Mackinac Island, America’s coolcation destination, is primarily open from May to October. The island is home to historic Fort Mackinac and world-famous Mackinac. The closing date for this season is October 20th. Mackinac Island is open for typical tourism from early May to September, with the most crowds from early July to mid-August. The island is Michigan’s crown jewel, America’s top fresh water destination, and the summer capital of the world. The 2023 tourism season will be full of longtime favorites and new businesses at Michigan’s biggest vacation destination. The Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau is open from Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Visitors can enjoy historic parks, relaxing sandy beaches, unique shopping, and restaurants, while enjoying the natural beauty of Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island. Mackinac Island is home to about 500 people year-round and remains open to visitors through the winter.
📹 12 Things to Do Mackinac Island | What to Expect + Where to Stay
Michigan’s Mackinac Island is one of the most unique destinations in the United States. Before you go, it’s helpful to have a plan of …
Why does Mackinac Island close?
Mackinac Island State Park is open year-round, but its official opening is in late April and early May. Residents, shop owners, and innkeepers prepare the island for visitors by preparing the area for their arrival. The latest opening and closing dates and deals and packages can be found on the island’s website.
Is 1 day enough for Mackinac Island?
Mackinac Island, located in northern Michigan, can be visited on a day trip by ferry boat. However, a day trip doesn’t fully capture the beauty of Mackinac Island. There’s so much to see and do, and not spending the night on the island can limit the experience. One of the best aspects of Mackinac Island is its sunsets, which are a unique experience with the orange ball falling beneath the water. The rich palette of colors produced by a Mackinac Island sunset also makes for great photo opportunities.
What actor lives on Mackinac Island?
Mackinac Island is home to celebrities such as Vince Vaughn, Ron Howard, and Bob Seger. The island’s hottest month is July, with an average high of 75°F and low of 58°F. The cold season lasts 3. 4 months from December 2 to March 15, with an average daily high below 35°F. Leashed pets are welcome to explore the island, but they must be accompanied by a dog-friendly sticker in shops and restaurants. If a sticker is not visible, ask if your dog is allowed before entering.
Is it better to stay in Mackinaw City or Mackinac Island?
Many people choose to stay in Mackinaw City over Mackinac Island due to its lower cost and more modern, affordable accommodations. Mackinaw City offers more extensive nightlife and is conveniently located near shops, restaurants, and hotels. Ferries to Mackinac Island are available daily from both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, with direct departures occurring every 16 minutes. Mackinaw City has more ferry departures than St. Ignace and sometimes includes tours under the Mackinac Bridge.
Traveling from Mackinaw City avoids the Bridge fare and traffic jams on the Mackinac Bridge, making it the best option for those looking for a convenient and affordable way to travel to Mackinac Island.
How many days is enough on Mackinac Island?
Mackinac Island offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, including a relaxing weekend or a week-long trip. Some visitors spend a week exploring the island, enjoying world-famous fudge and natural beauty, while others check off their to-do list. The right amount of time for a visit depends on personal vacation pace and desired activities. Some popular activities include a narrated horse-drawn carriage tour, which provides an overview of the island and highlights its attractions and natural features.
A two-hour tour is recommended, while a drive-it-yourself carriage experience is also available. The right amount of time for a visit to Mackinac Island depends on personal preferences and desired activities.
Is Mackinac Island worth it?
Mackinac Island, known as the USA’s Best Summer Travel Destination, is known for its fascinating history, world-famous fudge, and stunning natural features. It was established as America’s second national park by Congress. However, many people visit the island in the fall, especially in October. The island offers a chance to relive the 1800s experience at historic Fort Mackinac, enjoy free samples of Mackinac Island fudge, explore the rugged interior of Mackinac Island State Park, and take a horse-drawn carriage tour for a charming overview of the car-free paradise.
Can you go to Mackinac Island?
Mackinac Island is accessible via ferry boat, air travel, or private boat. There are various ways to reach the island, each offering unique experiences. Planning a trip to Mackinac Island can be enjoyable, with activities such as horse-drawn carriage tours, fudge sampling, biking, horseback riding, butterfly house tours, historic fort tours, golf, fishing, shopping, kayaking, and more. There are activities for all ages, and there are several annual events that are perfect for planning a visit. Mackinac Island offers something for everyone, and there are also several activities for all ages.
What is the tourist season for Mackinac Island?
Mackinac Island is a popular tourist destination, open from May to September and experiencing the highest crowds from July to August. The island hosts events like the Lilac Festival, July 4th celebrations, and Fudge Festival during this time. Straits Pride, a newly founded advocacy organization, hosts events for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies. The third-ever Pride Festival takes place in September. For those seeking a quieter experience, the best times are early May to mid-June and late August to early October.
Is Mackinac Island open for visitors now?
Mackinac Island is open year-round, with its main tourism season being May-October. However, visitors can experience a unique winter experience, enjoying the island’s quiet beauty, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, taking beautiful pictures, and reading a good book. Winter information for the 2024-2025 season is provided. Public restrooms are not available from November to April. Dining options include Doud’s Market and Deli, Island Slice Pizzeria, Mustang Lounge, Kingston Kitchen, and Above Mackinac Condos. Lodging options include Pontiac Lodge, Village Inn Suites, and Above Mackinac Condos.
What isn t allowed on Mackinac Island?
The Mackinac Island State Park Commission has been working with the City of Mackinac Island for over a century to enforce a ban on automobiles within the park. The park is celebrating the occasion with special events on July 21, including a ceremonial “re-banning” of automobiles on the island. The 1886 Benz Motorwagen, which was used to initiate the ban, will be driven down Market Street to Mackinac Island City Council before Brisson and Mayor Margaret Doud reaffirm the ban. The event will begin at 7:00 p. m.
How long is the ferry ride to Mackinac?
The ferry ride to Mackinac Island takes 16-26 minutes, with direct departures from both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace taking 16 minutes. Mighty Mac departures under the Mackinac Bridge take about 10 minutes longer. All ferry tickets are valid for any departure during the current navigational season (April 21 – October 31, 2023). To ensure a hassle-free Shepler experience, guests are advised to arrive one hour in advance of their preferred departure time. Wind, current, and other natural factors beyond our control may also affect travel time.
📹 How do you get to Mackinac Island?
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The Island is NOT DISNEY LAND. The Island iis a real home/ town for local folks. The prices are rather high. Do not expect to get a hotel room by walk in. The Island is great for a day trip. If you enjoy history, you will definitely enjoy the Island. In fact the fur trade & exploration of the West started here!! Enjoy some fudge, pack a hamper of food, take a stroll, enjoy the scenery, soak of history. A must for any Summer bucket list!!
One of my favorite places to visit. I’m a native Michigander and I absolutely love northern Michigan and the U.P. Took my wife there on our honeymoon and then went back the following year. Some additional things I would recommend…. 1) Go horseback riding; or drive your own horse drawn carriage. Both are available for a small fee; and 2) Visit the cemetary on the island; it’s really cool if you enjoy that kind of thing. Another commenter also mentioned Drummond Island and it’s a fantastic place as well. It’s an off-roaders paradise so either bring a Jeep Wrangler, quads, or a side-by-side, and hit the trails.
I went with my sister in laws and we stayed at the Grand Hotel ..( they had a special package weekend).. it was awesome .. the hotel decor is definitely old elegance style.. dress up dinners and it was great… the in hotel boutiques are pricey… we brought our own bikes we biked around the island ..the shops and little cafes and restaurants are great… I have been to the island many a time..just love it…
My husband, who is a native Michigander, and I visited in 2019 for 4th of July for 4 nights. We stayed at the Island House Hotel and was surprised you didn’t mention it. It’s a great place to stay, good location, and offers a great porch to sit and read. We had a nice dinner at the Grand Hotel, toured the grounds, and remembered it was the place featured in the film, “Somewhere in Time”. I loved spending 4th of July on Mackinac Island – real Americana at its best! We hope to return this summer 2023. Mandy from Tucson🌵
Great article, thanks for sharing! Me & my family have been to the Island many times over the years, to the point that day trips just don’t cut it for us anymore. One thing you mentioned was biking around the Island–thats pretty much a given, but I take it one step further and run around it as I’m a long distance runner. Its something I look forward to everytime we are on the Island. Also, if you stay at night, you need to walk along the boardwalk and take it the lights of the Mackinac Bridge at dusk. Of course I guess you can do that from the porch of the Grand Hotel too, if you decide to stay there…:) (Steve Orchard, Kingsford, Michigan–in the U.P.!)
Went last August for our 30th anniversary. Great vid explaining all the info. We stayed at Mission Point. Grounds were gorgeous, our room was very old. Would recommend staying at the newer section. I am a HUGE Somewhere In Time fan and stopping at sites on the island where scenes were shot was amazing! The small room with the movie memorabilia at the Grand Hotel was so cool. One scene was filmed at the theater at MP. They were showing the movie when we were there in the theater and I sat in the seat where Christopher Reeve sat in the movie ❤️. The gardens on Mackinac are incredible and designed by Jack Barnwell. There is a “hidden garden” at the Grand below by the tennis courts. It’s spectacular! They have a Mackinac Garden Show for the island every August. I would stay at Hotel Iroquois next time.
Thank you for this article! I was debating where to do a close getaway with my husband after our recent court house wedding and this was one of the locations i had in mind, we’re from Chicago. pretty much copying your itinerary and suggestions in your article. I’m pretty much leading him on this vacation blind.. can’t wait!
You don’t have to climb those 200 steps to see Arch Rock. It’s usually approached from the back and is on the carriage tour. Although eating at the Grand Hotel is reportedly overpriced and overrated, the Grand operates the “tea room” on the terrace at the fort, where the food is decent though a little pricey. The view alone is worth it. Don’t stay at the Grand. It’s not worth the price. Mission Point is beautiful and a better value, but I have always loved the Windermere Hotel with its grand scale, shabby chic, amazing porch and family ownership. Drinks at Mission Point at night with the breeze coming through the open windows is dreamy until the bats have you diving under the bar! The porch at the Grand never gets old; find a way to hang out there, even if it costs the price of an expensive drink at the Cupola Bar (an adventure in itself) or the admission price. Once you are in, you can explore all the public areas, including an art gallery, the ballroom, and the lovely lobby. It’s like a cruise ship. Try to view the sunset from the porch or the Cupola Bar. Riding bikes around the base of the island is kind of a thing to check off the bucket list, but it is long. If you can walk a bike up the steep road next to the Grand, you can try the trails up top through the woods, emerging at Arch Rock and the East Bluff. The West Bluff is super rich and fun to bike through, and the area below it has a boardwalk and beaches perfect for bonfires and sunsets. Yes, you can afford to eat there if every meal isn’t a big production.
A voice had a hard time looking At accommodations on island paradise especially for 4. Only stayed twice Of the last 10 or 15 years of going. St ignace is the best place to stay I think. Hotels on the beach, less Congestion. Maybe funner, funner places to see in Magnolia city. Brighter appearing atmosphere
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