Day 2: Mackinac Island
Take a 15 minute ferry ride from Downtown Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island.
Since horses, bicycles and your own two feet are the only modes of transportation on the Island, we suggest that you step back in time with a horsedrawn carriage tour. Learn about the island at your leisure with this fully narrated tour. Get on or off at any time as you visit the Governor’s Mansion, Grand Hotel, Surrey Hills Museum, Blacksmith Shop, Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservancy, Post Cemetary, Arch Rock, Fort Mackinac and the Stuart House Fur Trading Museum. Enjoy the living history reenactments at Fort Mackinac, Michigan’s only original revolutionary war fort. The 1880’s uniformed soldiers fire riffles, play music and fire a cannon salute over the harbor.
Relax over a picnic in the state park, enjoy lunch at the Grand Hotel or stop in to one of the many fine restaurants on the Island.
Take the afternoon to explore. Rent a bike, carriage or horse and explore the rest of the island on you own. Shop the over 40 unique shops on the Island or play a round of golf on one of the three golf courses.
When your day is done, catch a ferry ride back to Mackinaw City. Ferry rides leave every ½ hour in peak season and are a 15 minute smooth sail.
Things to do on Mackinac Island-
Natural Attractions on Mackinac Island:
Arch Rock, Sugar Loaf, Devil's Kitchen, Skull Cave -
Historical Sites on Mackinac Island:
Fort Mackinac, St. Anne's Church, Governor's Residence, Beaumont Memorial, Indian Dormitory. -
Eat Fudge on Mackinac Island:
Mackinac Island is famous for its fudge, and there are lots of flavors to try! -
Golf on Mackinac Island:
The Jewel, The Woods, or Wawashkamo Golf Courses -
Shop on Mackinac Island:
Over 40 shops on the Island -
Rent a bike on Mackinac Island:
Ride around the perimeter of the Island - work off all that fudge! -
Rent a horse or a horse & carriage on Mackinac Island:
Rent from one of the local liveries and see the Island on your own. -
Tour Mackinac Island
Arrange for a private carriage tour of Mackinac Island. -
Be scared on Mackinac Island:
Enjoy the show at the Haunted Theater. -
Be Grand on Mackinac Island:
Walk the porch at the famous Grand Hotel, enjoy the 150 foot buffet, visit the hotel stable and carriage collection.
Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island Ferrys
Arnold Mackinac Island Ferry Co.
Local: (231) 436-5542
Toll Free: (800) 542-8528
website: www.arnoldline.com
Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry
LocaL: (231) 436-5045
website: www.mackinawferry.com
Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry
Local: (231) 436-5023
Toll Free: (800) 828-6157
website: www.sheplersferry.com
