Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau

W. John Ruffing

2023-09

Since our honeymoon some 34 year ago my wife and I have been coming to Mackinac Island. Starting with a short ferry ride to get there, you feel transported to a different place and time. Mackinac Island provides a unique opportunity for visitors to experience a “no motor vehicle” approach to life - requiring them to walk, ride a bike or take a horse-drawn taxi to get to a destination - instead of driving there. This results in an immediate slowing down of pace and gets you into “vacation mode” right away where one is, quite literally, able to “stop and smell the roses” or take a picture of them. For many, a day trip to the gift shops may be all they associate with a visit to Mackinac Island. While there are guided tours to the more well-known main attractions, such as Arch Rock and the like, the number and variety of trails are one of the islands best kept “secrets”. These well-mapped trails range from smooth paved bike and walking trails around the perimeter and interior of the island to hiking paths - some of which are well-suited to both equestrian and/or mountain bike travels. Beyond that, there is so much more to experience when you stay overnight at one of the many hotels here. Once the day-tourists depart on the last ferry, the island takes on a whole new character - a serene quality that lasts until the next next morning where the streets are quiet and empty and you can enjoy some solitude with a hot cup of coffee or your favorite beverage from one of the coffee shops before the first ferry arrives. For those who prefer a little more activity in the evening, Horn’s Bar is a popular night spot - often with live music. Of course, whether you visit just for the day or overnight there are many excellent restaurants here ranging from simple hamburger fare to cuisine that will satisfy even the most sophisticated palate. So regardless of what you are looking for, the island has something for everyone and you can be assured that you’ll have a great time when you visit.

David Thekkath

2023-09

I came here for a day vacation. It was great. There are beaches and a very pretty bike route. There are so many restaurants to try out. I loved it so much that I am planning to go again!

Greg Dickson

2019-05

I loved coming here as a young man exploring this great country of ours. Now I am a proud father and I love sharing this with my beautiful family. I just enjoy the way the island slows life back down. Biking. Hiking shopping is all done so much less stressful. Just not worrying about the cars was great.

Jan Ross

2022-05

Went for a ride with Eden today. She is so knowledgeable and sweet. Really appreciated her and her beautiful horses. Unfortunately I forgot to take a picture with them!

Happy Family

2023-07

Masha Allah I never seen like the water even so much better ride bicycle 🚴 and so much fun! Thank you

Chris Voigt

2018-05

Everything is handled with class! Very nicely kept grounds. This establishment impacts much of Mackinaw Island and as a result has had a positive influence on the overall tone of the experience to the island. The meals were top notch, and requiring a proper dress code in the evening adding a level of fun sophistication to the experience. This Hotel's service, class, and unique experience does not come without a price tag, and unfortunately may be out of grasp for some island visitors to stay.

Rita Loeding

2018-05

Our visit included the Grand Buffet for lunch and the self-guided tour. The lunch and tour was $47 total including beverages and tip. The Chef put on quite a lunch, salads, meats, cheese, desserts. Lunch is served 12 to 2pm. The tour is at your own pace. Our favorite is the rockers on the front porch. It was a rainy day during our visit and we took the carriage tour first and it was perfect timing to end for lunch at the Grand Hotel.The dining room holds 1,000 people so plenty of room.It was a little tricky to locate the dining room- you need to use the elevator .Plenty of shopping in the hotel- wine, tea, toys, art, gifts.

jeff zimmerman

2019-05

Wonderful place to visit like going back in time. You can ride your bike around the island 8.3 miles. Go to the grand great lunch buffet.

Sue R

2019-05

Wanted to see this island since I was a little girl and first heard of it over 50 years ago. Take one of the carriage rides on the island and learn the history of Fort Mackinac. Smell the smoke of the black powder guns used at the fort and talk to the many curators in the buildings at the fort. Stroll around town and see the many shops or spend a night or two in one of the many Bed and Breakfasts or at the Grand Hotel. Beautiful place to see.

Karen Christmas

2019-05

Loved this place. We purchased a tour of Mackinac Island from the official website and picked them up the day we arrived. The staff explained everything in great detail and our package included everything we wanted to see while we were on the Island. The only way to get on the Island is by ferry. Once there you can select your transportation from a horse drawn carriage or horseback, a bicycle or walking. We took the carriage around most of the Island until we got to the Grand Hotel, then we walked back to take the ferry back to the mainland. This is a trip worth repeating!

Aditi SK

2019-05

Lovely , clean, entertaining island. With a lot of things you can do with family. Cycling was the most fun, around the island. Beautiful shore and beautiful view. Must visit. House carriage rides, etc. Fun fun fun!

Angie Sleight

2022-05

We had a Blast on May 24th, 2021. We go every year . We visited places we hadn't seen before. It's so beautiful up there. Can't wait to go back.

Nirmal Vachhani

2018-05

This island is unique in the sense that no motor vehicles are allowed to keep environmrnt clean. Only bicycles and horse driven carts are allowed. People are very simple and cooperative.

Kent Tolliver

2018-05

The most charming and crowded destination in Michigan. Summer days here are wonderful if you don't mind a crowd downtown. If you do I recommend you grab a bike and get out of town. There you'll find breathtaking scenery and wonderful quiet stops to enjoy life. The trails in the park are a hikers dream. Believe it or not you can find a lot of peaceful places even at the height of the season. Holmes fort and arch rock offer some great photo opportunities. Every Michigander should visit at least once in their lifetime.

Kay Bieber

2023-05

Loved the island! Walked to arch rock, fort Holmes, the grand hotel (and the secret garden), and shopped and ate fudge!

Mitch Smith

2018-05

A very cool place to check out. It honestly feels like you are stepping back in time. The island is beautiful, there are no cars allowed, and most people rode bikes. My fiance and I rented a tandem bike for around $25 for about two hours.You need to take a ferry over to the island which costs about $23 and take a around 30 minutes. There is a very cute small town where the ferry docks.

John Hiebert

2018-05

It seems ok. I mean everything on this island is overpriced and somewhat underwhelming. It's a beautiful place, don't get me wrong, but the places know you're a captive audience and this place felt like that. It's probably standard fare for the island and the hotel was clean and such. It's just...wow...that's a lot of money for what we got. It has a nice pool and a BBQ restaurant in the back (that we didn't get a chance to try).

Beth Keenan

2019-05

A must do. We biked around the entire island. Had Ice Cream at the Grand Hotel. Amazing veiws. Loved the island so much.

Vijayakumar Mopuru

2019-05

Good one day trip spend in beautiful island with no motor vehicals. Best option is to rent the bike and explore the island.

Manuel Zepeda

2023-05

Eating at Mary's Bistro I had the Rotisserie chicken with asparagus and mashed potatoes and gravy it was to die for. Had great service also some of the food my family ate

Melissa Harmon

2019-05

Had a great time exploring the island after my first ever bridge Walk on labor day 2018.

Dennis Summers

2019-05

Be prepared for an adventure and dont even think about driving around. Bikes, horse drawn carriages, and foot traffic only. Such an amazing place and so much history. You can even stay on the island over night but you better book in advance because most places are sold out days if not weeks in advance.

Erick Castro

2019-05

Beautiful island and historic place to visit. Need a couple days to explore though.

Rana Kasim

2019-05

Wonderful and amazing place you need more than one day to enjoy , we ride bick to see all the Island . Really you need to go there .

Ronnie Young

2023-05

Great little island with lots to do. I recommend the carriages for a tour. Great experience.

Sabrina Duffey

2023-05

Pleasant people, great ice cream, fun biking, fireworks, ferry ride and great shopping

Arindam Sen

2019-05

Awesome trip and q really wonderful place to visit during summers

Paul bridges

2019-05

Really had great day touring island ,by bike a nd on foot shopping, eating definitely would do it again,

Jeff Selgren

2019-05

With no vehicles allowed on the island, horse carriages, bicycles, and walking are your only modes of transportation. Go back in time when things were simpler, and enjoy the historical architecture and beautiful natural scenery the island povides.

Bob E

2023-10

What an eye opening experience. No cars, only bicycles or horse drawn taxis or carriage rides. Took the private carriage ride around entire 8 mile island. Driver is a resident and was very informative about the island and the history. Highly recommend this ride!!