Planning the Ultimate Mackinac Island Vacations: Best Hotels, How to Get Around the Island, Things to Do


It's time to plan the Ultimate Mackinac Island Vacations!!  Planning creates a stress free and fun Michigan vacation for everyone!

If you love relaxing, exploring, fudge, carriage rides, butterfly houses and biking, Mackinac Island is for you!  

Make memories with your family and friends while exploring the beauty of Michigan.  Lots of hotels, things to do and places to eat on Mackinac Island!

Click below for lots of links to help you plan your vacation and read a first hand account of our featured contributor, Larry Collin's vacation.  

Also, here is a link to our Mackinac Island Home Page.

Let's plan a trip to Mackinac Island!

Quick Links to Hotels, How to Get Around the Island, Things to Do on Mackinac Island!

Let's plan a trip to Mackinac Island!  Here are some useful resources for planning Mackinac Island Vacations:


Mackinac Island Vacations-Our Style

Larry and Sandra Collin-Featured Contributors


By Featured Contributor, Larry Collin (my dad!)

Mackinaw City on North M75 is our destination stay for the day trip to the Island.  There are plenty of hotels ranging from $100 and up depending were one stays and the time of year. 

My wife and I like the view of the Mackinac Bridge, State Park, and the Mackinaw Point Lighthouse so we stay at the Parkside Inn on North Huron Avenue.  The hotel has a very nice hot breakfast. We enjoyed egg and sausage muffins, fresh strawberries, cereal and a variety of rolls. 

Our room was very simple and yet the bed was comfortable so we slept well.  One could stay on the Island if you are willing to pay quite a bit more.  After checking in, we walked across the street to take pictures of the lighthouse, park area and the famous Mackinaw Bridge. 

Hunger begins to set in so we walked back to the hotel, got into the car and drove a mile into (we could walk it but……) downtown area. Our favorite place to eat dinner is at Dixie Saloon restaurant; perch and burgers are excellent. We like to go upstairs and eat in the balcony area (log cabin feeling and looks). 

For dessert we enjoy indulging in one of the local ice cream parlors to buy Mackinac Island ice cream.  Of course, we also HAVE to purchase a pound of Mackinac Island fudge which go directly to your waistline expansion....however, we forgot to count these calories! 

There are lots of things to do in the town, including shopping, zip lining, mini golf and boat tours. 

The next morning, we boarded Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry to head to the Island on the 10:00 a.m. ferrry.  This Ferry trip is a little longer (about 20 minutes) because the Ferry will go under the bridge (view of the structure of the bridge) and then continue on to Mackinac Island. 

Shepler’s does give a military discount for active or veteran service.  



The first thing to do, if you have not been on Mackinac Island Vacations, is to take a carriage ride to see the sights and get an overview of the island. 

I also suggest touring the fort and seeing the cannon firing. It's a perfect first stop on your Mackinac Island family vacation.

Be sure to visit the Grand Hotel and walk down Main Street.  The Grand Hotel has a nice lunch on the first floor.  You can also go upstairs to the Grand Ballroom and have lunch with an all-you-can-eat high quality buffet style meal. 

My wife and I also love to take time out to sit and enjoy the view on the veranda (note: it will cost you around $10 each to do so unless you eat the buffet style lunch which includes the self guided tour of the Grand Hotel).



If you want to view the entire island, I recommend renting a bike, riding a horse, taking a horse and carriage tour, or if you are ambitious, you can walk it.  It is a great way to spend your Mackinac Island Vacations. 

There are no motor vehicles allowed on the island but you still have to watch where you are going as the streets are very busy with pedestrians, bikes and horses. 

Remember to watch where you’re walking as you do not want to step into anything wet or mushy...let's just say it could dampen your day!!!

Enjoy Michigan’s greater outdoors~We sure do!  


What Should I Bring on Mackinac Island Vacations?

There are small lockers as soon as you leave your ferry if you want to stash lunch, a sweatshirt, compact umbrella, sunscreen, etc.  We always bring non-refrigerated snacks like tuna packets, cheese (it lasts long enough), Pringles, beef jerky and water.  

We have these zippered bags that attach to our bikes with velcro so you can remove it if necessary...if you keep valuables in it.  I love that my phone is visible in the clear top pocket.

Definitely bring...

  • sun hat, visor, etc.
  • sunglasses
  • extra sweatshirt if you get cold on the ferry or while exploring the island.  
  • dollars for tipping. 
  • water, snacks, lunch, etc. Of course these is food and snacks on the island but if you have dietary restrictions bring food.  
  • comfortable shoes
  • inhaler if you have horse allergies
  • lip balm
  • any medications
  1. Traveling Michigan Home Page
  2.  ›
  3. Mackinac-Island-Vacations

Join Us on Instagram!  Fun photos, inspiration and stories while Traveling Michigan!

View this post on Instagram

I'm simply giddy to start planning a trip to Mackinac Island this spring! We pack our bikes, snacks and rock out the day! . The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival is coming up June 7 through 16, 2019. This pretty festival is a 10-day celebration that is the first and largest summer event on the Island! I'm trying to talk Chris into visiting during this festival! . I've compiled the "Ultimate Mackinac Island Guide to Everything" if you are planning on visiting the island this year. It has hotels, restaurants, things to do, transportation, photos, hidden spots and so much more! Check it out in my bio! . . . #mackinacisland #mackinacislandfudge #mackinacislandlife #mackinac #Michigan #puremichigan #greatlakesstate #travelingmichigan #michiganders #mittensmitten #michiganaddict #onlyinmichigan #mittenlove #thingstodoinmichigan #michiganoverboard #michigan_wanderlust #capuringmichigan #michiganphotographer #carriages #fudge #michiganislands #exploremichigan @mackinacisle

A post shared by Michigan Travel+Food Adventure (@travelingmichigan) on



Sherry Trautman Bio Picture

About the Lead Author | Sherry Trautman

Thanks for stopping by!

Our Words of Wisdom: “Never follow anyone else’s path. Unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost and you see a path, then by all means follow that path.”

"Sherry & Chris"

We're Sherry and Chris the founders of one of Michigan's most comprehensive and Top Travel Blogs!

    Sherry Trautman is a seasoned business owner and a multifaceted content creator, deeply entrenched in the world of travel in Michigan. With her extensive background in writing, editing, photography, marketing, website design, web mastering, social media, and publishing, she is the driving force behind the acclaimed Michigan Travel site "Travel-mi.com." A lifelong Michigander, Sherry's journey began in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan led her to St. Joseph during her formative years, and further to Kalamazoo for her higher education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design and Fine Art from Western Michigan University. Her career initially blossomed in Battle Creek, where she contributed significantly to aviation, marketing, and the art industry.

    In 2018, Sherry, alongside her husband Chris, embarked on a passionate endeavor with the inception of Travel-MI.com. This venture was not just a business but a full-time commitment to exploring and celebrating the diverse landscapes and communities of Michigan. Together, they tirelessly traverse the state, curating unique experiences, capturing stunning visuals, and weaving engaging narratives that showcase Michigan's rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty. From her early experiences in different Michigander locales to her extensive professional background, Sherry's life and work epitomize a deep-rooted expertise in Michigan travel, making her an authoritative voice in this niche.

Sherry & Chris are at the Inn at Bay Harbor and looking out at the lake.
Read More About Us Here

JOIN OUR NETWORK
Join our newsletter of Michigan Explorers!

Share Social

When you wish destinations came with a 30 second trailer so you can see what you’re getting yourself into.  

If you whine and are nice, IM us and we will tell you if you are truly screwed or not. 







Where Do You Want To Start Your Next Adventure?

Slickstream Search Box