Mackinac Area Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, see, eat, and stay in Mackinac Area with this comprehensive travel guide. Plan your next adventure today!


Introduction to Mackinac Area

Located in Northern Michigan, Mackinac Area is a picturesque destination that offers visitors a mix of natural beauty, historic landmarks, and outdoor adventure. The region encompasses both Mackinac Island and the mainland areas surrounding it, such as Mackinaw City and St. Ignace. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an exciting trip full of activities, Mackinac Area has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Mackinac Area

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Mackinac Area is rich in history and culture, and visitors can explore this through its many museums and historical attractions. Here are some must-visit spots:

  • Fort Mackinac - A military fort that was built by the British in the late 1700s and later occupied by the American army. Visitors can explore the fort and its exhibits, watch historic reenactments, and enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Huron.
  • Mackinac Island State Park - A 3.8 square mile park that encompasses most of Mackinac Island. There are several historic landmarks within the park, including Fort Mackinac, Arch Rock, and the historic Grand Hotel.
  • Colonial Michilimackinac - This open-air museum in Mackinaw City showcases the French and British occupations of the region during the fur trade era.
  • Mackinac Art Museum - Located in Mackinac Island, this museum features a collection of art that depicts the beauty of Mackinac Island, Northern Michigan, the Great Lakes, and more.

Natural Attractions of Mackinac Area: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Mackinac Area’s natural beauty is one of its main attractions. Here are some outdoor adventures and scenic views that visitors shouldn’t miss:

  • Mackinac Island Carriage Tours - Explore Mackinac Island’s beauty on a horse-drawn carriage tour that takes you through scenic trails and offers stunning views of the island.
  • Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore - A scenic spot in Munising that offers unique rock formations, cliffs, and sand dunes set alongside the beautiful Lake Superior.
  • Tahquamenon Falls State Park - Home to one of the largest waterfalls in Michigan, this state park in Paradise is a natural playground that offers hiking, camping, and fishing activities.
  • Mackinac Bridge - Spanning more than five miles from Mackinaw City to St. Ignace, this suspension bridge provides breathtaking views of Mackinac Area’s surrounding lakes and islands.
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - An 80-kilometer stretch of sand dunes on Lake Michigan’s eastern shore with some of the best views of the Great Lakes.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mackinac Area

Mackinac Area is a paradise for those who love hiking and biking. Here are some popular routes:

  • Mackinac Island State Park Loop - A scenic 8.2-mile loop around Mackinac Island that showcases stunning views of Lake Huron and Mackinac Island’s historic landmarks.
  • North Country Trail - A hiking trail that spans over 4,600 miles and passes through seven states, including Michigan. There are several sections of the trail that run through Mackinac Area, such as the Tahqua Trailhead, which provides access to Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
  • Cheboygan River Trail - A scenic rail-trail that stretches for 16 miles through the northern Lower Peninsula and provides stunning views of the Cheboygan River and Mackinaw City.

Best Things to Do in Mackinac Area: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of activities and tours that visitors can enjoy while in Mackinac Area. Here are some of the best:

  • Mackinac Island Bike Rentals - Explore the island on a bike and take in all the natural beauty the island has to offer
  • Sunset Cruise - Sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning sunset views of Lake Huron on a cruise.
  • Fudge Making Tour - Mackinac Island is famous for its fudge, and visitors can see how the delicious treat is made by taking a fudge making tour.
  • Ghost Tour - Take a spooky evening tour of Mackinac Island’s most haunted sites and learn about the island’s intriguing history.
  • Kayaking Tour - Explore the stunning coastlines and waterways of Mackinac Island and its surrounding areas on a kayaking tour.

Week-Long Itinerary for Mackinac Area

Day 1: Arrive in Mackinaw City and explore the historic Mackinac Island State Park. Day 2: Take a horse-drawn carriage tour of Mackinac Island and visit the historic Fort Mackinac. Day 3: Rent a bike and explore the various hiking and biking trails on Mackinac Island. Day 4: Take a ferry to St. Ignace and visit the famous Castle Rock. Day 5: Visit Tahquamenon Falls State Park and hike along the riverside trail or take a swim in the crystal clear waters. Day 6: Take a sunset cruise on Lake Huron and enjoy a relaxing evening on the water. Day 7: Explore the quaint town of Cheboygan and take a scenic drive along the coast of Lake Michigan.

Food and Drink Scene of Mackinac Area

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fudge - Fudge is the region’s famous sweet treat, and Mackinac Island is home to several fudge shops that offer a wide variety of flavors.
  • Pasties - A traditional meat pie that was brought to the area by British miners. These savory hand pies are filled with meat, potatoes, onions, and spices.
  • Whitefish - A freshwater fish that’s caught in Lake Michigan and served in many of Mackinac Area’s restaurants.

Local Beverages

  • Cherry Wine - Mackinac Area is known for its cherry production, and cherry wine is a popular local beverage.
  • Mackinac Pale Ale - A local brew that’s popular among beer enthusiasts.
  • Pumpkin Spice Latte - Another local favorite, the pumpkin spice latte is a must-try for anyone visiting during the fall season.

Where to Stay in Mackinac Area: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hotels

  • Grand Hotel - A historic 1880’s hotel located on Mackinac Island that offers luxurious accommodations, stunning views, and world-class amenities.
  • Mission Point Resort - A family-friendly resort that offers luxurious accommodations, golf course, and full-service spa.
  • Harbor View Inn - Located on Mackinac Island, Harbor View Inn is a boutique hotel that offers stunning views of the harbor and upscale amenities.

Hostels

  • HI Mackinac Island Hostel - A budget-friendly hostel located on Mackinac Island that offers dorm-style accommodations, bike rentals, and recreational activities.

Guesthouses

  • Grand Pine B&B - A cozy bed and breakfast located in St. Ignace that offers comfortable accommodations and a homemade breakfast.
  • Metivier Inn - A charming Inn located in Mackinac Island that offers a variety of rooms, gourmet breakfast, and plenty of amenities.

What to Buy in Mackinac Area: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Fudge - Fudge is the most popular souvenir to bring home from Mackinac Island.
  • Cherry Products - Mackinac Area is known for its cherry production, and visitors can bring home a variety of cherry-based products, including jam, syrup, and dried cherries.
  • Leather Goods - Leather products, such as belts and wallets, are popular souvenirs and are available at many local shops.

Local Culture and Customs of Mackinac Area

  • The Great Turtle: Mackinac Island is believed to be the sacred place of the Native American Odawa tribe. The Odawa people perceive the island as the center of the earth or the Great Turtle. The island is said to have been created by all the earth’s animals bringing in soil to grow on the Great Turtle’s back.
  • Horse-drawn vehicles are the only means of transportation on Mackinac Island.
  • Honor the Flag: Every evening during the summer season, a flag-lowering ceremony takes place in Mackinaw City and on Mackinac Island in honor of military veterans.

Best Time to Visit Mackinac Area

The best time to visit Mackinac Area is from May to October when the weather is perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. However, the fall season is particularly beautiful when the leaves of the trees turn vibrant colors of red, yellow, and orange.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mackinac Area

Do:

  • Do take a horse-drawn carriage tour as it is the best way to explore Mackinac Island without causing pollution.
  • Do try the fudge and other local dishes as they are what Mackinac Area is famous for.
  • Do bring comfortable shoes as there are plenty of hiking and biking trails to walk on.

Don’t:

  • Don’t drive on Mackinac Island as motorized vehicles are not allowed on the island.
  • Don’t litter as the region takes care of its environment and ecological balance.
  • Don’t forget your camera as the area provides picturesque views of nature, landmarks, and more.

Safety and Health

Safety in Mackinac Area

Mackinac Area is generally a safe place to visit, but visitors should take precautions to avoid accidents and crime.

  • Be aware of your surroundings when visiting busy tourist areas, such as Mackinac Island, and keep your belongings closely as well.
  • Stay on marked trails when hiking and biking to avoid getting lost and ensure your safety.
  • Learn basic traffic rules when using roads to avoid any accidents.

Health in Mackinac Area

Mackinac Area has plenty of medical facilities and pharmacies in case of any medical emergency. However, visitors should also take care of their health during their stay.

  • Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.
  • Use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants to avoid mosquito bites and tick infestations.
  • Use sunscreen when going outdoors to protect your skin from sunburns and other skin problems.

Getting to Mackinac Area: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors to Mackinac Area can reach it via several transportation options.

Airports Near Mackinac Area

  • Pellston Regional Airport - Served by commuter airlines that offer flights to several destinations.
  • Cherry Capital Airport - Located in Traverse City, this airport is a two-hour drive from Mackinac Area, and you can also take a ferry to reach Mackinac Island.

Bus Stations Near Mackinac Area

  • Greyhound Bus Lines - Travels from Detroit and other locations to Mackinaw City and St. Ignace.

Other Options

  • Ferry Services - Visitors can take a ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace to reach Mackinac Island.
  • Rental cars - You can rent cars from nearby airports or cities to explore the mainland as there are no motorized vehicles allowed on Mackinac Island.

How to Get Around in Mackinac Area

  • Horse-drawn Vehicles and Bikes - The only means of transportation on Mackinac Island are horse-drawn vehicles and bikes, as motorized vehicles are not allowed on the Island. Visitors can either rent a bike or take a horse-drawn carriage tour.
  • Cars and Taxis - For the mainland area, visitors can rent cars or use taxi services to get around.

Where to Go Next from Mackinac Area: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Traverse City - Known for its wine region, stunning lakeshore, and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
  • Sault Ste. Marie - Located in the Upper Peninsula that is famous for the Soo Locks and winter activities.
  • Petoskey - A resort town known for its scenic beauty, including views of Little Traverse Bay has picturesque streets, famous shopping strip and a unique historical character.
  • Detour Village - A scenic community located in Chippewa County, known for its kayaking and fishing opportunities.

Conclusion

Mackinac Area offers visitors a charming blend of history, nature, and adventure. This comprehensive travel guide outlines the best places to visit, things to do, food to eat, and how to get around. Whether you’re an experienced traveler or a first-timer, Mackinac Area has something for everyone, and it is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Michigan.



    Bay Harbor
    Beaver Island
    Cheboygan
    Harbor Springs
    Mackinaw City