Things to do on Mackinaw Island Michigan

Mackinac Island MI should be on your Michigan bucket list.

Mackinac Island is the perfect place to make vacation memories that will last a lifetime.

Begin with the magic feeling you get when you step off the ferry dock. This magical feeling will last for the rest of your time on this historic, enchanting island.

Mackinac Island, Michigan’s crown jewel, is rich in Victorian charm; breathtaking natural beauty; Native American culture and early American history.

You can also enjoy the stunning blue views from the lake while riding along the Lake Huron coast, sometimes so close to the water.

You can’t miss the mouthwatering fudge at almost every corner of the island, the historic downtown or the strikingly old rock formations that make this Michigan island gem so special.

Mackinac Island Michigan guide can help you plan your vacation.

There are endless things to do during your Mackinac Island visit, whether you are planning a solo trip or with family.

You’ve also found great Mackinac Island date ideas!

We are sharing our Mind-blowing Mackinac Adventures: TOP11 Things to Do on Mackinac Island in Michigan. Clear your schedule and book your Star Line ferry trip. Then, you will be in Mackinaw City ready to embark on your next Michigan adventure.

Carriage Tours

Mackinac Island’s carriage tour is a great way to begin your Mackinac Island vacation. A carriage ride is great for couples on honeymoon, families with children, and even groups of friends.

You can take your carriage ride downtown Mackinac. There are many tours on Mackinac island. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of the island from a horse-drawn carriage and will be able to view the highlights in an authentic, creative way.

You will pass famous Mackinac Island attractions such as Trinity Church (1882) which still holds services and Marquette Park (at the foot of Fort Mackinac).

Even if you don’t like buggies or horses, riding a carriage around Mackinac is a relaxing and fun way to see the island and learn more about Mackinac.

Explore Mackinac Island’s History

Mackinac Island is full of interesting historical sites. There are many ways to discover the island’s unique history, including a historic downtown or historic buildings at every corner.

Mackinac State Historic Parks houses the natural and human history of Mackinac Island.

It also includes museums such as:

Fort Mackinac
Stuart House
Biddle House
Mackinac Art Museum, Richard and Jane Manoogian
The Shipwreck Museum

This historic park system also includes Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park, Colonial Michilimackinac.

Mackinac Island’s museums are a wonderful way to learn more about this Michigan treasure.

You can also explore other historic landmarks:

Fort Holmes
Governor’s Summer House
St. Annes Catholic Church
Museum of the Maritime Art Icebreaker Mackinaw
Mackinac Island State Park
Fort Mackinac

Afternoon tea at the Grand Hotel

Afternoon Tea is offered by the Grand Hotel of Mackinac Island in the hotel parlor. This beautiful place is one of the most popular places to dine on Mackinac Island .

Enjoy the afternoon tea and snacks from Mackinac while listening to soothing live music. This is a wonderful place to spend a rainy afternoon on the island.

Mackinac Horseback Riding

It is a must-do activity to spend time on Mackinac Island’s nature trails, with your reins in hand and the cool breeze blowing your face. Jacks Livery Stable in Mackinac Island Michigan is a great spot to learn horseback riding. This authentic way to explore Mackinac Island Michigan is possible with a guide and other riders on horses.

Grand Hotel Stables is also a great place to start your Mackinac horseback riding tour. Here you can also take a tour of the 8,700-square foot working stable.

Bike riding

The bike tours on Mackinac Island are a great option if you prefer riding a bicycle to riding a horse. You can start your journey at the Mackinac Island Bike Shop.

You can bike around Mackinac, whether you’re a regular cyclist or if you are just starting out. There are shorter routes and guided tours that take you around the island.

Round Island

Mackinac Island isn’t the only island worth seeing in northern Michigan’s waters. Round Island is an uninhabited, small island located in the Straits of Mackinac. These islands connect Lake Huron with Lake Michigan.

Round Island is a great place to visit Mackinac because it is so close. It also offers the opportunity to see the Round Island Lighthouse and other tourist attractions.

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse is a great place to go if you are looking for another lighthouse.

The Rocks

You may now be ready to experience a little bit of natural wonder. Arch Rock and Sugar Loaf Rock are two of the amazing rock formations found on Mackinac Island.

Arch Rock is a tall arch that rises above the clear waters of the lake below. It is easy to find (and you can walk right up to it if necessary). A safe overlook extends beyond the arch.

Sugar Loaf Rock stands at 75 feet tall, surrounded by natural forests. The legend that surrounds Sugar Loaf is part of its wonder. Mackinac’s website has more information about the Legend of Sugar Loaf.

Shopping in Mackinac

This trip is not limited to horses and nature trails. Mackinac Island tourism includes dynamite-shopping.

Mackinaw Crossings is the best place to shop on the mainland. The Victorian-inspired buildings offer everything you need, from clothing and fudge to free laser light shows.

You can find farmers markets close to Mackinac for more local shopping.

Explore Nature on Mackinac Island

Mackinac offers a variety of nature-oriented activities. Mackinac’s butterfly conservatory is a great place to begin.

The Original Mackinac Island Butterflies House and Insects’ World has a beautiful, educational butterfly garden that everyone can enjoy.

You will be able to connect with Michigan’s natural beauty through imagination and the delight of the butterflies house and insects that you’ll learn about.

Wings of Mackinac butterfly conservatory, if you can’t get enough of Mackinac Island’s butterfly world, is another great place to visit.

These butterflies are housed in an indoor garden with flowers. If you go inside, you will likely see one of them flitting around to land on your face within minutes.

Zip Lining

Zip lining in Mackinaw City offers an exciting thrill and another outdoor activity. To zip through the air, visit Adrenaline Falls Zipline or Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park.

Boat and Kayak Tours

Sometimes all you need is to hop on a boat, and sail. You can do that with a Mackinac Island boat trip! Star Line Ferry, St Ignace is one of many boat tour companies that are available on the Mackinac Bridge!

Perhaps you prefer to be in the water more than you are on it. Mackinac’s Great Turtle Kayak Tours allow you to glide through the lake on guided kayak tours. This will make the island even more special.

Mackinac Island: Where to Stay

You’ll need a place to spend the night in Mackinac Island, whether you’re from Grand Rapids or Traverse City. Find the best Mackinac Island lodging options by using our Mackinac Island Lodging Guide!

Ultimate Mackinac Island Guide

We love all the Mackinac Islands tourist delights, but this guide is not exhaustive. You won’t want to leave this island unless you have visited it once. You can board the Mackinac Island ferry right now!