Mackinac Island FAQ: Top 10 Questions and Answers (Ask Your Own!)

Mackinac Island Questions

Top 10 Mackinac Island Questions

Where is Mackinac Island at?

Mackinac Island is an island located at the northern tip of Michigan.  It is only accessible by boat or snowmobiles in winter.

Where is Mackinac Island at? Map of Michigan

Can you live on Mackinac Island?

Absolutely!  There are personal homes throughout the island, many with private waterfront.  Keep in mind the island is only accessible by boat which will make obtaining items much more expensive.

Mission Point Hotel, Mackinac Island Michigan

Is Mackinac Island Expensive?

As with anything, it depends on where you stay and what you do.  For example, if you want to stay on the island, you can use Groupon for Mission Point hotel quite frequently.

To control costs, pack your lunches in a backpack (or buy them at Doud's Market on Main Street) and put them in a blue storage locker at Shepler's ferry dock.  It's affordable to take the ferry and if you bring your own bike and pack a lunch, the day is very cost effective.

Doud's Market, Mackinac Island Michigan

How Many Days Do You Need In Mackinac Island?

If you have never been to the Island before and just want a taste of what it's like, we recommend spending one night to give you time to explore Main Street, visit the fort and ride your bike around the perimeter of the island. 

If you want to see it all: You will need a full day to explore the perimeter and downtown area. If you want to bike the interior of the island, go kayaking, visit the museums, fort and anything else, you will need three days. 

How much is a night at the Grand Hotel Mackinac Island?

Depending on the time of year, day of the week, type of room you choose and amenities, the range is approximately $300-$870.  Check their website for details.

Mackinac Island Hotels, Complete Listing and Map

For a complete map and further information about Mackinac Island Hotels, click here!

Can an elderly person use a scooter to get around or are there golf carts??? How handicapped accessible is the town??? Ex. Hotels, restaurants?

Ryba's Bike Rentals offers electric wheelchairs for rent by the hour or for the day.  They have three units in stock and they can be reserved. 

Mackinac Island Bike Shop offers motorized carts for the mobility disabled. They have electric scooters that are easy to operate. They work great for exploring Mackinac Island’s paved trails and main roads. Equipment can be rented by the hour, half-day or full-day as needed.

Golf carts can not be used for regular transportation around the island.  The island perimeter of the island and Main Street is flat and paved so an electric wheelchair can be easily used.  Hotels on Main Street are accessible but I would contact the hotel prior to booking to confirm any questions.

Can you go swimming on Mackinac Island?

Yes, absolutely! The water is gorgeous! We recommend water shoes as the shoreline is covered in stones.

Are dogs allowed on the island?

Absolutely! Well behaved dogs are everywhere! Just make sure to bring poo bags and clean up after them and remember there are a ton of horses everywhere.

Are there any campgrounds on the island?

No, camping is not allowed on Mackinac Island, but you can stay at Mackinac Island State Park in Mackinaw City, Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping or the Straits State Park in St. Ignace. 

Mackinac Island

Can you bring your own bicycles to Mackinac Island?

Yes, and we recommend doing so.  There is a small fee, approximately $10 per bike, to bring it over on the ferry but it is cheaper than renting on the island. Be sure to bring a bike lock.  You can buy tickets online ahead of time for your bikes to take on the ferry.

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