckel Dr, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Why It’s One of the Best Mackinac Island Hotels:
Parents will like the separate bedrooms with a kitchen and living space.
The location is very quiet and relaxing, away from all of the downtown ‘traffic.’ There is also plenty of green space on that side of the island for kids to play outside. It is a hike from the downtown area; bikes are recommended!
Main Street Inn and Suites
7408 Main St #202, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Why It’s One of the Best Mackinac Island Hotels:
Main Street Inn and Suites has an alluring B&B meats modern hotel vibe.
They have nightly complimentary fudge samples. Treat yourself to a room with a balcony to enjoy slow mornings or evening views.
Harbor View Inn
6860 Main St, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Why It’s One of the Best Mackinac Island Hotels:
They are located off the beaten path on a quiet end of town, for travelers seeking solace. Breakfast is provided. Their spacious rooms are great for families.
Where to Stay in Mackinaw City
Clearwater Lakeshore Motel
11380 US Hwy 23, Mackinaw City, MI 49701
Why It’s One of the Best Mackinac Island Hotels:
The hotel is located on the lake with 300 feet of sandy beach to enjoy.
They offer an indoor heated pool and hot tub. Lakefront rooms have private balconies. Complimentary continental breakfast is offered each morning.
Thunderbird Inn
146 Old US 31, Mackinaw City, MI 49701
Why It’s One of the Best Mackinac Island Hotels:
The hotel is clean and affordably priced. They offer complimentary breakfast. There is also an indoor pool.
What Are Your Favorite Things to Do on Mackinac Island?
Have you visited Mackinac Island recently?
We’d love to hear your tips, tricks, and favorite things to do.
Drop a comment below!
The ice cream shop on the corner of the Grand Hotel is open to the public, with no dress code being enforced.
Also, look for great deals on hotels in the fall months.
A taxi ride is a great way to experience a horse and buggy ride without going on an entire tour.
Biking to Stonecliffe is a great way to see more of the island. It looks like a castle, and stop by the Woods bar for some Sherley Temples. A walk to their back yard has beautiful views.
The link to the map of the island does not work.
Definitely consider biking the perimeter of the island! Fantastic, breath-taking views all around with many opportunities to stop along the way. (We packed a picnic with us and ate our lunch while sitting on rocks along the water.) Fort Mackinac was a lot of fun as well. Water bottles are a MUST to stay hydrated. Enjoy!
This is exactly what I was hoping to find somewhere. We are headed to Mackinac Island for one day with our two kids and this gives me a great idea of how to structure our time there. Thank you!
We were able to find a fantastic deal for an overnight weekend ON the island for only $89 a night on Groupon. Check there frequently for Macinaw deals 🙂