Mackinac Island

Getting to the Island

Mackinac Island can be accessed from the boat docks in Mackinaw City in the Lower Peninsula or from St. Ignace boat docks in the Upper Peninsula. If you are traveling by car, I-75 will bring you to either Mackinaw City or St. Ignace.

All season long, Mackinac Island is serviced from both of these cities by two ferry companies: Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry and Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry. Travel time is less than 30 minutes.

 

Pellston Airport is approximately 15 miles from the Island. Mackinaw Shuttle Services and Wolverine Stages (800) 825-1450 are located in the main terminal of the airport to provide ground transportation to the ferries headed to the Island. Additionally, Great Lakes Air and Fresh Air Aviation are full service charter services that offers a seven minute flight from St. Ignace to Mackinac Island.

Upon arrival at the boat dock on Mackinac Island, there will be dock porters to direct you to Hart’s at the top of French Lane and help you with your luggage, if you choose.

 

Getting Around Mackinac Island

 

By Horse

Horse drawn taxi services are a favorite for tourists looking to experience Mackinac Island culture. If you need a taxi for island transport, call (906) 847-3323. While out and about on the Island, taxis can also be requested at restaurants and hotels. One can experience Mackinac a variety of ways by horse. There are private or group horse drawn carriage tours, guided horseback rides, and private carriages for hire. Call the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau at (906) 847-3783 for information.

By Bike

Bikes are the most popular way to explore Mackinac. There are many options for bike rentals. Electronic or manual wheelchairs are also available for those with medical disabilities.

Mackinac Wheels

Mackinac Island Bike Shop

Mission Point Resort

Ryba’s Bike Rental

 

Natural Attractions

 

The scenic beauty of Mackinac Island is one of its main attractions. Within Mackinac Island State Park are miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

 

In Mackinac Island State Park you will find many many geological landmarks such as Arch Rock, Devil’s Kitchen, Sugar Loaf and Skull Cave.

Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory
Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House & Insect World

 

Historical Sites & Museums

 

Visit one of the island's many historical sites and museums:

British Landing
Fort Mackinac
Fort Holmes
The Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum
Surrey Hills Carriage Museum
Stuart House Museum

Churches

St. Anne Catholic Church
Trinity Episcopal Church
Little Stone Church
Mackinac Island Bible Church

Haunts

Adventurous visitors enjoy discovering the tales of various Mackinac Island ghostly encounters. Featured on the SyFy channel’s Ghost Hunters and in Todd Clements’s book Haunts of Mackinac, the Island intrigues visitors with its haunted history. Free babysitting is available for children, who may not enjoy these ghostly tributes.

Haunted Theatre
Haunted History Tour

Mackinac Island Activities

 

Although Mackinac Island is known for taking you back to an era of simpler living, it is not short on things to do. There are plenty of athletic activities for visitors and residents to enjoy including sailing, charter fishing, golfing, and kite flying.

Sailing

Sail Mackinac
Sip and Sail
Shepler’s Ferry Cruises
Star Line Cruises

Charter Fishing

Dreamseaker Charter
EUP Fishing Charter

Golfing

Grand Hotel
Wawashkamo Golf Course
Mission Point Resort

Shopping

You may enjoy shopping at these Mackinac businesses:

 

Dining

Here are a few of our favorite restaurants:

Services

Getting ready for a big night out?