One of my favorite places to visit in Michigan is Mackinac Island. It stems from my first ever visit with my boyfriend (David) and his family back in 2014 and from then on him and I have visited every year (often multiple times a year).
Mackinac is typically viewed as a rather expensive place to visit, and it definitely is. But don’t let that completely deter you from visiting! After five years David and I have found all the best free things to do and see.
Getting to the Island
You can take a ferry from either Mackinaw City or St. Ignace. The two ferry lines are Shepler’s and Starline. Both are comparable in ticket prices, you can get discounts by purchasing online. Some trips take a little bit longer, but worth it, route underneath the bridge! Also, make sure to double and triple check schedules as they can change day to day!
What to do When You’re There
1. Walk everywhere (or bring a bike)
It’s not hard to walk everywhere when that’s really one of your only modes of transportation (besides bike or carriage). Bike rentals can get pricey, especially if you don’t keep track of the time. The whole island is only 8 miles in circumference so plan to get your steps in!
2. Bring a lunch (+ snacks)
Eating on the island is expensive. No way around it. Our favorite place to grab a cheap(ish) bite to eat is Bee’s on Main Street. It’s not an actually restaurant, just a food stand. But otherwise we prefer to pack a lunch and snacks and only buy fudge.
3. Nature Spots
If you’re fans of nature and breathtaking lookouts, look no further than Mackinac Island.
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Arch Rock & Nicolet’s Watch Tower – climb both sets of stairs for a view from above, at the rock, and below
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Fort Holmes – the fort is cool but the almost 360 degree view of the lakes is REALLY cool
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St. Ann’s Tablet – kind of a secret lookout down onto Main Street and the port
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Sugar Loaf Lookout – great views, not just of a giant rock but the landscape overall
4. Get Active
David and I love to “live like locals” on the island (because one day we hope to be). We often head to Turtle Park, which is located centrally on the island, and play frisbee or catch. It’s a huge park surrounded by a lush forest. It has baseball fields, disc golf, basketball courts, a playground, and covered picnic tables.
5. Sit back and relax
Bring a blanket with you, lay down in Marquette Park or bike to British Landings and have a picnic. There are plenty of places to sit and relax and just enjoy the views, people watch, and eat some delicious fudge.
Where to Stay
Staying on the island can get VERY pricey. However, check Groupon for some deals at the resort on the island, Mission Point. We were able to stay there for $100 a night in early spring, peak season prices tend to get more expensive. But it’s an awesome resort, far enough away from the bustle of downtown but still a close enough walk. Mission Point has plenty of restaurants, a coffee shop, spa, gym, you name it. My personal favorite is the white chairs out on their HUGE lawn facing the lake, the perfect place to retire to after a long day with your favorite drink and book.
Otherwise, when we’re not staying on the island, which is what we usually do, we’re camping at a state park. If we’re staying in the lower peninsula we love Wilderness State Park. If we’re in the upper peninsula then it has to be Straits State Park, the absolute BEST views of the straits and bridge.
Let me know in the comments or on Instagram your favorite things to do on the island!
