So you’ve been to Mackinac Island, right? It was probably in the summer, somewhere between May and August. Maybe you visited in the fall for the color tour. Well, 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.
With a beautiful blanket of fresh white snow and snowmobiles lining the street, Mackinac Island is the perfect winter getaway.
Things to do
A couple bars and restaurants stay open throughout the winter months, such as Mustang Lounge and the grocery store, Doud’s Market is open year-round, as well. But – winter events on Mackinac Island are every reason to make the trip!!
The Christmas Bazaar is held in December each year. The extravaganza kicks off with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting in the heart of Main Street, with singing Christmas carols and a community full of cheer. You can even enter the raffle and go home with a brand new Snowmobile!
How about ringing in the New Year, Mackinac Island style?
And Shopping! Several shops also open their doors for this event.
Enjoy live music or dancing with DJ’s downtown as you welcome the New Year. Dinner reservations are strongly suggested call Mustang Lounge ahead of time, (906) 847-9916.
Come February on Mackinac Island, the winter community celebrates with a Winter Festival at Great Turtle Park. Complete with a bonfire cook out, sledding, snow golf, archery, snow volleyball and broom hockey. To find out more about the upcoming celebration, updates are added on the Mackinac Island Winter Festival page.
Once a month, you may enjoy the one-of-a-kind Fort Mackinac Twilight Turtle Trek. A lantern-lit cross country skiing and snowshoeing event, covering 2 miles of the island’s immaculately groomed trails. Bring your own skis and meet at Greaney Grove, located next to Fort Mackinac. Dates are to be determined, check back to see what’s scheduled for this coming year.
St. Patrick’s Day is also time for celebration on Mackinac Island! Enjoy a dinner fundraiser at the Community Hall hosted by St. Anne’s Church, to include a cash prize raffle! Contact Ste. Anne’s Church at (906) 847-3507.
Transportation
On the Island
Remember trying to ride your bike up and down all those hills, well now you can do it on skis! There are tons of trails for cross country skiing and snowmobiling.
Mackinac Island Taxi Service (906) 847-3323 – reservations required for service before 8:00 am or after 5:00 pm.
Getting to the island
The ferry runs all winter, as long as the straits are not frozen. The schedule does not run as often as it does during the summer months but usually at least twice a day.
Star Line Ferry (800) 638-9892 – November thru April, weather permitting. Additional ferry scheduled during special winter weekend events.
Updates & notices posted on www.facebook.com/starlineferry.
If the straits are frozen, you may take a snowmobile across the ice to get to Mackinac Island but it can be dangerous and it is not recommended.
You can fly from St. Ignace and see the island from the sky for a whole new perspective!
Great Lakes Air (906) 643-7165 – Year round flights from St. Ignace, weather permitting.
Fresh Air Aviation (906) 285-6727 – Offering daily flights from St. Ignace to Mackinac Island.
Lodging
Pontiac Lodge (906) 847-3364 – Open all winter.
Cottage Inn (906) 847-4000 – Open November and December dates, as well as New Years Eve.
Lilac Tree Suites & Spa (866) 847-6575 – Open on specific dates for Christmas Bazaar and New Years Eve.
Village Inn Suites (906) 847-8077 – Open all winter.
Above Mackinac Condos (906) 847-3614 –
Open all winter
Small Point B&B (906) 847-3758 –
Open weekends in December, January, February
The Mackinac House (906) 847-3911 –
Open on specific dates for Christmas Bazaar and New Years Eve.
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Cassondra Wanders the World 
Very good post. Highly informative for travellers who want to visit Mackinac Island in winter. Keep up the good work.
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Loved the Winter pictures, that would be a wonderful time to visit!
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It’s the perfect winter wonderland!
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