Visitor's Guide Mackinaw City Michigan

Written by Sherry Trautman | Traveling Michigan

Awesome Visitor's Guide and Travel Guide to Mackinaw City Michigan with things to do, must-see spots, great places to stay and fun galore. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!

This past year we visited Mackinaw City three times! We always visit the city every summer, fall and winter as it's gorgeous in every season!

Mackinaw City Michigan-Day or night, is a vibrant city hoppin' with great eats, shopping and exploring. 

We are always in awe of the stunning Mackinac Bridge and sparkling waters while catching a glimpse of the majestic Grand Hotel off in the distance. 

Visiting Mackinaw City during all four seasons awards you with vastly different experiences. 

• Summer in Mackinaw City is fantastic for boating, enjoying the parks, walking the city and of course, Mackinac Island. 

• Fall and winter in Mackinaw City are more low-key with far less tourists, affording you peace and serenity as you walk the beach and town.  Hotel prices are also less on the off-season but some attractions and restaurants are closed.  

 We feel the photo above embodies the very essence of the summer at Mackinaw City...

Shepler's ferry, sparking water, waving grasses, bobbing boats, the beautiful waving American flag and spectacular clouds.  

Sigh...I love summer.

Where We Stay in Mackinaw City Michigan

Here are our recommended hotels and places to stay in Mackinaw City Michigan.

Fun Things to do in Mackinaw City Michigan

So let's dig right in with our favorite Must-See Spots and fun things to do in Mackinaw City. We hope this Mackinaw City Michigan's Visitor's Guide will be helpful!

Wander Downtown Mackinaw City Michigan

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse

For 65 years, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse in Mackinaw City helped passing ships navigate the treacherous waters of the Straits of Mackinac.

Today, you can explore the lighthouse grounds, tour the restored keeper’s quarters, climb the tower and obtain an exquisite view of the Great Lakes and the Straits of Mackinac.

It's free to wander the grounds but there is a fee to enter the lighthouse.  Seriously, what a view of the gorgeous bridge!

Walk Under the Mackinaw Bridge

Why? Well, it's cool!  You can see vehicles passing overhead and it's just a cool experience.

Visit Mackinaw Crossings

McGulpin Point

Adrenalin Falls Ziplining!

Grab a Ride on the Trolley!

Mackinac Old Time Trolley Company 

Visit the Ice Breaker!

Tour with Shepler's Ferry

Shepler's is more than just a ferry to Mackinac Island.  

They have:

• Evening Tours
• Ferries to Mackinac Island

Ugly Annie's

Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park

9001 W. US Hwy 23 Mackinaw City, MI 49701

Prepare to witness the power of the creek harnessed to cut timber into lumber at one of the oldest industrial sites on the Upper Great Lakes while visiting the reconstructed 18th century water-powered sawmill.

You can also soar through the trees on a zip line during an Adventure Tour. Historic Mill Creek Discover Park offers a variety of programs, tours and ziplining.  

Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park is situated on over 600 acres with three miles of trails that contain beautiful forests, wildflowers and scenic views. A variety of wildlife species make their homes there. 

So grab your walking shoes and wear comfortable clothing as you will find adventure at every turn!

Eat at Mamma Mia's!

Our Favorite Spots in Mackinaw City Michigan 

By Guest Writer, Larry Collin

BUDGET TRAVEL TIP: We recommend staying in Mackinaw City for lower priced lodging, food, shopping and amenities.  We stay two nights-the night before our Mackinac Island trip and the night after.  

We always arrive at Mackinaw City the day before our trip to the Island so we can enjoy the numerous sites in the city. After checking into Parkplace Inn, we enjoy walking across the street to take pictures of the Mackinac Point Lighthouse and the famous Mackinac Bridge.  

However, it's not long before hunger begins to set in so we walk back to the hotel and drive about one mile to the downtown area...we could always walk but, we figure we will get enough exercise tomorrow.  (We feel good about that rationalization!)

One of our favorite places to eat dinner is at the Dixie Saloon restaurant because their perch and burgers are excellent.  We always hope there is an open table upstairs in the balcony area because it looks and feels like a cozy log cabin.  Sometimes the wait times can be long so be sure to arrive before or after conventional meal times.

Sometimes when we are looking for a quick bite to eat and a drink, we enjoy O'Reilly's Irish Pub.  This place is kind of a hidden gem as it is right next to the Dixie Saloon.  You can walk inside between the two restaurants.

Their steak burgers and onion rings are tasty. Plus I like the comfortable, friendly atmosphere and the wooden booths.

Since it's easy to walk around downtown we also like to splurge and got a pound of Mackinac Island fudge which is a decedent treat that you can only get in this area!

Other than eating, there are many more things to do in the town including shopping, mini-golf, sightseeing, zip-lining and boat tours.  You won't be bored!  

~Larry Collin 

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Labor Day Mackinaw Bridge Walk

Every Labor Day, thousands of walkers descend upon the iconic Mackinaw Bridge for the chance to walk across the majestic structure. Plan your own trip today! Learn more here! 

Mackinaw City Blue Ice!

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