Mackinac Island bans cars entirely — everything on the island moves by foot, bike, or horse-drawn carriage, which alone makes it one of the most distinctive destinations in the Midwest. Sitting in Lake Huron between Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas, it's a step back into a slower, 19th-century pace of travel.
Top Things to Do on Mackinac Island
The Grand Hotel, with the world's longest porch, has anchored the island since 1887 and is worth seeing even if you're not staying the night — non-guests can visit for a fee that includes access to the grounds. Biking the island's 8-mile perimeter road, the only road in Michigan without a car ever having driven on it, is one of the best ways to see the whole island in a few hours.
Mackinac Island State Park covers most of the island's interior, including Arch Rock, a natural limestone arch overlooking the lake, and Fort Mackinac, a restored 18th-century British-and-American fort with costumed interpreters and cannon demonstrations. Fudge shops line the main street — Mackinac fudge is a genuine regional institution, not just a tourist gimmick.
What to Pack for Mackinac Island
With no cars on the island, you'll be walking or biking everywhere, often carrying your own bags from the ferry dock to your hotel. The VacationGrabs Leather Travel Backpack is an easy, comfortable option for getting around on foot, and the VacationGrabs Leather Overnight Duffel is a manageable size for the ferry crossing from Mackinaw City.
Book Mackinac Island Tours and Experiences
Horse-drawn carriage tours, bike rentals, and Mackinac Island ferry tickets from Mackinaw City are among the best ways to experience the island. Browse Mackinac Island tours and experiences below to plan your trip.
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