Mackinac island is the grand jewel of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It’s a great destination for couples and families alike. A weekend itinerary for Mackinac Island is like stepping back in time; you won’t find any cars or motor vehicles on the island. But, you will find lots of activities to keep you busy for several days. I think a weekend is enough time to get a good flavor of the island, but if you have additional time you could absolutely stay longer. Read on for things to do and a sample weekend itinerary for Mackinac Island.
If you are looking to explore more of of Michigan check out my Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Charlevoix guides.
Getting here
Mackinac Island is in Lake Huron between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan. There is no bridge to the island, instead you will need to take a ferry. I use Shepler’s Ferry and the ride takes about 15 minutes. You can depart from either Mackinaw City (if coming from Lower Peninsula) or St. Ignace (if coming from Upper Peninsula).
The ferry ports are drivable from several Midwest cities like Detroit (4 hours), Chicago (6 hours), Indianapolis (7 hours), Cleveland (6 hours), or Milwaukee (6 hours). Alternatively, there is an airport on Mackinac Island but it is for charter and private aircraft.
When to visit
Ferries to Mackinac Island run April through October. I recommend June – October for the best weather to enjoy all the outdoor activities on the island. Mackinac Island is very popular so expect crowds during the peak summer months of July and August and over holiday weekends. If you are planning a trip during these times, make sure you book hotel accommodations well in advance. Personally, I like to visit in early June when crowds are still manageable and spring flowers are in bloom.
Remember, that even during the summer months, Mackinac Island’s weather is cooler than the Lower Peninsula with average highs in the 70s and lows that can dip into the 50s. It also tends to be rainy – each of my two visits there has been one day where it absolutely pours. Dress in layers and bring an umbrella!
Getting around
One of the charming aspects of Mackinac Island is that motor vehicles are banned. So, you won’t be using a car to get around. Not to fear, Mackinac Island does offer taxis so that you don’t have to use your own two legs to get around the whole trip. These taxis are horse drawn carriages and you should plan to use them at least once during your trip since it’s a classic part of the Mackinac Island experience. Besides relying on horses, you should plan to do a lot of walking and may wish to use a bike. You can bring your own bike on the ferry or you can rent one on the island.
Where to stay
There are two large hotels on the island: Mission Point and Grand Hotel. Mission Point is on the eastern side of Mackinac Island, has a large expansive lawn lakeside, and is the only dog-friendly accommodation on the island. I recommend rooms in the Straits Lodge over the Main Lodge as it is more recently renovated.
The Grand Hotel is located on towards the western side of the island is a historic building with a sprawling front porch. In keeping with its traditional up-scale feel, the Grand Hotel does have a dress code after 6:30pm which requires dresses, skirts, blouses, dress sweaters, or dress slacks for women and a suit or sport coat, necktie, and dress pants for men.
In addition to these two larger hotels, there are plenty of smaller hotels and bed and breakfasts throughout downtown Mackinac Island. One warning, hotels on Mackinac Island can be expensive. You may be tempted to book on Mackinaw City and take the ferry back and forth each day. I highly recommended paying the extra money to stay on Mackinac Island overnight. The island empties out quite a bit as the day trippers clear out and takes on a magical quality at night.
Where to eat
There are some great places to eat on Mackinac Island! Some of my favorites include the Watercolor Café (for breakfast), Mary’s Bistro Draught House (for lunch or dinner), and the Carriage House (for fine dining dinner). Another enjoyable spot is the Fort Mackinac Tea Room that has breathtaking views of Lake Huron. Either eat lunch here or stop for a drink after exploring the fort.
A special restaurant that I consider a must-dine is the Woods. This restaurant requires reservations that often book well in advance (note you have to call and in my experience, you will often just get a busy signal. Keep trying! The food is worth the hassle of calling multiple times). You can only reach the restaurant by taking a carriage ride through the woods. The location certainly adds to the ambiance of the restaurant and the food is excellent!
Things to do on your weekend itinerary for Mackinac Island
Explore downtown
Downtown Mackinac Island is quaint and it’s easily walkable. Enjoy shopping, try fudge from one of the numerous shops, walk to Biddle Point, and check out some of the houses along the way.
Horse drawn carriage tour
Mackinac Island Carriage Tours depart across the street from Star Line Dock #1. Tours take approximately 1 hours 45 minutes but you can get off and stay longer at certain stops. You will see Surrey Hills, Arch Rock, Fort Mackinac and the Grand Hotel.
Horseback riding
Visit Cindy’s Riding Stable to go horseback riding around Mackinac Island’s trails. For more horse related fun, visit the Grand Hotel Stable and Carriage Museum in Surrey Hills
Drive your own horse drawn carriage
If you prefer to drive a carriage instead of riding a horse, check out Jack’s Livery Stable.
Butterfly Gardens
There are two butterfly gardens on Mackinac Island. The first, Wings of Mackinac is located in Surrey Hills. This makes it most convenient to visit from the Grand Hotel. The second, The Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House, is located closer to Mission Point.
Blacksmith Shops
There are two blacksmith shops on Mackinac Island. The first, Forge a Memory, is located in Surrey Hills. Book an appointment in advance to forge your own knife with the assistance of an employee. The second, Benjamin Blacksmith Shop, is located downtown with the entrance through the Biddle House. Within, there are demonstrations of traditional blacksmith techniques.
Kayaking
Choose from several different kayaking tours of Mackiac Island all of different length from Great Turtle Kayak Tours.
Bike around Mackinac Island
Bike around the perimeter of Mackinac Island following the M-185 route. The 8.2 mile ride is extremely scenic and follows the lake. There are plenty of points to stop and enjoy lake views and rock formations on the island.
Arch Rock
This famous rock formation can be accessed by foot, carriage, or bike. On foot or bike, you can take Arch Rock Road or Arch Rock Bicycle Trail for about 1-2 miles depending on your starting point. Alternatively, if you are traveling along MI-185 around the perimeter of the island, you can take 207 steps to reach the Arch. If these options sound strenuous, you can see the Arch on a carriage tour of the island or call a taxi to take you there.
Fort Mackinac
This fort was founded during the American Revolutionary War, used during the War of 1812, and active through the Civil War. Rooms within the fort include themed exhibits furnished with period settings. Additionally, there are demonstrations by costumed interpreters including regular cannon firings throughout the day.
Visit a museum
Visit the Biddle House Mackinac Island Native American Museum and/or The Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum both near Fort Mackinac.
Sample Weekend Itinerary for Mackinac Island
Day 1
Arrive on the ferry, check-in to your hotel, and eat dinner. If you arrive early in the day you can start on activities like shopping downtown.
Day 2
Walk down Main Street and explore the downtown area including all the shops. Next, choose whether you will explore the island on your own or via a narrated carriage tour. If taking a tour, you will see Surrey Hills, Arch Rock, Fort Mackinac and the Grand Hotel. The tour is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes though you can get off at certain stops and re-board later. If you will not take the carriage tour, you should plan to visit some of these stops on your own instead.
If you are not taking the carriage tour, next explore Fort Mackinac on your own and get lunch or a drink at the Fort Mackinac Tea Room to soak in the views. Then, choose from additional activities this afternoon including touring a Butterfly Garden, forging your own knife at a blacksmith shop, visiting a museum, kayaking, horseback riding, exploring the horse stables and carriage museum, or driving your own horse drawn carriage. Additionally, you could visit the Grand Hotel and enjoy the expansive porch.
Day 3
Today, bike around the perimeter of Mackinac Island following the M-185 route. The 8.2 mile ride is extremely scenic and follows the lake. There are several stops to make along the way including the Arch Rock. You can leave your bike at the bike rack pull out and climb 207 steps to see the Arch (if this sounds too strenuous you can skip the Arch Rock now and take a horse drawn carriage to the top later or see the Arch on a carriage tour). Additionally, stop at the British Landing Nature Center to use the restroom and grab a snack at the Cannonball Oasis. Afterwards, stop for lunch and a rest on Main Street.
Next, complete activities you did not get to yesterday. Choose from touring a Butterfly Garden, forging your own knife at a blacksmith shop, visiting a museum, kayaking, horseback riding, exploring the horse stables and carriage museum, driving your own horse drawn carriage, or visiting the Grand Hotel.
Day 4
Depart Mackinac Island. Take the ferry back to your car and travel home.
If you are looking for more things to do in Michigan check out my Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Charlevoix guides.