Curator’s statement
Prepare to be whisked away to a bygone era of horse-drawn carriages and Victorian style. The Island of Mackinac sits between Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas, and its straits of Mackinac have been an economic hub for centuries. The island is famous for its locally made fudge, antique style, and being car-free. Many of the houses and shops on the island exhibit both colonial and Victorian-era styles. Mackinac is covered in sugar maple and red oak and contains a variety of plants and animals. During our vacation there in June, we found the island's weather beautiful and clear.
Your family adventure can take you biking around the island. Visit the fort and watch historical reenactments and canon firing. Take their ghost tour or horse carriage ride. Check out the two one-of-a-kind golf courses. Based on my trip, these would be my recommendations.
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The Grand Hotel
The Grand Hotel an elegant affair. Boasting the world's longest porch, this hotel has a stunning view of Lake Huron. The Grand hosts an array of old-fashioned delights such as Tea Time and croquet. There is also a robust gym and a swimming pool with a slide. The food at the hotel is decadent and is sure to impress. They have three menus and can include everywhere from seventy-two-hour braised beef to popcorn ice cream (don't knock it till you try it). As you pack, ensure to include your formal wear, as the hotel has a dress code.
Rent Bikes
Because the ride around the island on bikes is so much fun! When looking to rent, you have the liberty of choosing any of the six unique bike shops on the island. All of the bike shops provide free helmets, however, some have first-come first-served. The total ride around the island is 8.2 miles of mostly flat track and takes about an hour with no breaks. However, with all the lovely views, stops are recommended.
Tours,(there are many)
With a booming tourist industry, the island offers many forms of travel and topics that you can tour. Resident Chad Bennett offers a walking tour in which he customizes the content to your interests and walking abilities. The Grand Hotel also offers many lectures and tours that can be signed up for at their concierge desk.
Fort Mackinac
Fort Mackinac is one of the two forts on the island. Fort Mackinac is the oldest building on the island and displays all the intriguing historical highlights. However, history doesn't just stay on the wall; Fort Mackinac presents historical reenactments and interactive games. Perfect for either the history bluff or an energetic five-year-old.
Fudge
Become a Mackinac Island "Fudgie"! On Mackinac, it's sweets and a show, as many of the fudge shops include fudge-making displays. You can sample fudge and watch the fudge masters at work. The biggest issue you'll run into is deciding which fudge to get.
Things to Consider:
There are no cars. You will be walking, biking, or taking a horse-drawn carriage anywhere you want to go.
There are two ways to get to Mackinac Island: you can fly in or take a boat. There are two ferry companies to choose from or you can drive your own boat to the island's harbor.
Need to know
This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Mackinac Island, Michigan. In need of further inspiration? Check out ’s guide, Top Things To Do on Mackinac Island.
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Travel Advisor
Kadia Sarvey
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