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Mackinac Island sits in Lake Huron near the Straits of Mackinac, the narrow passage between Michigan's two peninsulas. It was a strategic outpost during the fur trade and changed hands between British and American forces, then became one of the Midwest's earliest summer resorts. Motor vehicles have long been banned, so people get around on foot, by bicycle or in horse-drawn carriages, which gives the island an unusually quiet, old-fashioned atmosphere.
Ferries arrive at the downtown harbor, where Main Street is lined with Victorian storefronts and fudge shops that have become an island tradition. Fort Mackinac, perched on the bluff above, offers costumed interpreters, cannon firings and sweeping harbor views, and Marquette Park spreads out below it. The Grand Hotel, known for its very long front porch, overlooks the straits from the West Bluff, where summer cottages line the road. Much of the island is protected state park land, with wooded trails leading to Arch Rock, a natural limestone arch above the water, and to Fort Holmes, the island's highest point. Sugar Loaf and Skull Cave are other rock formations in the interior.
Cycling the M-185 loop around the shoreline is a classic outing, passing British Landing on the western shore. The east end holds the historic Mission Church. Day trips are common, but staying overnight reveals the island after the crowds leave.
WiserMap travel guideMackinac Island Michigan Fort Mackinac Fudge and Bike LoopPlan Mackinac Island: Fort Mackinac, Arch Rock, the M-185 bike loop, Main Street fudge, horse-drawn carriages, ferries, seasons and a car-free itinerary.Read the guide
Busy harbor-front street where ferries land, lined with fudge shops that make fudge on marble slabs in their windows, plus gift shops, bike rentals and restaurants. Horse-drawn carriages and bikes share the road, as cars are banned on the island. Rent bikes early in the day before the best ones go.
Fort on the bluff above the harbor built by the British during the American Revolution, with original buildings including the stone officers quarters. Costumed interpreters fire cannons and muskets and lead programs in summer. The tea room terrace has great views. Combine tickets with other state park sites.
Site on the northwest shore where British troops landed in 1812 to capture Fort Mackinac at the start of the War of 1812. Today it has a nature center, picnic areas and a snack stand. The western shore is quieter than downtown, with views toward the Mackinac Bridge. It is a good rest stop on the loop.
Mission Church, built in 1829, is the oldest surviving church building in Michigan, a simple white New England style church on the east end. Nearby are the Mission Point resort lawns and the American Fur Company area. It is a quiet walk from downtown. Check the state park site for opening times.
Lawn below Fort Mackinac with a statue of Father Marquette and lilacs that bloom in June, a classic spot for photos of the fort. Nearby historic buildings run by Mackinac State Historic Parks, such as the Biddle House and the Beaumont Museum, show island life and medical history. A combined ticket covers them.
Grand Hotel, opened in 1887, is known for its 660-foot front porch, one of the longest in the world. Non-guests can pay an admission fee to walk the porch and gardens. Nearby, the West Bluff has grand Victorian summer cottages. Dress codes apply in the evening at the hotel, so check them first.
Natural limestone arch about 146 feet above the water on the east side of the island, formed by erosion. Visitors can see it from a viewing platform at the top or from the M-185 shore road below. Reach it by bike, carriage tour or a walk up from downtown. It is busiest in the middle of the day.
Sugar Loaf is a tall limestone stack rising out of the forest in the center of the island. Nearby, Skull Cave is a small cave linked to a legend of the fur trader Alexander Henry hiding from danger. Both are short rides or walks from Fort Mackinac. Grab a state park map to follow the trails.
M-185 is the only state highway in the U.S. with no cars, an 8.2-mile flat shoreline road around the island used by cyclists, walkers and carriages. It passes Arch Rock, beaches and British Landing, with views of the Straits. The loop takes about an hour by bike. Ride counterclockwise with the flow.
Site of a wooden fort built by the British during the War of 1812 on the island's highest point, now a reconstructed blockhouse. Views stretch over the island, the Straits of Mackinac and the Mackinac Bridge. It is reached by road or trail through the woods of the state park. Bring a camera.
Two indoor tropical gardens, the Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House and Wings of Mackinac, let visitors walk among hundreds of free-flying butterflies from around the world, with displays on their life cycle. They are a good option on a rainy day. Wear bright colors, and move slowly to let butterflies land.
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