Mackinac Island Bucket List – 17 Tips for the Best Summer Vacation

Visiting Mackinac Island for the day or for a week, here are 17 tips for the Best Summer Vacation! The activities are endless and there so many experiences you don’t want to miss. This one-of-kind island in Michigan, will leave you falling in love!

Visit the Governor’s Summer Residence

If you want to tour the mansion, you have to come early Wednesday mornings from June 1 to August 31.
Ride a horse

Bring your own or take the easier route and rent one from either – Jack’s Livery Stable or Cindy’s Riding Stable.
Bike around the island

Bike rentals range from $5 -$10 an hour or bring your own bike across on the ferry for a charge. The perimeter is about 8.2 miles and the route will take you 1.5 hours or more – depends how many stops. It’s an easy and relaxing ride.
Jump in the lake

Jump off the dock or jump the waves, it’s all fun!
Relax on Mission Point lawn

Sprawl out in one of the lawn chairs or bring a blanket, there’s plenty of space!
Watch the sunset at the boardwalk

There’s a few stellar spots to watch the sunset, the boardwalk is a favorite for many.
Take the stairs to Arch Rock

Just over 207 steps and you’re there! On a clear day, you can see all the way to Canada from the top.
Bowl at Woods Restaurant

At Woods, the duck pin bowling alley is always a good time. Take turns resetting the pins and see who can get a strike!
Go parasailing

It really isn’t as scary as it looks. It’s more of a joy ride than anything. Available from Mackinac Island and Mackinaw City – through Mackinaw Parasailing.
Kayak in Lake Huron

Great Turtle Kayak Tours rents out kayaks. Tours include a sunset ride and another which visits Round Island. Both are fantastic!
Take a cruise under Mackinac Bridge

Many cruises are offered from Mackinac Island – the Sip N Sail takes a route under the Mackinac Bridge – to see the bridge so close it’s an amazing experience.
Hike to Sunset Rock

Two miles from town, nestled in the woodsy area behind the Inn at Stonecliffe is Sunset Rock. The never ending views are always incredible.
Build a Cairn on the beach

Stop along the shore and stack the rocks – hundreds of Cairns line the beaches around the island. Find your zen and see how many rocks you can balance.
Visit Fort Holmes

Walk or bike the Fort Holmes – the highest point on the island – 310 Ft. above Lake Huron. See the recently reconstructed fort and the stunning Straits of Mackinac.
Go to Round Island Lighthouse

I wouldn’t recommend swimming across – it’s actually not allowed. But rent a kayak or bring your own transportation. The Round Island Lighthouse is open for tours once a year, usually the weekend following 4th of July.
Try Stand Up Paddle Board

Take a stab at Stand Up Paddle Boarding – guides can take you around the marina from Great Turtle Kayak Tours.
Fly to Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island Airport

There’s only 2 ways to get to Mackinac Island – by boat or by plane. If you stand on the road at either end of the runway, the planes go right over your head! Flights are offered by Great Lakes Air.