Mackinac Island, Michigan pronounced as Mack-i-naw Island, is a widely celebrated travel destination in Michigan. It is located in Lake Huron, between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsula. The main tourist season starts in April and lasts until the end of October when the regular schedule of ferry service ends. However, the island is open for visitors year-round, even through the winter. Here are the top things to see and do in a day.
Getting Mackinac Island And Around:
The island is well-connected to almost all major cities around the Midwest and beyond. Pellston Regional Airport (PLN) and Chippewa County International Airport (CIU) are the two closest airports. Both these airports are less than 35 minutes from the ferry docks and have two shuttle options that take you from the airport to the ferry docks of either St. Ignace (Upper Peninsula) or Mackinac City (Lower Peninsula).
Mackinac Island
Catching The Ferry To Mackinac Island:
Two ferry operators, namely Shepler’s Ferry and Star Line Ferry, provide transportation services from both St. Ignace and Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island. The ride typically takes 16-26 minutes to reach the island right in the heart of the town. Day-trippers can park their cars for free in the designated ferry lots in St. Ignace or Mackinaw City. E-bikes are not permitted on the island.
However, bikes, tandem bikes, strollers, and bike trailers/burley/wagons are permitted and can be carried on the ferry. Alternatively, you can also rent bikes from any of the multiple rental services available across downtown Mackinac Island.
Ferry Dock at Mackinac-City
We reached Shepler’s mainland area, parked our car, and took a free shuttle to reach Shepler’s Ferry dock. We had booked the ferry ticket a day prior and caught the morning ferry to the island the next day.
I recommend boarding a morning ferry as it allows you to have most of the day in hand for exploring. We had booked a roundtrip with Shepler’s Ferry. They have different ticket combinations. You can check out Ferry Tickets here.
Main Street
You can immerse yourself in the allure of Mackinac Island, for a day of pure magic. Traverse car-free streets past Victorian architecture, bike around the perimeter for breathtaking views, explore Fort Mackinac’s historical echoes, savor local flavors, and bask in a sunset that ignites the sky.
Biking the 8.3-mile bike trail along Lake Huron is a great activity for all ages.
Once you’re on the island, you can choose to explore either on foot, on a bike, or by renting/ hiring horses and carriages. We first had a scrumptious brunch and then rented a tandem bike to explore the island. You can rent a bike from any shop, all shops are close to the main entrance (Prices are the same everywhere).
We thoroughly enjoyed exploring the island on a bike all along the edges of the lake. We rode for around 8.3 miles with a pacifying sight of Lake Huron on one side, several attractions on the other, and a clear blue sky roofing us.
Image(L): Sainte Anne’s Catholic Church, Image(C): Main Street, Mackinac Island
Touring Mackinac Island On Tandem Bike:
The emotive experience of riding along the blues and teals of the lake made us realize what makes Mackinac Island such a popular tourist destination in Michigan. The trail guides you across several famed historic sites of the island. The sound of water splashing against the rocks draws you into the natural setting.
View of Arch Rock and Lake Huron Shoreline
We stopped by and climbed around 207 steps to view the island’s most famous geological formation – Arch Rock. The astounding beauty of this natural limestone arch speaks boldly for itself and is widely photographed. Standing 146 feet above the Lake Huron shoreline, the arch poses as a unique natural window frame to the spectacular lake view.
View of Lake Huron from the top of Arch Rock Point
Attractions On The Way:
After 4.5 miles next we come to the British Landing point. Here one can find restrooms inside the nature center. We spend some time to enjoy the incredible view of Lake Huron. Took some pictures and then started biking again. The trail also takes you along another famous island retreat,
Pointe Aux Pins, which is a peninsula that runs south into Lake Erie. As we kept riding, we came across Devil’s Kitchen, a small and shallow cave on the western shore of the island. The cave has two hollows in a rocky cliff, one on top of the other. Local stories describe the cave as a place where evil spirits capture and eat people who get too close. Hence, the name Devil’s Kitchen.
We also rode past the huge Fort Mackinac, whose foundation dates back to American Revolution. The fort served as a military outpost, a home for soldiers and their families, and eventually the headquarters of Mackinac National Park.
British Landing on Mackinac Island
Main Street Shopping And Dinning:
We had a fun-filled ride all around the island and had our minds filled with the beautiful sceneries and attractions we came across along the way. We came down to the main street shopping and dining area where we bought ourselves some souvenirs, t-shirts, and then went ahead to try some delicacies at Murdick’s fudge. Murdick’s is a renowned fudge shop famous for its pure Michigan Fudge Flavors.
World-famous fudge-making at Murdick’s fudge
The day had almost come to an end, so we spent some time relaxing at the green cape of Marquette Park. The park is located at the foot of Fort Mackinac and was previously used as a garden for growing vegetables. Now that
it is revamped as an amazing park, the beautiful lake view in the front and melodious live music set the tone for a perfect ambiance. We took a return ferry and had a mesmerizing view of the Mackinac Bridge. It was a soothing end to our lovely day at the island thinking what a wonderful place Mackinac Island is to come back to!
View of Fort Mackinac from Marquette Park
If you’ve had the pleasure of visiting Mackinac Island, we invite you to share your experiences and thoughts. Your personal insights can add a layer of authenticity and depth to the narrative, providing fellow readers with a more comprehensive glimpse into the island’s magic.
We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights and tips to enhance your travel experiences and adventures.
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Remember, every journey is a story waiting to be told. Safe travels, wanderers!
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