A Week of Adventure on Mackinac Island

A trip to Mackinac Island is a fantastic experience filled with natural beauty, history, and unique local culture. Below is a 7-day itinerary that covers the island’s must-see attractions, outdoor activities, and leisurely time to soak in Mackinac Island and all it has to offer.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive on Mackinac Island via ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace. Check into your hotel or bed & breakfast. Highly recommended accommodations include: Above Mackinac Condos, The Mackinac House,  The Cottage Inn, or the historic Grand Hotel.
  • Afternoon: Rent a bicycle or take a leisurely horse-drawn carriage tour around the island to get a feel for its layout and history.
  • Evening: Dine at a local eatery such as The Island Slice Pizzeria or The Yankee Rebel Tavern.

         End the evening with a stroll along the harbor or Main Street to browse local shops and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.​             

Day 2: Historical Sights

  • Morning: Grab breakfast and a coffee from Good Day Cafe. Then head out to visit Fort Mackinac, a well-preserved military outpost dating back to 1780. Explore the historic buildings, cannons, and enjoy demonstrations of life in the 19th century.
  • Afternoon: Head to Mackinac Island State Park and hike to Arch Rock, one of the island’s most iconic natural formations. Enjoy the stunning views of Lake Huron from above.
  • Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner at The Pink Pony Cafe or The Seabiscuit Cafe. Spend the evening listening to live music at one of the island’s pubs.

Day 3: The Grand Hotel Experience

  • Morning: Spend time at the Grand Hotel. Walk along the world's longest front porch, enjoy afternoon tea, or visit the hotel's gardens.
  • Afternoon: Play a round of golf at The Jewel, the Grand Hotel’s historic golf course, or relax by the hotel’s pool. Alternatively, visit the Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum.
  • Evening: Dine at one of the Grand Hotel’s restaurants, such as Woods or the Main Dining Room, for a formal, fine dining experience.

Day 4: Outdoor Adventure

  • Morning: Explore the island by horseback with Jack's Livery Stable or Saddle Horses Mackinac Island, offering scenic rides through the island’s interior forest trails.
  • Afternoon: Rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore the crystal-clear waters of Lake Huron and get unique views of the island’s shoreline. You might even have time to opt for a hike on Crack-in-the-Island trail or Sugar Loaf for more natural sights.
  • Evening: Take a sunset cruise around the island. Many local companies offer boat tours that provide amazing views of Mackinac Bridge and the island at dusk.

Day 5: Spa Day and Shopping

  • Morning: Treat yourself to a relaxing spa day at Lakeside Spa and Salon at Mission Point Resort or the spa at the Grand Hotel.
  • Afternoon: Spend time shopping in downtown Mackinac Island, where you’ll find souvenir stores like Little Luxuries of Mackinac Island, local artisan goods, and fudge shops (a must-try!). Sample different types of the island's famous Mackinac Island Fudge at places like Murdick's Fudge or Joann's Fudge.
  • Evening: Relax with a laid-back dinner at The Carriage House at the Hotel Iroquois or enjoy a pizza and casual dining at Goodfellow's.

Day 6: Day Trip to Mackinac Bridge and Mackinaw City

  • Morning: Take a ferry back to the mainland and visit Mackinaw City. Start with the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse and take a tour to learn about its significance in shipping history. Visit Colonial Michilimackinac, a historic site and museum in Mackinaw City.
  • Afternoon: Spend time walking or driving across the Mackinac Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, connecting Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. 
  • Evening: Return to Mackinac Island and have dinner at Island House or 1852 Grill Room.

Day 7: Relax and Farewell

  • Morning: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast, then spend your final hours taking a leisurely walk or ride around the island. Visit spots you may have missed, like Skull Cave or British Landing.
  • Afternoon: Take in the peaceful atmosphere one last time before catching your ferry back to the mainland.

 

Additional Activities to Consider:

  • Butterfly Houses: Visit the Original Butterfly House and Insect Museum or Wings of Mackinac to enjoy peaceful encounters with beautiful butterflies.
  • Nature Trails: Explore Tranquil Bluff Trail or Point Lookout, offering scenic, quieter hikes.
  • Boat Rentals: If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a boat or take a sailing tour.

This itinerary offers a balanced blend of history, outdoor exploration, and relaxation while allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the charm of Mackinac Island. Of course, this list is just a sampling of everything available to do on Mackinac Island. Need more ideas? Head on over to the Island's official web page for an exhaustive list of events, activities, sweets and eats!