Mackinac Island Perimeter Road Mackinac Island Michigan
A car-free island paradise in Michigan, offering historic charm, natural beauty, and transportation by horse or bike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Mackinac Island Perimeter Road Mackinac Island Michigan
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A car-free island paradise in Michigan, offering historic charm, natural beauty, and transportation by horse or bike.
"It's like stepping back in time, a truly magical and unforgettable experience."
🚲 Bring or Rent Bikes
Explore the island's perimeter and interior trails with ease. Renting can be pricey, so consider bringing your own!
🐴 Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour
A classic, leisurely way to see the island's sights and learn its history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mackinac Island State Park
Over 80% of the island
Explore lush forests, limestone bluffs, and stunning lake views on this expansive, car-free natural wonderland.
Grand Hotel
East Bluff
Iconic historic hotel with the world's longest porch; a must-see for its architecture and charm.
Fort Mackinac
Fort Hill
Step back in time at this historic fort with daily cannon firings and costumed interpreters.
Arch Rock
East Bluff Trail
A magnificent natural limestone arch offering breathtaking views of Lake Huron.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Pace: Car-Free Island Life
Ferry First, Then Explore
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚲 Bring or Rent Bikes
Explore the island's perimeter and interior trails with ease. Renting can be pricey, so consider bringing your own!
🐴 Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour
A classic, leisurely way to see the island's sights and learn its history.
☀️ Pack Sunscreen & Bug Spray
Essential for enjoying the outdoors, especially during warmer months.
🍬 Don't Miss the Fudge!
Mackinac Island is famous for its delicious fudge shops. Try a few flavors!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚲 Bring or Rent Bikes
Explore the island's perimeter and interior trails with ease. Renting can be pricey, so consider bringing your own!
🐴 Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour
A classic, leisurely way to see the island's sights and learn its history.
☀️ Pack Sunscreen & Bug Spray
Essential for enjoying the outdoors, especially during warmer months.
🍬 Don't Miss the Fudge!
Mackinac Island is famous for its delicious fudge shops. Try a few flavors!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Island
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the island and many trails.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Mackinac Island for its unique car-free charm, historical significance, and stunning natural beauty. The horse-drawn carriages and scenic state park are frequent highlights. Some find the presence of national chains slightly jarring to the island's authentic feel, and bike rentals can be expensive.
"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 — Magical Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride Around Mackinac Island & Stunning State Park
We had an amazing experience exploring Mackinac Island on a horse-drawn carriage ride that took us all around the island. This classic, leisurely ride was the perfect way to see the island’s charming streets, historic sites, and breathtaking natural beauty without the noise of cars—since the island is car-free.
Our knowledgeable driver shared interesting stories about the island’s history, landmarks, and unique features as we passed iconic spots like Arch Rock, Fort Holmes, and the stunning shoreline of Mackinac Island State Park. The park covers over 80% of the island and is filled with peaceful trails, towering trees, and panoramic views of Lake Huron.
The gentle clip-clop of the horses’ hooves combined with the fresh lake air and scenic vistas created an unforgettable experience. It’s truly a relaxing and immersive way to appreciate the island’s charm, natural beauty, and rich history.
If you’re visiting Mackinac Island, I highly recommend the horse-drawn carriage tour for a clear, informative, and magical way to see everything the island has to offer."
Sk Ima
"Lovely place to spend a day or two.
My Recomendation is if you can take your own bikes 🚲 in order to look around the island. It’s beautiful!!! They rent bikes in the island but it gets pricey. $18 an hour summer 2025. Wear sunscreen and bug repellent. It’s going to be a great experience to create lovely memories."
Brenda Betancourt
"Road Trip Great Lakes Loop (From Philly)
Stop: Mackinac Island, Michigan
One of the most unique and memorable stops on our Great Lakes road trip was Mackinac Island. To get there, you take a ferry—no cars are allowed on the island, which immediately gives it a distinctive, charming feel. It’s like stepping back in time… at least until you see the Starbucks.
Unfortunately, that was the first thing I noticed when I arrived, and it felt a little out of place. It’s the only national chain I noticed, but even one feels like too many in a place that thrives on its small-town character and local businesses. It just detracted a bit from the authenticity of the island.
That aside, the island offers a lot: you can explore on foot, rent a bike, or enjoy a carriage ride pulled by horses. The pace is slower, and that’s part of the appeal. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, and historic sites to visit, and it’s easy to spend a whole day—or several—just wandering.
A highlight for many is the Grand Hotel, made famous by the film Somewhere in Time. Even if you’re not staying there, it’s worth checking out for the architecture and views alone.
In short, Mackinac Island is a beautiful and fascinating place—rich in history and scenery. I just hope future development stays in harmony with what makes it so special in the first place.
Almost forgot to mention, they are dog friendly."
Damian Reyes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Mackinac Island by ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace. Arnold Transit Company and Shepler's Ferry are popular options, with a 20-30 minute ride. +1
No, Mackinac Island is famously car-free! You'll need to leave your vehicle in a parking lot at the ferry docks.
Both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace offer paid parking lots near the ferry docks. It's recommended to arrive early, especially during peak season.
The primary modes of transport are walking, biking, and horse-drawn carriages. There are no public buses or taxis.
Most visitors rent bicycles or take horse-drawn carriage tours. Walking is also a great option for exploring the downtown area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There's no entry fee for Mackinac Island itself. However, you will need to purchase ferry tickets to get there. Some attractions like Fort Mackinac have separate admission fees. +1
Ferry prices vary by company and season, but typically range from $20-$30 round trip per adult. Check the ferry company websites for current pricing.
The Mackinac Island State Park is free to enter and explore. However, some specific sites within the park, like Fort Mackinac, require an admission fee. +1
Yes, it's highly recommended to buy ferry tickets in advance online, especially during busy summer months, to secure your preferred departure time.
Attraction hours vary. Fort Mackinac is typically open daily during the season, while shops and restaurants have their own hours. It's best to check individual attraction websites.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss Fort Mackinac, the Grand Hotel, Arch Rock, and exploring the car-free streets by bike or carriage. The State Park offers beautiful natural scenery.
Yes, a day trip is possible if you arrive on an early ferry and leave on a late one. You can see many highlights, but an overnight stay allows for a more relaxed experience.
In winter, the island transforms with snowmobiles replacing bikes. It offers a peaceful, unique experience with fewer crowds.
Consider a carriage tour through the cemetery for an eerie experience, or explore the secret gardens of the Grand Hotel. +1
Biking the perimeter road or hiking through the interior of Mackinac Island State Park offers stunning views of forests, bluffs, and Lake Huron.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Mackinac Island is most famous for its fudge! You'll find numerous fudge shops offering a wide variety of flavors.
Yes, there are many dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants. The Pink Pony and Jockey Club are popular choices.
Most restaurants offer some vegetarian options. Vegan choices might be more limited, but you can often find salads or vegetable-based dishes. It's best to inquire directly with restaurants.
While the island emphasizes local businesses, a Starbucks is present, which some visitors feel detracts from the historic charm.
Good Day Cafe is a recommended spot for coffee and breakfast, offering a pleasant start to your island exploration.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots at Arch Rock, the Grand Hotel's porch, Fort Mackinac, and the scenic overlooks within the State Park. The car-free streets also offer unique photo opportunities.
Absolutely! Your smartphone camera is more than capable of capturing the beauty of Mackinac Island. Focus on good lighting and composition. +1
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and beautiful golden hour hues.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. Some private establishments, like the Grand Hotel's interior, may have restrictions. Always be respectful.
Landscape, historical, and lifestyle photography are very popular. Capturing the unique horse-drawn carriages and vintage architecture is a common theme. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Fort Mackinac provides interactive historical experiences that can captivate children, with demonstrations and costumed characters. Exploring Mackinac Island State Park offers opportunities for easy hikes and discovering natural wonders like Arch Rock. Don't forget to indulge in the famous fudge – a guaranteed hit with kids!
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) for potentially lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds. Opt for a day trip if an overnight stay is too costly, focusing on free activities like walking the perimeter or enjoying the scenic views.
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Consider booking a stay at one of the charming inns or the iconic Grand Hotel for a luxurious experience. Enjoying fudge together or sharing a meal with a view of the lake adds to the romantic ambiance. The island's car-free nature fosters a sense of intimacy and tranquility, perfect for couples celebrating anniversaries or special occasions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Car-Free Charm of Mackinac Island
Exploring the island by horse-drawn carriage is a quintessential Mackinac experience. These tours offer a leisurely and informative way to see the sights, with drivers sharing historical anecdotes and pointing out landmarks. For those who prefer to be more active, renting a bicycle is a popular option. The 8.2-mile perimeter road around the island is perfect for a scenic ride, offering stunning views of Lake Huron. Many visitors also enjoy exploring the island's interior trails, which wind through forests and offer access to hidden gems.
While the car-free nature is a major draw, it's important for visitors to be prepared. Bicycle rentals can be expensive, so some travelers recommend bringing your own if feasible.
A Journey Through Mackinac's History
The Grand Hotel is another iconic historical site, famous for its role in the movie "Somewhere in Time." Even if you're not staying at the hotel, it's worth visiting to admire its magnificent architecture, expansive porch (the world's longest), and beautifully manicured gardens. The hotel offers a luxurious step back in time, and its grounds provide excellent photo opportunities.
Beyond these major sites, the entire island is steeped in history. From the charming Victorian architecture of the downtown area to the natural formations like Arch Rock, Mackinac Island tells a story of early American settlement, military significance, and natural beauty. Exploring the island is like walking through a living museum, where every corner holds a piece of the past.
Experiencing Mackinac Island in Different Seasons
Fall on Mackinac Island is a magical experience, characterized by fewer crowds and stunning autumn foliage. The crisp air and colorful landscapes create a serene and picturesque setting, perfect for hiking and enjoying the island's natural beauty.
Winter transforms Mackinac Island into a snowy wonderland, with snowmobiles replacing bicycles as the primary mode of transport. It's a peaceful and unique time to visit, offering a different perspective on island life. While many businesses close for the season, the island retains its charm and offers a tranquil escape for those seeking a quiet getaway.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit