Your Foolproof Guide To Mackinac Island

Located between the two peninsulas of Michigan, Mackinac Island is a small piece of land without cars, only bikes or horses are the means for transportation.

Surrounded by Lake Huron on the straits of Mackinac, a short ferry ride is necessary for access with available views of two of the Great Lakes as well as Michigan’s largest bridge, the Mackinac Bridge.

Originally, Mackinac Island was the location of a trading post called Fort Mackinac built by the British during the American Revolutionary War. Today, the island hosts many tourists throughout the summer and is known for its ban on automobiles. Fun fact: it is the location of the Grand Hotel from the film Somewhere in Time.

Fort Mackinac

Since Mackinac Island began as a trading post for the British during the American Revolutionary War and was the sight of two battles during the War of 1812, visitors can explore the base and all that it has to offer including firing a real cannon, trial reenactments, and experience an immersive capture of the island by the British from the War of 1812.

Ride around the island

Rent some bikes or a horse buggy for a ride around the island on highway M-185 that is just over eight miles around. During the excursion, keep an eye out for freighters or rock cairns. Halfway around the island is the British landing along with access to the inner island for more sights and experiences.

Arch Rock

Take a quick 207 step walk up to Arch Rock: a rare, natural geological formation formed during the Nipissing post-glacial period. This is a great place for views from the top of the island as well as an ideal spot to picnic after a long bike ride.

Jockey Club

This restaurant, affiliated with the Grand Hotel, is just off of one of the golf courses and offers its guests a covered outdoor dining experience throughout the summer. This is a more casual restaurant with sandwiches, soups, and salads for lunch with specialty dishes for dinner.

The Woods

Also affiliated with the Grand Hotel, The Woods requires a walk or a short horse-drawn carriage ride through the woods. The menu showcases Bavarian-style influence and showcases specialty foods, including: the Austrian steak soup. The restaurant also has a historic duckpin bowling and fresh popcorn for before or after your dinner reservation.

The Mustang Lounge

For a more relaxed environment, try out this restaurant located in downtown near the water. The food here is more relaxed than the others, offering burgers and fries and sandwiches. The interior is reminiscent of a fur trader warehouse and is made of aged wood and timber.

The Grand Hotel

The dinner experience is one that tops all other hotels. It is required to wear formal attire, suits or dresses, even in the lobby during the evening. Then, you have a sumptuous five-course meal with live music and dancing available after dinner. Each server is incredibly knowledgeable about every dish on the menu, the food is amazing.

Cupola Bar

Located at the top of the Grand Hotel, Cupola Bar offers a panoramic view of the island and a view of the Mackinac Bridge. Go here for a pre-dinner cocktail or a nightcap with the view of straits. This location allows for casual attire.

Geranium Bar

Lounge on the world’s longest porch while sipping your drink, looking out to Mackinac Island. Watch as the sunset over the Mackinac Bridge before you head in for dinner. This location requires formal attire beginning in the late afternoon.

Caddywampus

Looking for more fun and hippie-like gifts and souvenirs? Look no further. This little shop nestled in the downtown area boasts a large assortment of items, ranging from funny socks, silly books, to retro toys and games. Its slogan is, “a good kind of Crazy,” and it truly follows it.

Artist Market of Mackinac Island

Visit here for an ever-changing collection of clothing and items crafted by artists and creators from around the country. Each item is one-of-a-kind and handmade with its own personal story behind it. Every season, a new variety of artists is brought to the store.

Fudge is an important aspect of the island and you will encounter many different shops. Almost every location allows customers to watch its fudge-making process as the smell wafts from the store to the street, drawing in more hungry visitor. Each shop has its own unique take on the process so it’s up to you to decide which one is your favorite.

Original Murdick’s Fudge

Murdick’s Fudge began operations in 1969. It makes between 15 to 20 batches of fudge a day, meaning that the fudge you buy is never more than 24 hours old. (This is my personal favorite.)

Ryba’s Fudge Shops

Ryba’s Fudge began as a popcorn and confection store in Detroit then made the switch to fudge in 1956. It produces its fudge by hand on marble slabs, so the sugar candy comes out smooth.

JoAnn’s Fudge

JoAnn’s Fudge was founded in 1969 and a year later, it had two more stores in the area. Its fudge is cooked in traditional copper kettles over a gas flame, then poured out and hand-paddled into loaves.

May’s Fudge

This shop’s story began during World War II, when there was sugar rationing. During this time, founder Harold May only made fudge in the morning then sold one pound of fudge per customer. He sold out within two hours. It is currently the oldest fudge shop on Mackinac Island and the only fudge shop to be visited by an American President.

The Grand Hotel

Open since 1887, the Grand Hotel took only 100 days to complete. Each room boasts a different theme and categorized depending on its size, location, interior and exterior view. Take a trip to the spa or pool to relax or even the art gallery located within the hotel.

Mission Point

This lakeside hotel offers beautiful views of the sunrise and a comforting atmosphere. Venture to the island’s only full-service health and wellness retreat, or lounge on the large lawn in Adirondack chairs, looking out at the lake.