Visiting Mackinac Island for the day or for a week, here are 17 tips for the Best Summer Vacation! You should definitely read this if you’re looking for Things to do on Mackinac Island. 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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Jump in the lake
Jump off the dock or jump the waves, it’s all fun!
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Relax on Mission Point lawn
Sprawl out in one of the lawn chairs or bring a blanket, there’s plenty of space!
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Watch the sunset at the boardwalk
There’s a few stellar spots to watch the sunset, the boardwalk is a favorite for many.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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Build a CairnYoga on the beach
May I suggest meditating or yoga on the beach instead? ✌
- Building Cairns is actually believed to disturb the natural environment here on the beach, to many, this land its sacred.
- You may do what you’d like but keep in mind. Many people stop along the shore and stack the rocks – hundreds of Cairns line the beaches around the island. Find your zen and balance among the perfectly stacked rocks and waves crashing as your backdrop!
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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.
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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. In years past, Round Island Lighthouse open for tours once a year, usually the weekend following 4th of July.
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Try Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Take a stab at Stand Up Paddle Boarding – guides can take you around the marina from Great Turtle Kayak Tours.
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Fly to Mackinac Island
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.
Work on Mackinac Island for the Summer and have the best of both worlds!
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Mackinac Island’s Best Kept Secrets
As soon as you arrive to Mackinac Island, a map will be your best friend. They’re easy to find at the Visitors Center, Tourism Bureau, your hotel front desk/concierge, stores and restaurants. Unless you’ve lived on the island your whole life, you’re going to be lost without a map. I highly recommend getting one before you head out.
Mackinac Island on a Budget – 22 Ways to Save
To really get the biggest bang for my buck, I like to travel on a budget. I like to save a little where we can and really have a great experience. Here are 22 tips for saving money when visiting Mackinac Island.
1. Weekdays – Hotel rates during the week, Monday-Thursday are usually
Mackinac Island Bucket List – Best Summer Vacation
Visiting Mackinac Island for the day or for a week, here are 17 items to add to your bucket list and make this the Best Summer Vacation! Things to do on Mackinac Island
A Visit to Mackinac Island in the Winter
Did you know you can visit Mackinac Island in the winter too? It is everything you love about Mackinac Island, plus so much more. Imagine downtown without the crowds, no bicycles, just peaceful and quiet.
Affordable Accommodations on Mackinac Island
Stay the night on Mackinac Island, even on a budget. Affordable Accommodations.
How to Plan a Mackinac Island Day Trip on a Budget
Mackinac Island is as incredible as everyone says, but it can be pricey to visit. Between food, accommodation and transportation, the costs can add up quickly. It doesn’t have to break your bank to visit Mackinac Island.
Here are some tips to stay within a budget and see this amazing island!
Stay Off Island
Unless it is your dying desire to stay 1 night on the island, it’s going to save you a lot of money to stay on “the mainland.” The two cities that connect to Mackinac Island by ferry boat are Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, Michigan. Both cities have hundreds of hotels to choose from and several campground options. Accommodations on the mainland are…
5 Reasons to Love/Hate Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island is located in Northern Michigan in the United States. The island is a unique place with a magical charm. Cars and motor vehicles are banned on the island, which makes things rather interesting. Tell me, what do you LOVE about Mackinac Island?
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Love – Bicycles
There really are no cars on the island. We all get around by foot, bike, horse and carriages. If you come, no you can’t bring your car and yes, you have to leave it on the other side.
Might as well make the best of it and rent a tandem to go around the island. I mean, why not?
It’s really fun though, kind of takes you back to the good ol days as a child when your bicycle was your first form of transportation.
At least fly TO the island. You can not beat the view from the air. Another ‘must do’ is to visit in the winter. It is the most amazing peace you can experience.
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I completely agree!
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Just don’t try to walk in front of the Grand Hotel. You’ll be told it’s private property.
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There is a charge of $10 to tour Grand Hotel and it’s property.
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