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I got to visit Mackinac Island for the first time last summer and had a great experience. I’m looking forward to going back again this year! Mackinac Island is a charming island just of the coast of the upper peninsula of Michigan. This island is car free! Residents and visitors get around by bikes, walking and even horse drawn carriage!
If you’re planning a visit to Mackinac Island this summer, here are 5 of the best things to do!
Explore Mackinac Island State Park
Mackinac Island State Park is a must-do on Mackinac Island! Over 80% of the island is a protected state park with tons of trails! Enjoy hiking, biking, or horseback riding here! You can take the trails to Arch Rock, British Landing, and the Biddle House!
Visit the Arch Rock on the Arch Rock via Shoreline Trail and Spring Trail. You’ll be able to walk along the shoreline around Great Turtle Park and end the trail at the Arch Rock! It’s a 2.3 mile trail with tons of beautiful scenery along the way!
Cycle Around the Island
Biking around the island is one of the best ways to explore the island. Explore the island at your own pace and take the 8.2 mile scenic loop around the island! The loop is officially called Lake Shore Boulevard, State Highway M-185. Enjoy the views of the shoreline as you bike and learn about Native American history with the information panels along the trail!
You can also enjoy a self-guided audio tour around the loop here!
There are a few different options for renting a bike on Mackinac Island. You can rent from places like Mackinac Wheels or Island House Bikes.
Bike rentals cost around $60 a day, but you can also rent hourly.
Be sure to bring water and sunscreen on your bike ride! If you’re someone who burns easily like me, I highly recommend this hat from Amazon, it’s super breathable and folds so it’s great to put in your day bag when you go inside! I also love the strap so when it’s a windy day or I’m going fast on a bike I don’t need to worry about my hat flying away!
Visit Arch Rock
Visit the one of the most famous landmarks on the island, Arch Rock. You can take a 2 mile hike to get here or take a horse-drawn carriage tour. Arch Rock is a 146 foot natural limestone arch right on the shoreline of Lake Huron.
The overlook gets very busy mid-day, so try to go early if you can!
Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour
A horse-drawn carriage tour is one of the best ways to learn about Mackinac Island and it’s history. Enjoy an hour and a half long tour with Mackinac Island Carriage Tours. We took a tour with them and had a great experience! You’ll get to see and stop at historical sites like Fort Mackinac, the Arch Rock, the Surrey Hills Museum and you might even drive by the Grand Hotel which has the world’s largest porch at 660 feet!
Along the way, you’ll hear interesting facts about Mackinac Islands history, and be able to ask your own questions! This is a great activity to do first to give you a feel of the island! I recommend booking with Mackinac Island Carriage Tours, you can get tickets directly at their booth on Mackinac Island for the next tour!
Try some Fudge
Mackinac Island is well known for it’s delicious fudge. There’s no shortage of fudge shops here, so walk around and pick your favourite! Murdicks Fudge is one of the most famous fudge spots here but there are TONS to try.
Mackinac Island has a rich history of fudge-making so you’re gonna want to try a few different fudge spots to find the best one!
What to Wear on Mackinac Island
If you’re going in the summer on a day trip, dress light and casual! Shorts and a t-shirt is always a good option or a comfortable maxi dress (if you don’t plan on biking).
Bringing a reusable water bottle might be a good idea too, and some snacks like protein bars if you want to save some money on eating out!
You’ll probably be walking a lot so comfortable shoes are a must! I love my Hokas, they’re so comfortable and I can walk forever in them.
If you burn easy like me, you’ll probably want a hat. If it’s gonna be a windy day (or you’ll be on the top deck of the ferry) a hat with a strap is really great! I love this hat from Amazon and wear it all the time in the summer. I have it in beige, white and black!
I love bringing small bag with me on any trip! This bag is super comfortable and holds everything I need for the day. It comes in a bunch of different colours, I have it in black and white!
Where to Stay on Mackinac Island
If you want to stay on the island there are a few great places! If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, the Grand Hotel is a popular and beautiful hotel. This hotel has the world’s largest porch and is absolutely stunning!
Island House Hotel – This hotel offers beautiful waterfront views, enjoy the pool or hot tub and relax in your cozy room! It’s only a 10 minute walk from downtown too! Enjoy watching the bikers and horses walk by from the beautiful porch!
Want a better chance at getting a cheaper hotel? Consider staying off the island, in Mackinaw City or St Ignace! Both of these places are on either side of the Mackinac Bridge and both are close to the ferry ports. I love using Expedia to book my stays to get the best deals!
I’ve never heard of Mackinac Island before, so this all looks incredible!
I love how the island is car free. I guess cause I’m a big walker and walking is my preferred way to discover a new place.
I used to go to Mackinac Island when I was a kid with my family so this is a trip down memory lane. Gotta love that Mackinac Island fudge.
This post is handy! I’m planning on visiting this summer. I love the thought of taking a horse and buggy ride, as well as renting a bike to explore. Thanks for the tips!
I grew up in Michigan too and Mackinac Island is a must-visit for locals. I haven’t been back since I was a kid, I live in Texas now, but I’d love to come back again. I always remembered the smell of fudge as soon as you get off the ferry!