Day Trip to Mackinac Island

We went on a day trip to Mackinac Island as part of a two-week vacation, or should I say experience, of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. There is so much to do in the UP and we couldn’t go there without going to see Mackinac Island, that would have just been crazy if we didn’t. So we took the ferry with our bicycles from St. Ignace.

From a budget point of view, Mackinac Island is very expensive and it wasn’t in our budget to stay on the island. Hotels probably cost more than your major cities. Restaurants, although many to choose from, are also very costly. As we were camping an hour away, a day trip to see most of the island was what we chose to do.

Getting to Mackinac Island

Well unless you have your private boat, the only way to go is by Mackinac Island ferry boat. You can either take a ferry from Mackinaw City (south of the Mackinac Bridge) or St. Ignace (north of the bridge)

Ferry Services

Two companies offer ferry service to Mackinac Island. Both offer similar services and have good reputations. It takes between 15 to 25 minutes to get to the island from either town.

Sheplers Ferry

Shepler’s Ferry service operates from April 21 to October 31st. They offer numerous ferries each day, especially during peak season and weekends. They also offer cruises to several locations around the St. Ignace and Mackinac City areas. For this information, visit their website.

On several rides during the day, Shepler has a Mighty Mac Departure which is the same service to Mackinac Island but you get to ride under the Mackinac Bridge. These trips just take a little longer (about 10 minutes more and at no additional cost) to reach your destination.

Star line Ferry Service

Starline has hydro-jet ferries making the ride average 18 minutes. The real difference between the two ferry services is that Starline runs all year round. They offer limited service through the winter running several ferries each day and extra service when an event on the island is happening, such as the Christmas Tree lighting.

We used Starline Ferry Service on our trip to Mackinac Island from St. Ignace just because when we arrived this ferry schedule was the most convenient so we didn’t have to wait long however I do believe either service would have been fine.

Main Street Mackinac Island

When you get off the ferry your first stop is Main Street. I was surprised to see that although not a castle at the end of the street it reminded me of Disney with an old town charm. With all the shops and horse and carriages, it is not like Main Street in any other town.

On Main Street, you can rent bicycles to get around the island. I was surprised for such a small island there were so many bike shops and rentals. However, that is the only way to get around the island. You can also take a horse taxi for $5 a ride, which will give you an inexpensive way to get the island experience of horse and carriage without breaking the bank and will also take you to some of the attractions on the island.“Taxi Service”

Shops on Main Street included fudge stores, souvenirs, and restaurants. To my surprise, there was also a Starbucks in the center of town!

Fudge Shops

Mackinac Island is known for its fudge and you will have plenty of options as to what flavors you want to enjoy. Matter of fact, the Upper Peninsula is famous for fudge and you will find it wherever you go. But I was surprised to see 15 fudge stores in this small Main Street area including the famous Murdicks and Ryba’s fudge shop.

The fudge is delicious but also expensive at over $30 a pound. They also make ice cream with fudge in it, so this is an affordable way to try the famous Mackinac Island fudge. We went to Sadie’s ice cream parlor and opted for vanilla ice cream with fudge and it was the best!

Horse-drawn carriage tour

Horse-drawn carriage tours are one of the most iconic and enjoyable ways to explore Mackinac Island. Given the island’s restriction on motor vehicles, these tours offer a charming and traditional method to see the sights while soaking in the island’s historic ambiance.

Tour Options:

1. Narrated Public Tours: These are typically group tours that take you on a guided journey around the island. The route often includes stops at major attractions such as Arch Rock, the Grand Hotel, and Fort Mackinac. The narrators provide historical context and interesting stories about the island, making it an educational as well as a scenic ride.
2. Private Carriage Tours: For a more personalized experience, visitors can hire private carriages. These tours can be customized according to personal preferences, focusing on specific areas or topics of interest on the island. Private tours are perfect for special occasions or those desiring a more intimate exploration of Mackinac Island.

Experiences Offered:

• Scenic and leisurely rides through the island’s state park, which covers over 80% of the island, showcasing lush forests, dramatic cliffs, and stunning waterfront views.
• Visits to historical sites where you can learn about the rich history of Mackinac Island from the fur trading era to its development as a tourist destination.

Booking and Availability: Tours are available from the early morning until the evening, and it’s advisable to book in advance during the peak tourist season (summer months). Tours can be booked directly on the island at carriage tour stands or through various hotels.

Enjoying Mackinac Island by horse-drawn carriage is a delightful throwback to a simpler time and a wonderful way to connect with the island’s serene natural beauty and fascinating history.

8-mile Bike Ride

We loved our bike ride around the outer rim of Mackinac Island. This 8-mile ride offered beautiful views of Lake Huron and the Mackinac Bridge. We were also able to see many attractions along the way.

The outer rim of Mackinac Island refers to the scenic roadway that encircles the island, known as M-185. Notably, it’s the only state highway in the United States where motor vehicles are banned, making it a unique and peaceful route. The entire loop is approximately 8 miles long and offers stunning views of Lake Huron, dramatic cliffs, dense forests, and the surrounding natural beauty of the island.

Cycling is a popular way to explore the outer rim, with bicycle rentals available throughout the island. Walking or running this loop is also a great option for those who prefer a slower pace to soak in the sights and sounds. Along the way, there are numerous points of interest, including Arch Rock, British Landing, and Devil’s Kitchen. Each of these spots provides unique geological and historical insights, as well as beautiful photo opportunities.

The outer rim is accessible and enjoyable for visitors of all ages and is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Mackinac Island. It encapsulates the tranquil, car-free environment that makes the island a distinct and cherished destination in Michigan.

Since 80% of the island part of Mackinac Island State Park, the bicycle path is mostly within the state park limits. There are many attractions along the loop including Fort Mackinac, St. Anne’s Church, Arch Rock, British Landing, Devil’s Kitchen, the Grand Hotel, and the downtown area (Main Street).

Arch Rock

Our next stop was Arch Rock. There is plenty of room to park your bikes and then take the Spring Trail up the 207 steps to the top where you can view Arch Rock.

The most visited landmark on the island, Arch Rock has interesting geological features voted as the most beautiful spot on the island. Walk through the arch to see beautiful views of Lake Huron, the clear blue water looks like you are in the Bahamas.

You can also get to Arch Rock by taking a tour of the island as all the tours stop there. Additionally, you can also take a “carriage taxi” there which is a lot cheaper than a tour.

Note: Near the arch are restrooms for your convenience.

Mackinac Island Carriage Rides

You can take a tour and see all the main attractions of the island with a Horse and Carriage ride. Explore this beautiful place by going back in time to the way people used to get around. The tour includes stops at Arch Rock, Fort Mackinac, Avenue of Flags, Grand Hotel, Historic Market Street, Surrey Hills Museum, wings of Mackinac, and Island Cemeteries.

The Mackinac Island Carriage Tours have been around for over 100 years and continue to be owned and operated by the same family. It is the oldest horse and buggy livery in the world. The operation includes over 100 carriage setups and 400 horses to operate them.

Tours run from May to October and are about 1 3/4 hours long. However, since there is so much to see along the way, you can get off and explore rather than just wait for the next available carriage to continue your journey.

Majestic Grand Hotel

The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island is indeed a majestic sight. Known for its stunning architecture and historic significance, the Grand Hotel has been a famous destination since it opened in the late 1800s. It boasts the world’s longest porch (660 feet), and the entire hotel is a testament to Victorian elegance and charm.

Visitors are treated to a unique experience as Mackinac Island itself is largely car-free, relying on bicycles and horse-drawn carriages for transport, which enhances the old-world atmosphere. The hotel features beautifully decorated rooms, each uniquely designed. The Grand Hotel also hosts a variety of events, including the annual Mackinac Island Lilac Festival and a series of themed weekends throughout the year.

Dining at the Grand Hotel is an event in itself, with a formal dinner service that adheres to a dress code, enhancing the feeling of stepping back in time and a famous afternoon tea. The hotel also offers various amenities like a swimming pool, spa, and golf course, making it a luxurious retreat. If you aren’t staying at the hotel you can take a guided tour for a small fee.

Whether you’re looking for history, relaxation, or scenic views, the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island offers a blend of all, wrapped in its grandeur and historical elegance.

The Greens of Mackinac

The Greens of Mackinac is a picturesque 18-hole putting course located at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan. It’s designed to provide a fun and challenging experience for golfers of all skill levels. The course features manicured bentgrass greens, creatively designed to incorporate natural undulations and hazards that make each hole unique and engaging.

The course’s setting is particularly striking, with views of the Straits of Mackinac and the hotel’s gardens, adding to the overall serene and lush environment. Playing on The Greens of Mackinac is not only a test of putting skills but also an opportunity to enjoy the outdoor beauty of Mackinac Island.

The putting course is one of the many recreational activities offered by the Grand Hotel, complementing its historic charm with leisure options for guests.

Butterfly House

The Original Butterfly House & Insect World on Mackinac Island is one of the island’s most enchanting attractions. Established in 1991, it was the first of its kind in Michigan and remains one of the oldest live butterfly exhibits in the United States. The facility houses hundreds of live butterflies from around the world in a lush, tropical environment.

Inside the Butterfly House, visitors can stroll through a carefully maintained indoor garden filled with flowers, plants, and water features, all designed to create a natural habitat for the butterflies. The tranquil setting allows the butterflies to fly freely around visitors, offering unique opportunities for up-close interactions and photography.

In addition to the butterflies, the Original Butterfly House expanded to include Insect World, which features various insects and arachnids. This exhibit is educational, providing insights into the fascinating world of insects and their importance to the ecosystem.

The experience is both educational and magical, making it a popular destination for families, nature lovers, and anyone interested in learning more about these delicate creatures in a beautiful, interactive setting.

Visit Fort Mackinac

Although we didn’t go to this attraction, I wanted to mention it so you could get a feel for the whole island.

Fort Mackinac is a big attraction on the island with numerous historic buildings. It was a working military base, first for the British and then for the Americans. It operated as such from 1780 to 1895. Today you can visit this fort and see how the people lived during this timeframe. They even still have a working cannon on the fort.

During peak season, several times during the day they reenactment the earlier days and you can watch the soldiers march, hear the rifles fire, and also the cannon blasts. For $50, you yourself can set off the cannon.

Great Turtle Kayak Tours

Great Turtle Kayak Tours on Mackinac Island offers an adventurous way to explore the stunning waters and shorelines around the island. This company provides guided kayak tours that allow participants to see the island from a different perspective, offering unique views of Mackinac Island and the surrounding areas of Lake Huron.

Tour Options:

1. Arch Rock Tour: This popular kayak tour takes paddlers along the coastline to view the famous Arch Rock from the water—a perspective you can’t get from the land. This natural limestone arch is one of the island’s most iconic landmarks.
2. Sunset Paddle: For those looking to experience the tranquility of Lake Huron at dusk, the sunset paddle offers a breathtaking view of the setting sun over the water.
3. Custom and Private Tours: These are available for groups seeking a more personalized kayaking experience, tailored to specific interests and skill levels.

Experience Highlights:

• Wildlife sightings: Paddlers often see various waterfowl and may even spot bald eagles.
• Geological formations: The tours provide close-up views of Mackinac Island’s unique geological features.
• Photography opportunities: The scenic beauty of the coastline and the clear waters provide perfect photo ops.

Conclusion

We loved our day trip to Mackinac Island and were glad that we got to experience this beautiful place on our trip to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The two of us were able to do this for less than $100. So although many will tell you that it’s an expensive place to visit you can also enjoy it on any budget.

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