Although I love Put-In-Bay, there is nothing like a weekend trip on Mackinaw Island! This is the very reason why I make a point to go every year. Before Covid, my family took an annual Girls' Trip in the spring or summer months trying different hotels. After Covid broke our 5-year streak, my partner and I ventured out to the Island for my first time during the fall foliage...man was it beautiful and cozy! Whether you are looking for a spring, summer, fall, or winter getaway, Mackinaw Island is sure to give you a unique experience. You will definitely feel like you took a step back into time with no cars and horse-drawn carriages!
Getting There: Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry
From the Metro-Detroit area, Mackinaw City, Michigan is about a 4-to-4.5-hour drive. Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry has always been my preferred way to the island. The parking and ferry dock is central to the city which makes for a great walk to explore off of the island itself. Depending on the season, you can enjoy the 16-minute trip to Mackinaw Island up top with great views of the historic Mackinaw Bridge or sit protected from the elements in the cabin below.
Tip #1: If you purchase your ferry tickets online in advance, you can save $2 per ticket. Click here to purchase your tickets directly through Shepler's website.
Tip #2: If you have never been to Mackinaw Island, be sure to find hotel accommodations directly on the island for your first visit. You will get the full island experience including the nightlife at the bars and lounges. Tip #3: The ferries to the island operate from late April until the end of October (this is considered the end of the season). In April and May, you will most likely encounter Midge Flies...I call them Fish Flies! The flies will be on and inside the ferry, various places on the dock, your car, and near the water on and off of the island. If you want to avoid the flies, you are better off visiting Mackinaw Island from June to October...you have been warned!
VIEW FROM INSIDE CABIN ON SHEPLER'S FERRY...I'M FEELING ITCHY JUST LOOKING AT IT!
Where to Stay: Recommendations for Hotel Accommodations on the Island
The Grand Hotel - Step into the 1980 historic movie, "Somewhere in Time" and feel like royalty with a horse and carriage ride to and from the hotel, a breakfast buffet, tea-time, and 7 course dinners throughout your stay.
*Sophisticated*Foodie*Historic*Treated-like Royalty
Bicycle Street Inn & Suites - Enjoy views of the lake and the convenience of staying in the center of the downtown area. The rooms are modern and very spacious. Don't forget to try the delicious fruit infused water in the main lobby to quench your thirst!
*Modern*Central-location*Great-views*Great Service
Mission Point Resort - This large resort offers multiple restaurant options on-site, mini-golf, movie-screenings, bike cycle rentals, and a large lawn for picnics, fun, and views. This is the perfect choice for staying out of the downtown hustle. It's about a 15-minute walk to the downtown area.
*Pet-friendly*Activities*Various Room Types*Family-friendly
Lake View Hotel - This quint hotel is located in downtown and offers an indoor pool, a restaurant with outside dining, and a bar with some of the best drinks in town! You won't go wrong with one of its featured drinks, Somewhere in Time. Spend the early mornings or evenings people watching out on the community balcony.
*Indoor Pool*Best Drinks*Spacious Rooms*Great views
Island House Hotel - This cozy hotel is located just shy of the downtown area with great views of the boat harbor. The breakfast was always a delicious highlight! The bicycle rental was conveniently located just out front of the hotel.
*Best Breakfast*Convenient Bicycle Rental*Great views
Tip #4: Before you book your hotel accommodations, be sure to check and see if the hotel has elevator access and air conditioning if that's essential for your stay. Some of the older hotels on the island don't have either.
Must-try List: Don't Miss-out on These Island Gems!
#1 - Eat Fudge!
One of the island traditions is to eat fudge! There are multiple fudge shops throughout the downtown area. You can sample fudge and see part of the fudge making process in some of the shops. For me, Joanne's Fudge can't be beat! They seem to offer the most flavors and the fudge is so smooth! Click here to see how Joanne's makes fudge. Have a taste for fudge anytime of the year? They can ship fudge directly to your door!
#2 - Try Anything with a Horse!
I absolutely love horses and they are such a treat when visiting the island. Whether you take a Horse and Carriage Tour of the island, adventure off solo on horse-back, or take a horse-driven taxi, any horse activity will make your experience that more special! They even have horse-drawn carriages for weddings as well as private tours. Click here to see all that Mackinaw Island Carriage Tours has to offer.
#3 - Take a Bicycle Ride
The best way to explore the island is with a bicycle ride! Many visitors bike around the island on the M-185 Route. The State Highway wraps 8.2 miles around the entire island. Highlights of the main bike route includes Fort Mackinac, the Arch Rock, Devil's Kitchen, Skull Cave, and The Grand Hotel.
Last Thought: A Great Family Tradition or a Once in a Lifetime Adventure Mackinaw Island Getaway
Mackinaw Island is a must visit for Michiganders and travelers from afar. The small island boosts with history and tradition. You can go back into time at Fort Mackinac or the exquisite Grand Hotel. You can plan a family vacation, unique wedding, golf trip, romantic getaway, or participate in one of the four great annual races for a unique adventure. My dream has always been to hide-away on Mackinaw Island during the winter season to take in the beauty of the Christmas season and tranquility of the island...I imagine it will be something like the movie The Holiday! Cheers to a great Friday...wherever you are!
- Nina
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