Fun Things to Do on Mackinac Island (2024 Edition)

Mackinac Island, Michigan is the perfect family vacation or weekend getaway. The island is located at the northern tip of Michigan and is the gateway to Michigan’s picturesque Upper Peninsula.

You will find a variety of outdoor activities, fun tourist attractions, and many historical sites that the whole family will love. Plus, motor vehicles aren’t allowed on the island, so biking and walking around with small children is very safe.

There are so many fun things to do on Mackinac Island, everyone in the family will have a blast!

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Best Things to do on Mackinac Island with Kids

Mackinac Island is only accessible by boat or commercial ferry. It only takes about 20 minutes by ferry to arrive on the island from Mackinaw City. You can easily make the island a day trip, which is beneficial if you have small children.

It’s a charming island located in the Great Lakes between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Everything on this 3.8 square mile island is a short walk away, making it perfect for exploring on foot.

The whole of Mackinac Island is designated as a National Historic Landmark, recognized for its interesting history and well-preserved architecture. The whole place is protected to maintain its historic charm, with many buildings dating back to the 19th century.

It’s a picturesque, adventurous, and safe vacation spot during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. No wonder the island is such a popular spot with locals and visitors alike!

Mackinac Island is also a popular destination for photographers, bird watchers, kayakers, and hikers due to the extreme diversity, numerous trails, clear waters, and beauty of the island.  It is easily one of the most beautiful US islands to visit in the summer.

It’s also one of the most romantic weekend getaways in Michigan (remember this for when the grandparents can watch the kids).

1. Drive Over the Mackinac Bridge

Instead of taking a ferry from Mackinaw City, you can start your adventure to Mackinac Island by driving on the scenic Mackinac Bridge that connects Michigan’s lower and upper peninsulas.

Stretching five miles over the Straits of Mackinac, it’s the longest suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere.

Starting in Mackinaw City, pass the historic Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse. The drive typically takes about 5-7 minutes, offering stunning views of the water below. (To avoid traffic, try to cross outside of rush hour, as it can take up to an hour during peak times!)

Fun fact, the bridge doesn’t connect to Mackinac Island! But you can take a ferry to the island once you get to the other side.

Keep in mind Mackinac Island is car-free, so if you drive on the bridge, you still can’t take your car onto the island. Park your car in one of the secure parking lots in St. Ignace. It’s free for day trips and there is both secured and free unsecured parking for overnight trips.

2. Explore Mackinac Island’s Main Street

When you first arrive on the island, begin by exploring scenic Main Street! If you bring day bags or lunches, you can store them in the blue lockers at Shepler’s Ferry docks. There’s a nearby token machine where you deposit dollar bills in exchange for tokens and a key to the lockers.

Take some time to enjoy exploring all the eclectic shops along Main Street.  There is a wide range of Michigan and Mackinac Island souvenirs, as well as delicious taffy and boutique shops. 

It’s fun to sit on one of the many benches along the busy street to watch horse-drawn carriages filled with tourists pass while narrating tours of the island! If you want to take a carriage ride, you can choose from horse-drawn carriage tours or even a horse-drawn taxi to get you around the island.

You will also gain a better understanding of how much work goes into transporting luggage, supplies, and goods (only by horse-drawn carriages) to the dozens of restaurants, shops, and hotels on the island.

Must See Places on Main Street

While exploring Main Street, be sure to peek inside the spooky Haunted Theater. The theater was built in 1885 by Charles Caskey who also built the famous Grand Hotel. This building began as a roller rink, was later transformed into a dance hall, and finally became the Orpheum Theatre.

History indicated the land was once part of a Native American burial ground which may answer why locals report a spooky never-ending wailing at night.

Main Street also offers a great chance to sample delicious Mackinac Island’s world-famous fudge! One of our favorite fudge shops is Murdick’s where you can watch fudge artisans mix the creamy fudge on cold slabs of granite.

It’s fascinating to watch the fudge transform into delicious chunks right before your eyes. Of course, it is impossible to not buy a slice to take along during your Mackinac Island adventures.

Main Street History

If you want to explore the historic landmarks, some of the oldest buildings on the island along Main Street, like the McGulpin House. From mid-June to mid-August, you can tour the house museum to learn about life on Mackinac Island during the 18th century.

Don’t miss out on a visit to Historic Fort Mackinac, just above Marquette Park, which offers a glimpse into the island’s military past. (If you get tickets to Fort Mackinac during the summer, it includes admission to the McGulpin House).

One of the most beautiful churches on the island can be found on Main Street. Ste. Anne Catholic Church features a pointed steeple and intricate stained-glass windows that are breathtaking. This church was built in 1827 and is stunning to visit and photograph, especially during a sunny day.

Further to the east on Main Street is the beautiful Mission Church. This picturesque church is Michigan’s oldest surviving church building. It’s also the earliest surviving example of a New England-style church in the Midwest. Due to its fascinating history and beauty, this church is popular for weddings during the warm summer and early fall months.

3. Visit the Grand Hotel

When visiting Mackinac Island, you must visit the historic Grand Hotel. This lavish hotel was built in 1887. It’s also noteworthy to mention that 5 presidents have stayed at the Grand Hotel and Mark Twain even delivered a lecture there in 1895! 

Be sure to enjoy a drink and appetizer in one of their lavishly appointed lounges and relax in a rocking chair on the world’s largest porch. You can also make reservations for afternoon tea at The Parlor.

While visiting, check out the scenic gardens with edible flowers and herbs used by the Executive Chef and his staff to prepare meals for the hotel guests. Kids will love a scoop or two of cool, creamy ice cream from Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor.

The Grand Hotel’s porch is a great spot for scenic photos, lined with several American flags and nostalgic rocking chairs. Horse-drawn carriages frequently arrive to deliver guests to the hotel, providing excellent photographic opportunities.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT GRAND HOTEL MACKINAC

4. Find the “Somewhere In Time” gazebo

While exploring all the nooks and crannies of Mackinac Island, we discovered several secret hidden places on Mackinac Island. One of them included the “Somewhere in Time” gazebo which we finally found after searching for it several times.

This beautiful white gazebo was featured in the 1980 movie, “Somewhere in Time” starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour.

Did you know “Somewhere in Time” was shot almost entirely on Mackinac Island? Several scenes were filmed around the island, including the Mission Point Resort and the elegant Grand Hotel.

This gazebo was used in a romantic scene between Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour in which the two shared a steamy moment on screen. Once you find the gazebo, it feels like you are reliving a nostalgic moment in movie history!

5. Explore the Butterfly Conservatory

A visit to the Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory is one of the enchanting things to do on Mackinac Island, especially if you’re traveling with kids. It’s fun to get up close and personal with hundreds of butterflies in a lush garden setting.

The conservatory is home to a variety of butterfly species from around the world. Walking through the garden, you will see butterflies landing on flowers, plants, and sometimes even on visitors!

One of the coolest things to see is butterflies emerging from their chrysalises in the conservatory’s special display area. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about the life cycle of butterflies and the importance of conservation.

There are educational signs throughout the gardens and you can also take advantage of fun crafts for all ages. Staff are always on hand to answer questions and provide interesting facts about the butterflies and their habitats.

The Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory is open seasonally from mid-May through the end of September.

6. Visit More Historical Sites on Mackinac Island

History lovers looking for things to do on Mackinac Island will have their work cut out for them! 

There are several historical sites to choose from, most of which are open seasonally. There’s the Surrey Hills Museum, a carriage museum that features a blacksmith shop where visitors can watch demonstrations of traditional metalworking techniques.

You can tour the William Backhouse Astor House, built in 1816. This was the summer home of William Backhouse Astor, brother to the Gilded Age tycoon, John Jacob Astor III. It’s one of Mackinac Island’s oldest and most prestigious homes. It reflects early 19th-century architecture and the luxurious lifestyle of the island’s elite.

Another must-see is the Biddle House, recognized as Michigan’s oldest building, which showcases early 19th-century life on the island for both settlers and native people.

The McGulpin House was built in 1790, making it one of the oldest structures on Mackinac Island. You can take tours from May 1st through mid-August to learn about the life and living conditions of the island’s residents in the 1800s.

An especially unique museum on Mackinac Island is The American Fur Company Store & Dr. Beaumont Museum. It showcases Mackinac Island’s fur trading era and has just one exhibit highlighting the store’s historical significance.

But possibly the most important historical landmark on the island is Fort Mackinac, built by the British during the American Revolutionary War. Today, it’s a well-preserved military outpost with interactive exhibits and live demonstrations by staff in period clothing. Keep in mind that if you plan on visiting Fort Mackinac, you can add a ticket to one of these other locations to your ticket to save money.

7. Mackinac Island Bike Rental

The scenic paved perimeter of Mackinac Island is 8.2 miles. Due to the significant distance, a bike ride along this route is a definite must-do. If you don’t bring your own bike, don’t worry. You can find bike rentals at several locations including Mackinac Island Bike Shop and Mackinac Bike Barn.

This bike and hike trail has water views the entire way and there are many chances to swim or wade into the clear, yet rocky water. Another fun thing to do is to look for shells and beautiful rocks along the shoreline as a reminder of your adventures on Mackinac Island.

While hiking or biking the flat perimeter trail, keep an eye out for fantastic views of the Mackinac Bridge, Sunset Rock, McGulpin’s Point (food and restrooms), and Arch Rock.

Skull Cave, Cave in the Woods, and the Crack in the Island are also popular scenic destinations in the interior of the island. Be sure to take a map with you as the island has a lot of intersecting roads.

Also note, that Mackinac Island is very hilly and requires strenuous biking or hiking to reach many of the popular destinations.

8. Mackinac Island State Park

One of the best things to do on Mackinac Island with kids is explore Mackinac Island State Park. Once known as Mackinac National Park, it was the second national park in the U.S. after Yellowstone! Today, it’s a great place to go hiking, enjoy nature, and explore a treasure trove of history.

Covering over 80% of the island, the park offers visitors a unique blend of scenic landscapes and historic attractions. There is a network of nature trails that wind through forests and along limestone bluffs. They’re perfect for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding, providing a serene escape into nature.

These trails lead to rock formations, including the iconic Arch Rock, a geologic arch formation of natural limestone on the Lake Huron shoreline. It soars 146 feet above the water!

Arch Rock is a popular spot for photography. The views are outstanding but be prepared to walk about 200 stairs to reach the top! It’s definitely worth the effort.

Mackinac Island State Park also features many historical sites. Fort Holmes, located at the highest point on the island, functions as a history museum with reconstructed fortifications and interesting exhibits.

9. Attend the Mackinac Island Fudge Festival

Mackinac Island hosts a handful of fun summer events, including the Lilac Festival in June and the festivities surrounding the 4th of July. But attending the Mackinac Island Fudge Festival in late August is the most memorable!

While summer on Mackinac Island is busy, this unique festival is a blast if you don’t mind the crowds. During the Fudge Festival, you can watch fudge-making demonstrations, participate in fudge-related games, and enjoy fudge-tasting events.

The island’s fudge shops, which are already popular year-round, become the epicenter of the celebration. Local shops often have special deals and menu items to celebrate the event.

There’s live music, arts and crafts vendors, family-friendly entertainment, and special activities for kids. It’s perfect for families looking for things to do on Mackinac Island!

Mackinac Island Tips (Know Before You Go):

• There are two ferry lines, Shepler’s and Starline, that leave from both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace.
• You may wish to spend time in Mackinaw City as there are ziplines, restaurants, fudge shops, boat tours, and fabulous views of the Mackinaw Bridge.
• There are restrooms on the ferries.  Many have an upper open deck (great views!) and a lower enclosed deck for more windy or chilly days. Remember that you can get wet while riding on the upper deck, especially on windy days.
• Parking at the ferry is free. If you park in an outer lot in Mackinaw City, a covered open-air shuttle with take you from your vehicle to the ferry docks.
• Those traveling on a fixed budget or strict diet might want to bring their snacks, drinks, and lunches. Consider bringing a bike bag that attaches to the handlebars of your bikes to carry everything. If you rent a bike, it will come with baskets that are large enough to hold a small bag.

If you are looking for related articles, consider the best things to do in Traverse City with kids and What Not to Miss on Indiana’s South Shore.