Seven Things You Must Do on Mackinac Island

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With its stunning historic architecture and famed prohibition of motorized vehicles, Mackinac Island transports you back to a simpler time that maybe never even existed in the past. In many ways, it’s more like an idealized version of the past. A manicured, whimsical trip through movie set-worthy perfection dotted with beautiful horse-drawn carriages, pastel hotels, mounds of indulgent fudge, and sparkling vistas of Lake Huron. Mackinac Island is a beautiful paradox: a timeless location that takes you back in time.

For some, the old-fashioned aesthetic—not to mention the expense of paying premium for everything on a popular island—may seem like an overly decorative tourist trap. But Mackinac Island is so much more than just a place to be entertained and spend money. If you seek out the island’s rich history and natural beauty, and you can appreciate its endearingly nostalgic atmosphere, a visit will transport you in the best sense of the word.

It’s no wonder Mackinac Island was awarded the top spot on Travel + Leisure’s 2022 list of “15 Best Islands in the Continental U.S.” It is just one of those places everyone should visit once in their lives. For those who fall in love, the island holds enough leisure and entertainment options to keep you coming back year after year.

If you are planning a trip, continue reading to learn our top seven must-do activities on Mackinac Island!

Catch Shepler’s Ferry “Might Mac” Departure: Okay, technically this is something you do before you get to Mackinac Island, but it’s definitely a must-do on your Mackinac journey! If you are taking Shepler’s Ferry, do yourself a favor and opt to take one of the “Mighty Mac” trips. These ferry rides take passengers directly under the Mackinac Bridge before heading out to Mackinac Island. These are mostly offered in the mornings, but they are no additional expense and only add about 10 extra minutes to your trip. The incredible views of the bridge are SO worth it!

Bike the Island: If you are up for the exercise, bicycling is one of the best ways to get around the island. You can bike at your own pace, change your plans or circle back whenever you wish, and cover more ground than walking—plus, it’s just classic Mackinac Island fun! We enjoy spending a few hours bicycling at the beginning of the day, when the weather is cooler and the crowds aren’t so difficult to bike through. We have rented bicycles from the Mackinac Island Bike Shop in the past. This shop is conveniently located right off the Shepler’s Ferry dock, and offers an array of bicycles, tagalongs, and bike trailers to accommodate all ages. Mackinac Island Bike Shop also provides self-guided tour routes. Guests can expect to spend between 1 ½ and 2 ½ hours on these, or they can choose to create their own tour.

Marvel at Arch Rock: Arch Rock is the most famous of all the natural sites on Mackinac Island.  This picturesque limestone formation rises 146 feet above the water, spanning fifty feet wide and showcasing a gorgeous view of Lake Huron in its arched center. It can be accessed on foot, bicycle, or via horse-drawn carriage by taking either the perimeter trail of the island, which drops you at the base of the site’s stairway, or via the trail on this map. If you choose to access this site from the base, be prepared for a lot of steps (about 200 of them), but also a lot of fabulous views. As they climb the stairs, visitors can catch great views of the lake from several platforms. The iconic view of the arch is waiting at the top, but there is also a fabulous view of Lake Huron from the viewing platform that juts out adjacent to Arch Rock. We love visiting this from the perimeter island trail on bike and then continuing our bike ride through Main Street. The from downtown to Arch Rock and back should take about an hour and a half.

Tour Fort Mackinac: If you are interested in the history of Mackinac Island, be sure to visit Fort Mackinac. Founded during the American Revolution, Fort Mackinac was a military outpost that also served as a home for soldiers and their families. Visitors can enjoy live demonstrations and talks by professionals in period costume and tour 14 historic structures, such as the Officer’s Stone Quarters. Built in 1780, the quarters comprise the oldest building in Michigan and home to the lovely Tea Room cafe. Besides the educational value this landmark, the fort offers several opportunities to take in beautiful views of the island. While relaxing at the Tea Room for lunch, take in a fabulous view of the Fort and the main Mackinac streets below.

Sample Island Fudge: Fudge may be Mackinac Island’s most well-known culinary specialty. You will find it everywhere in a variety of delectable flavors. The island boasts 14 fudge shops, some of the most famous of which include Murdick’s, Joann’s, and Ryba’s. During peak season, these shops produce more than 10,000 pounds of fudge per day! Our personal favorite variety is a chocolate salted caramel, but with so many options, there is a flavor for every taste. While you are there, take a minute to enjoy the decadent aroma and watch a master fudge chef prepare the newest batch.

Relax at the Grand Hotel: The Grand Hotel is iconic, and you absolutely cannot leave Mackinac Island without at least taking in the sight of its gorgeous porch. We suggest exploring a lot more than that. If you are staying the night on the island, we advise staying here to fully immerse yourself in all it has to offer. The Grand Hotel is one of two hotels named to Travel + Leisure’s “Best Resorts in the Midwest” list in 2022. Non-guests can experience the Grand Hotel too. Several activities are open to the general public, such as Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor, The Jewel Golf Course, and dining in the Main Dining Room and other restaurants. For $5-$10, visitors can also get access to other amenities via a grounds pass. Relax on the porch, enjoy vintage yard games, stroll through the gardens, or just sit back and marvel at the monumental beauty in front of you.

Take a Carriage Ride: Maybe nothing else is as iconic to Mackinac Island as the horse-drawn carriages. With cars and other motorized vehicles being a no-go, horses rule the road. While you can take a tour at any time, we love biking at the beginning of the day and then taking a carriage ride once you are tired out at the end. After you are done exploring, relax and take in the busy atmosphere of Mackinac during a fanciful ride around town. You can take a carriage tour, which will cost an average family of five about $100 and last around an hour and 45 minutes. But if you are looking to save some money (the island can be expensive!) and just want the carriage experience, we suggest a horse-drawn taxi ride instead. Depending on where you are going, a taxi ride will cost around $30-50 for a family of five and can be arranged 24 hours a day.

We hope you enjoy your time on Mackinac Island!