It’s not possible to drive to Mackinac Island, and it’s also not possible to drive on Mackinac Island. Despite the island being only 3 miles from the Michigan mainland, there are no bridges, tunnels, or road connections to the island. There are also no vehicle ferries that connect the island with the mainland. The nearby Mackinac Bridge connects north and south Michigan over the Mackinac Straits, measuring an impressive 5 miles in length. However, the bridge doesn’t extend to the island, which has been maintained as a protected State Park for over 120 years.
Mackinac Island is in the state of Michigan, in Lake Huron. The island is located close to the Canadian border and the Mackinac Bridge, which connects northern and southern Michigan. The island lies 257 miles to the northwest of the city of Detroit.
Getting to Mackinac Island is a tale of two seasons. The summer peak season has a wealth of visitors and transport options, while the winter off-peak season sees the number of visitors and travel options diminish. However, reaching the island throughout the year remains possible despite the harsh winter months.
Road – The absence of bridges, tunnels, or vehicle ferries means that it is impossible to drive to Mackinac Island. If you’re traveling to the island by car, leaving your vehicle in a parking lot close to the ferry terminal in either St Ignace or Mackinaw City is the best option. You’ll then need to continue your trip by passenger ferry.
Boat – Mackinac Island is served year-round by ferry services, although there are limited options in the winter months. During the summer, ferries depart from St Ignace and Mackinaw City. There are two ferry operators, Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry, and Sheplar’s Mackinac Island Ferry. Both offer identical summer services and have their own docks on the island. Services depart every 30 minutes during the summer months and take 15 minutes for the direct crossing or 25 minutes for the scenic crossing, which passes under the Mackinac Bridge.
During winter, ferry services are limited to the Star Link service between St Ignace and the island. There are 3 to 4 sailings each day, subject to weather conditions. Services can be canceled if the harbor on the mainland or the island freezes over.
Air – Despite Mackinac Island’s small size, there is an airport (or at least a landing strip) on the island. Receiving chartered flights only, taking a scenic flight to the island from St Ignace, Pellston Airport, or Chippewa County Airport is possible. Air travel is the only way to reach the island when the ferry service is suspended due to poor weather.
Driving on Mackinac Island is impossible as all motorized vehicles are banned. The ban dates back to the end of the nineteenth century, and it was entered into state law in 1960, meaning there is no way to circumvent it. Therefore the only way to get around the island is by non-motorized forms of transport such as bicycle, horse, on foot, or by horse-drawn carriage.
Mackinac Island attracts over 1 million visitors annually and has a charm that keeps visitors returning. Despite its small size, there’s a surprising amount to see on the island, with history and nature at the forefront of most activities.
Fort Mackinac – This British-constructed fort was built in the late 18th century during the War of Independence. Located atop a steep hill on the island, it’s a great place to visit. Guided and self-guided tours are available, with plenty of buildings and history to explore. There are also excellent views across the island and surrounding waters.
Mackinac Island Butterfly House and Insect World – The original and still the best butterfly house on the island. Despite stiff opposition from the Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory, it gets our vote. The tropical gardens and wide range of butterflies is quite a sight.
Arch Rock – This limestone arch is one of the island’s most famous vistas. It’s also, far and away, the most popular geological feature on the island. It’s easily accessible from both above and below.
Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum – Situated in a beautiful historic building, this museum features art, artifacts, and photographs relevant to Mackinac Island. The museum does an excellent job of telling the island’s story. Admission to the museum is free if you’ve purchased a Fort Mackinac ticket.
Fort Holmes – The reconstructed Fort Holmes sits atop the highest elevation on Mackinac Island. Originally constructed in the early 19th century, this wooden and earthen fort is an interesting free side trip if you’re in the area. While it lacks the history and prestige of Fort Mackinac, it’s still worth an hour or two of your time. The views from the fort are the best on the island.
Mackinac Island State Park – Making up 80% of the island, the State Park largely is Mackinac Island. We’ve included it here to allow us to write about the island’s beautiful forests, limestone bluffs, and amazing geological formations.
Explore the Island by Bike – With no motorized transport, the best way to see the island is by bike. You can bring your own bicycle on the ferry for a small surcharge or hire one from numerous outlets on the island. It only takes an hour to cycle around the island’s perimeter versus the 3-4 hours it takes on foot. If you only visit for the day, then a bicycle is an absolute must.
Afternoon Tea at the Grand Hotel – The finest building on Mackinac Island is undoubtedly the Grand Hotel. Built in 1887, shortly after the island was designated as a national park, it’s an amazing place to visit. Its previous guests include 5 former U.S. presidents and the famous author Mark Twain. While a stay can be costly, taking a tour or enjoying an afternoon tea on the hotel’s illustrious grounds is possible. The latter is our recommendation, which gives you time to enjoy the hotel, the views, and the immaculate grounds.
Mackinac Island is a year-round tourist destination, but most visitors come during a limited summer window. The period May through September is the island’s peak season when the vast majority of visitors come to enjoy the island’s best weather. However, during this time, accommodation can be severely limited and prices rise. There’s no doubt this is the best season from a weather perspective, but a visit during the shoulder months of April and October can result in a better all-round experience. A visit during these months means you get to enjoy the colors of either spring or fall while the weather is still mild, prices are much lower, and there are far fewer crowds.
Another possible option is to visit during the cold and snowy winter months. During this time, there’s a host of snow-based activities; plenty is going on in the run-up to Christmas, and the landscape looks spectacular. While many tourist facilities close down, many stay open and embrace the winter season.
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