Mackinac Island Things to Do

2 more images

Stop by one of many bike shops on Market Street and get a self-guided biking tour map along with your rental. The tour takes you to a number of the key attractions on the island including Littlestone Church, Grand Gold Course, Governor's Residence, Island Cemeteries, Skull Cave, Sugar Loaf, Arch Rock, and Fort Mackinac. Additionally, bike the 8 mile loop trail completely around the island.

1 more image

Up the hill a little bit, and just to the west of the Fort Entrance, Trinity Church is a handsome 19th century structure that has been the scene of many of "perfect" Mackinac Island wedding. It is also a year-round church for a year-round community on the island.

Built in 1882, Trinity features a dark wooded interior that is occasionally lit with shafts of light from outdoors. It must be a cozy place in winter!

A few of the hotels on Mackinac have pools, but if yours doesn't, don't sweat it. You're surrounded by water, after all! However, there are dangerous currents in the Straits of Mackinac (most notably at Windermere Point - there is a large warning sign posted). If you are looking for a nice place to swim, head out of town to the north or south. There are lots of "beaches" along the way, though beware - LOTS of rocks. There are no sand beaches on the island. The water is usually a little on the chilly side, but if you've been out bike riding or wandering the streets downtown, it feels fantastic!

Mission Point Resort has a new nighttime activity for all ages: glow in the dark putt-putt! The holes, tee offs, and golf balls all luminesce. It is a bit pricey, but it's worth it. Even if you're a seasoned putt-putter, chances are you'll like this version, just because it's a very different experience.

4 more images

This is the place that can keep you hopping from one fun activitiy to the next - if you allow it! To completely relax might be a challenge but it is worth it.
Breath...the aromas are all around. The flowers. The fudge and sweets, fried foods and cookouts. The horses...'nuff said! (Personally,I love it, but it can be overwhelming right in the middle of town). Out and around the Island - in the woods, after a rain. The Lake that surrounds you.
Listen...the clatter of hooves, happy sounds of children on their bikes as they pass the B and B. The silence of the woods at the top of the Island at dawn.
Rest...feel the healing power. Be restored.

3 more images

There are some older type homes from 1920's-50's, and some newer ones to see. The unique architectural styles are what is unique. The home with the dome top was burned to the ground recently-but being rebuilt. My brother's mansion is hidden behind trees-but it is a huge 9000 square feet home with many special woodworking and inlaid wood and much stained glass. It has 5 bedrooms, and 5 baths, plus rec room, greeting room, sitting room, etc.

1 more image

The fort was formed in 1715 by the French who traded from here for decades. They built a sturdy fort and it stood to meet the needs of the trappers and people that came through the area to trade pelts and buy goods. In 1761, the French gave the fort over to British in the settlement of the French and Indian War. By 1780 the British decided that the wood fort walls were too vulnerable, so then built the fort on Mackinac Island.
The fort in interactive and displays the every day living of the times back then with exhibits and actual activity of cooking and living life. Cost to enter is $10 and open 9-5 daily

3 more images

The history is fabulous and a much needed bridge for decades. It finally got completed in 1957 and ended up being 1846 feet long with two large bridge spans in the middle. The top of the towers is 552 feet. Total length of the bridge is about 5 miles, and cost each way is $3.50. The water depth at the bridge is 220 feet. There are an average of 4.2 million people cross the bridge yearly. In good traffic backup, if may take about 30 minutes to go end to end