Mackinac Island Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Island • Locality

Facts and practical information

Mackinac Island, located in the Michigan region of the United States, is a charming destination that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and delightful experiences. Situated in Lake Huron, this car-free island is a haven for those seeking a peaceful and picturesque getaway.

One of the island's most prominent features is its stunning natural landscapes. As you explore Mackinac Island, you'll be greeted by breathtaking views of crystal-clear waters, lush green forests, and majestic limestone bluffs. The island's rugged coastline is perfect for leisurely walks or bike rides, allowing you to soak in the serenity of nature at every turn.

In addition to its natural beauty, Mackinac Island boasts a rich historical heritage. Stepping onto the island feels like taking a trip back in time, as it is home to preserved 19th-century architecture and landmarks. The iconic Grand Hotel, with its Victorian charm and panoramic views, stands as a testament to the island's historic grandeur. You can also visit Fort Mackinac, a military outpost built during the American Revolution, to gain insight into the island's strategic significance in the past.

Exploring Mackinac Island is a treat for the senses, especially when it comes to indulging in its culinary delights. The island is renowned for its famous fudge, which is lovingly handcrafted in various flavors and enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Stroll through the charming streets and savor the aroma of freshly baked pastries and coffee, or treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the island's quaint restaurants, which offer a range of culinary experiences to suit every taste.

For those seeking more adventure, Mackinac Island provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Whether you choose to kayak along the shoreline, go horseback riding through the island's trails, or embark on a scenic boat tour around the area, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Alternative names: Area: 3.78 mi²Maximum elevation: 890 ftCoordinates: 45°50'60"N, 84°37'5"W

Location

MichiganUnited States

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Mackinac Island Top Attractions

Mackinac Island Attractions - What to See and Explore

Mackinac Island offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Fort Mackinac, Skull Cave, Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum, Mackinac Island State Park. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Military base • Military museum
Fort Mackinac
Perched high on a bluff overlooking the sparkling waters of Lake Huron, Fort Mackinac invites visitors to step back in time on the historic Mackinac Island in the United States. This well-preserved military outpost, now operating as a museum, offers a unique glimpse...
Nature • Natural attraction • Cave
Skull Cave
Skull Cave is a small and shallow cave on the central heights of Mackinac Island in Michigan, United States. The cave was carved during the Algonquin post-glacial period by the waters of Lake Algonquin, a swollen meltwater ancestor of today's Lake Huron.
Museum • Specialty museum • Art museum
Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum
The Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum is an art museum located in the historic Indian Dormitory building on Mackinac Island, Michigan.

Island • Park
Mackinac Island State Park
Mackinac Island State Park is a state park located on Mackinac Island in the U.S. state of Michigan. A Lake Huron island, it is near the Straits of Mackinac. The island park encompasses 1,800 acres, which is approximately 80% of the island's total area.
Park
Marquette Park
Marquette Park is a landscaped park located on Mackinac Island in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is part of Mackinac Island State Park and stands on the edge of Mackinac Island's harbor on the Round Island Channel and just east of downtown Mackinac Island.
Church
Mission Church
The Mission Church is a historic Congregational church located at the corner of Huron and Tuscott Streets on Mackinac Island, Michigan, United States. Built in 1829, it was the oldest surviving church in the state of Michigan. In 1971, the Mission Church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Vernacular architecture • Lighthouse
Round Island Light
The Round Island Light, also known as the "Old Round Island Point Lighthouse" is a lighthouse located on the west shore of Round Island in the shipping lanes of the Straits of Mackinac, which connect Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.
Vernacular architecture • Lighthouse
Round Island Passage Light
Round Island Passage Light is an automated, unmanned lighthouse located in the Round Island Channel in the Straits of Mackinac, Michigan. The channel is a branch of Lake Huron.
Church
Sainte Anne Church
Sainte Anne Church, commonly called 'Ste. Anne Church' or 'Ste. Anne's Church', is a Roman Catholic church that serves the parish of Sainte Anne de Michilimackinac in Mackinac Island, Michigan.
Historical place • View point • Forts and castles
Fort Holmes
Fort Holmes is a fortified earthen redoubt located on the highest point of Mackinac Island. Originally built in 1814 by British forces during the War of 1812, the redoubt was improved by that army throughout the course of the war to help defend the adjacent Fort Mackinac from a possible attack by the U.S.
Arch
Arch Rock
Arch Rock is a geologic formation on Mackinac Island in Michigan. It is a natural limestone arch formed during the Nipissing post-glacial period, a period of high Lake Huron levels following the end of the Wisconsin glaciation.
Museum • History museum
Robert Stuart House
The Robert Stuart House, also known as the Agent's House or Agency House, is a building located at 34 Market Street on Mackinac Island, Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 and designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1965.
Museum • Historical place • History museum
Biddle House
The Biddle House is a historic house and fur trade shop space, built before 1800 on Market Street on Mackinac Island in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is part of Mackinac Island State Park. It is a Michigan Registered Site and a contributing resource to Mackinac Island's status as a National Historic Landmark.
Memorial • View point • Monuments and statues
Anne's Tablet
Anne's Tablet is a 1916 Art Nouveau sculptural installation by William Ordway Partridge located within Mackinac Island State Park adjacent to Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island. Consisting of stone benches and a bronze plaque, the overlook was built as a memorial to local author Constance Fenimore Woolson.
Nature • Natural attraction • Cave
Devil's Kitchen Cave
Devil's Kitchen is a small cave on the southwestern shore of Mackinac Island in Michigan, USA. The cave was carved during the Nipissing post-glacial period by the waves of Lake Huron.
45°51'4"N • 84°36'27"W
Mission House
The Mission House on Mackinac Island is a historic structure owned by the state of Michigan. Built in 1825, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is operated as part of the Mackinac Island State Park.
Museum • History museum
McGulpin House
The McGulpin House is a historic house museum, located in a structure originally built before 1780 and now located at the corner of Fort Street and Market Street on Mackinac Island, Michigan.
Museum • History museum
Benjamin Blacksmith Shop
The Benjamin Blacksmith Shop is a blacksmithy and museum, in operation since before 1885, located adjacent to the Biddle House on Market Street on Mackinac Island in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is part of Mackinac Island State Park.
Natural attraction • Geologic formation • Park
Arch Rock
Arch Rock is a geologic formation on Mackinac Island in Michigan. It is a natural limestone arch formed during the Nipissing post-glacial period, a period of high Lake Huron levels following the end of the Wisconsin glaciation.

Day trips

Mackinac Island – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Mackinac Island, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Boyne Mountain Resort (Boyne Falls), Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse (Mackinaw City), Fort Michilimackinac (Mackinaw City).

50 milesS
Winter sport, Park, Ski area
Boyne Mountain Resort, Boyne Falls
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Boyne Falls, Michigan, Boyne Mountain Resort is a year-round destination for adventure and relaxation alike. Known for its ski slopes and charming Alpine aesthetic, this resort offers a multitude of activities that cater...
6.9 miSW
Museum, Lighthouse, History museum
Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, Mackinaw City
Mackinaw Point marks the junction of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Founded in 1889, the Old Mackinac Point Light Station was in operation from 1890 until 1957.
7.2 miSW
Museum, Park, Military museum
Fort Michilimackinac, Mackinaw City
Fort Michilimackinac was an 18th-century French, and later British, fort and trading post at the Straits of Mackinac; it was built on the northern tip of the lower peninsula of the present-day state of Michigan in the United States.
4.8 miW
Memorial
Father Marquette National Memorial, St. Ignace
Father Marquette National Memorial pays tribute to the life and work of Jacques Marquette, French priest and explorer. The memorial is located in Straits State Park near St.
5.9 miSW
Massive suspension bridge for vehicles
Mackinac Bridge, Mackinaw City
The Mackinac Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Straits of Mackinac, connecting the Upper and Lower peninsulas of the U.S. state of Michigan.

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Best Time To Visit Mackinac Island

Learn when is the best time to travel to Mackinac Island weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May and September.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February. Most of it rains in September.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Mackinac Island?

The top attractions to visit in Mackinac Island are:

What is the best time to visit Mackinac Island?

June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May and September. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.