Mackinaw City Travel Guide

Looking for a guide to Mackinaw City? This is a comprehensive travel guide for tourists who are planning to visit Mackinaw City, Michigan. It includes a list of places to visit along with hiking/biking routes, the best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, and much more. Read on to learn more!


Introduction to Mackinaw City

Nestled within the beauty of Northern Michigan’s Mackinac Area, Mackinaw City is a quaint and inviting tourist destination known for its picturesque views, charming local culture, and rich history. Whether you are visiting Mackinaw City alone, with your family, or with groups of friends, Mackinaw City can offer a memorable travel experience to all of its visitors.

With its crystal-clear waters, perfect geographical location, lush forests, and rolling hills, Mackinaw City is perfect for exploring the outdoors, indulging in its authentic local cuisine, immersing yourself in its history and culture, and taking your adventure to the next level.

This comprehensive travel guide to Mackinaw City will help you plan your trip and find places to visit while you are there. It will also provide information on local customs, culture, do’s and don’ts, health and safety, transportation options and logistics, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Mackinaw City

From world-famous museums and historical sites to outdoor adventures, hiking and biking routes, and scenic views, Mackinaw City has something for everyone. Here are some of the must-visit places in Mackinaw City:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Fort Mackinac Historical Site
  • Mackinaw City Historic Village
  • McGulpin Point Lighthouse
  • Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
  • Heritage Village
  • Mackinac Island Butterfly House & Insect World

Natural Attractions of Mackinaw City: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Headlands International Dark Sky Park
  • Mackinac Bridge
  • Arch Rock
  • Mackinac Island State Park
  • Wilderness State Park
  • Mackinaw City Beach

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mackinaw City

If you love hiking, Mackinaw City won’t disappoint you. It has a lot of hiking and biking trails with stunning views of forests, rivers, and lakes. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in Mackinaw City:

  • North Country Trail
  • State-Operated Trails
  • Mackinaw City Trailhead

Best Things to Do in Mackinaw City: Activities and Tours

If you are looking for activities and tours in Mackinaw City, then you are in the right place. Mackinaw City offers a wide range of activities and tours, including:

  • Mackinac Island Carriage Tours
  • Northern Michigan Adventure Tours
  • Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry
  • Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry
  • Mackinaw Parasailing
  • Mackinaw Trolley Tours

Week-Long Itinerary for Mackinaw City

If you plan to stay in Mackinaw City for a long time and want to see and do everything there is to do in the area, here is a suggested itinerary that you can follow:

Day 1: Historical Sites and Museums

Spend your first day exploring the historical sites and museums that make Mackinaw City such an interesting place. Fort Mackinac, Mackinaw City Historic Village, McGulpin Point Lighthouse, and Heritage Village are some of the places that you shouldn’t miss.

Day 2: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

On your second day in Mackinaw City, explore the outdoor adventures and scenic views. Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Mackinac Bridge, Arch Rock, and Wilderness State Park are some of the must-visit places.

Day 3: Beaches and Water Sports

Spend your third day at Mackinaw City Beach and indulge in some water sports, like swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and much more.

Day 4: Mackinac Island Day Trip

Take a day trip to nearby Mackinac Island and enjoy its natural beauty, culture, and history. You can take a ferry to reach the island and then explore its many attractions, including Mackinac Island State Park, Fort Mackinac, and Arch Rock.

Day 5: Hiking and Biking

Explore the many hiking and biking trails that Mackinaw City has to offer. You can rent a bike or go hiking on the North Country Trail or the state-operated trails.

Day 6: Food and Beverage Tour

Spend your sixth day exploring the food and beverage scene of Mackinaw City. Try local dishes like whitefish and burgers served at local restaurants, or enjoy a pint of locally brewed beer or wine.

Day 7: Relax and Unwind

Spend your last day relaxing and unwinding at Mackinaw City. Enjoy a spa treatment, unwind on the beach, or take a stroll through the city to relish the stunning views.

Food and Drink Scene of Mackinaw City

Preparing and serving a wide variety of dishes, the food and drink scene of Mackinaw City is sure to delight foodies and connoisseurs. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages that you shouldn’t miss:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Whitefish:
    • B.C. Pizza
    • Scalawags Whitefish and Chips
    • Darrow’s Family Restaurant
  • Burgers:
    • Keyhole Bar & Grill
    • Dixie Saloon, Brewery and Restaurant
    • Clyde’s Drive-In

Local Beverages

  • Mackinaw Island Winery
  • Mackinac Brewing Company
  • Biere De Mac

Where to Stay in Mackinaw City: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Mackinaw City offers a wide range of lodging options, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses, for all budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  • The Inn at Stonecliffe
  • Grand Hotel
  • Island House Hotel
  • Lake View Hotel

What to Buy in Mackinaw City: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Mackinaw City has a lot of local products and souvenirs that you can bring home. Here are some of the things you shouldn’t miss:

  • Fudge
  • T-Shirts
  • Native American Artifacts
  • Christmas Ornaments

Local Culture and Customs of Mackinaw City

Mackinaw City has a rich cultural heritage and customs. Here are some interesting facts and customs that you should know before visiting Mackinaw City:

  • The area was an important location for Native American tribes, including the Ojibwe, Menominee, and the Sauk.
  • Mackinaw City was an important trading post and fishing hub for the French and English before the US annexed it in the 19th century.
  • “Up North” is a catch-all term used by Michiganders to describe the Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan.

Best Time to Visit Mackinaw City

The best time to visit Mackinaw City is during the fall season (September to November) when the weather is cooler and less congested. You can enjoy lower rates and avoid the heavy tourist season. Spring (March to May) is also a good time to visit as the weather is pleasant and there are fewer visitors.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mackinaw City

Here are some of the do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while visiting Mackinaw City:

Do:

  • Respect the beauty of the outdoors.
  • Explore the local history and culture.
  • Enjoy the local cuisine and try different local dishes.
  • Take care of the environment and wildlife.

Don’t:

  • Leave trash or litter.
  • Disturb the peace and quiet of local neighborhoods.
  • Ignore safety signs or warnings.
  • Wear inappropriate clothing.

Safety and Health

Before you visit Mackinaw City, ensure that you stay safe and healthy. Here are some guidelines:

Safety in Mackinaw City

  • Avoid talking to strangers who seem suspicious.
  • Park your car in secure areas.
  • Be cautious at night and avoid secluded areas.

Health in Mackinaw City

  • Wear sunscreen and hats to prevent sunburn.
  • Stay hydrated and avoid overexertion in hot weather.
  • Practice appropriate footwear when hiking or biking.

Getting to Mackinaw City: Transportation Options and Logistics

Mackinaw City is easily accessible by plane, train, and car. Here are some transportation options and logistics to consider:

Airports Near Mackinaw City

  • Pellston Regional Airport
  • Chippewa County International Airport
  • Traverse City Cherry Capital Airport

Bus Stations Near Mackinaw City

  • Greyhound Station
  • Indian Trails Bus Station

Other Options

  • Car Rentals
  • Taxi Services

How to Get Around in Mackinaw City

Mackinaw City is a walkable town, and you can explore most of its attractions on foot. Biking is also a popular mode of transport in the city. If you need alternative transport options, there are taxi services and rental services available.

Where to Go Next from Mackinaw City: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Mackinaw City is a perfect base to explore a few nearby destinations and excursions. Here are some suggestions:

  • Sault Ste. Marie
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes
  • Pointe Aux Pins

Conclusion

Mackinaw City is a picturesque and inviting destination, offering a wide range of activities, tours, and attractions. If you’re planning a trip, we hope this comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your itinerary and enjoy your stay!

Mackinac bridge from the beach. Mackinac bridge from the beach.