A First Time Visitor Guide to Mackinac Island Michigan

Mackinac Island Michigan is a small island nestled between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Only accessible via air or water, it takes a little planning to get there. Here’s what you need to know for your first time on Mackinac Island.

What to Know Before You Go

Since no cars are allowed on the island, Mackinac Island feels like you have taken a step back in time.  Most people walk, bicycle, or take a horse and carriage to get around.

How to Get There

While there is a private airstrip on the island, most people get there via ferry. Ferries depart from two spots, Mackinaw City on the lower peninsula of Michigan and St. Ignace on the upper peninsula. The two main ferry companies are Sheplers and Star Line.

I find this to be the least enjoyable part of the trip.  The ‘mainland’ is overrun with tourists and depending on the weather conditions the ferry ride can be cold and windy.  My advice is to take layers and bundle up, even if it’s nice outside.  A hat, sunglasses, and jacket are more than appropriate for riding the 16-minute ride from Mackinaw to Mackinac.

When To Go

Mackinac Island is a resort town, with the peak season from June-September with May and October being the shoulder season.  Although the island is open year-round, restaurants and hotels cater to tourists and will shut down in the off-season. 

Of course, the warm months of summer are enticing being surrounded by water, having lazy days out by the pool, and dining al fresco.  But there is something magical about Michigan in the Fall, seeing the leaves change color, pulling on a sweater, and breathing in that crisp air.  There isn’t a bad time to visit. I’ve even daydreamed about renting a house for the holidays and having snowed in hot chocolate reminiscent of Stars Hallow.

The Mackinac Island website has updates on when things open and close for the season, so check there before booking a trip.

The History of Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island has a long history, especially for a location in the midwest. I had no idea before my visit but historical references are prevalent on the island and I learned a lot.  

Mackinac was originally Fort Mackinac and an important part of the American Revolutionary War.  There is a spot on the island called British Landing. I imagine US soldiers saying “The British are coming, the British are coming!” (at least that’s what’s in my head).

Throughout the island, historic buildings remain with plaques educating on what the building originally was.  They’ve done a great job with the restoration.  In fact, the entire island has been listed as a National Historic Landmark.

The Grand Hotel

The premier place to stay in Mackinac Island Michigan is The Grand Hotel.  Opened in 1887, the hotel itself is listed as a National Historic Landmark.  If going to Mackinac Island is taking a step back in time, staying at The Grand Hotel is living the grandeur of days gone by.

Staying at The Grand Hotel is an experience all to itself.  It’s a resort.  And it’s special.  And they want you to feel special, and they make you feel special.  During the day it’s a summer resort you feel like you’ve seen in a movie (you may have as it was featured in Somewhere in Time), with bicycle rentals, croquette on the lawn, and relaxing by the pool.

Daytime transitions into the evening with a strict dress code, dresses, or slacks for women and tie and jacket for men.  There aren’t many places you can’t get away with jeans and a cute top but this is one.  Like Disney World…my advice is to appreciate it for what it is and LEAN IN.

What’s It Like Inside?

The rooms at The Grand Hotel are unique and each one is decorated by Dorothy Draper & Co.  While it’s not my usual aesthetic (I generally go for classic neutrals) it most definitely is a vibe, see above regarding leaning in.  Like a cruise ship, there are different classes of rooms, interior, exterior, and balcony.  The balcony with the lake view provides a gorgeous sunset over The Straits of Mackinac.  It’s expensive, but my position is “if you aren’t sure if you’ll return, make it memorable”.  I could sit outside on the balcony all day, sipping some wine and listening to the horses’ clip on by.

You may be surprised by the accompanying price tag to find some wear and tear in the room. Our room had rust on the balcony and some paint chipping off the door frame. While it’s not ideal, there is nothing even comparable to the hotel on the island.  What’s great is that even though The Grand Hotel is historic, it has all the modern amenities like a TV and Wi-Fi (but remember you are on an island so it won’t be great).

The Grand Hotel is home to many restaurants, but if you feel like staying in (after all, a travel day here can feel long) the room service is not to be missed.  Most rooms come with a dining plan or a dining credit and the dinner menu (the fixed, not a la cart) is like fine dining in your room.  Seriously.  The steak frites transported me back to Paris.

What to Do

The island’s appeal is outdoor activities, but in case you find yourself there on a rainy day I threw in a few of those too.

Things To Do Outside

• Take a hike in Mackinac Island State Park.  There are over 70 miles of roads and trails to hike and you can view the famous Arch Rock and Sugar Loaf.  Although at a higher elevation, it’s usually less windy and warmer since it’s a little inland.  Layers are good here too.
• Rent bicycles and bike around the entire island.  M-185 runs around the entire island and is the only state highway in the country that doesn’t allow automobiles.  You can ride around with no danger of cars and the entire ride takes about 1.5-2 hours.  
• Go horseback riding.  You can rent horses and ride alone or guided, or can even rent a horse and carriage and drive yourself.
• Pack a picnic.  Head over to Doud’s Market and pick up some provisions for a picnic.  You can walk across the street to Marquette Park or for a more secluded picnic take it with you on your hike or bike ride where you’ll stumble across many picnic tables.  Note: Doud’s Market is a gem on the island.  They have essential groceries along with prepared foods, you can pick up beer & wine and they have local specialties like cheese curds as well.
• If you aren’t staying at The Grand Hotel, pay the nominal fee and explore the grounds, have a drink on the world’s longest porch, or play a round of golf.
• Grab some caffeine and the Lucky Bean Coffeehouse.  With creative coffee and solid pastries, this is my morning must-do.

Things To Do Inside

• Known for their fudge, create a Mackinac Island fudge crawl and try any of the seven fudge stores (don’t miss Murdick’s, a personal favorite.
• Dine at Woods Restaurant and try your hand at duckpin bowling to work up your appetite.
• Enjoy high tea and feel the opulence at the Grand Hotel

In the middle of two Great Lakes (that feel like an ocean) Mackinac Island Michigan transports you out of the midwest, and out of this century.  It’s a place to enjoy the simple, but finer, things in life. 

If you are ready for some city life after visiting the island, check out the Best of Chicago guide for what to do in The Windy City.

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