Things To Do

Game On!

Step right up and experience the thrill of Carousel Arcade, Mackinac Island's only gaming center! With state-of-the-art games, and a selection of food and drinks there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Challenge your friends to a game and win tickets and redeem them for awesome prizes at our redemption counter.

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Bike It!

No Mackinac trip is complete without stretching your biking muscles and seeing what our beautiful island has to offer away from the main streets. There are 70 miles of trails from the easy M-185 loop around the perimeter of the island where you’ll see 8.2 miles of the pristine shoreline, to the rugged mountain biking trails located inland. Lose yourself in the nature and serenity. Bring your own bike or rent from our knowledgeable staff at Mackinac Island Bike Shop. Both are conveniently located with the newest and best bikes on the island.

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Woodlands Activity Center

Enjoy natural wonders and family-friendly activities at Woodlands Activity Center. The Gem 18-hole mini golf course lets the whole family get into the swing of the game. Set the stage for some friendly competition and give it your all on the center’s recreation courts for pickleball, bocce ball, and shuffleboard. The Cedar Grove Bike Track ‘brims’ with features that daring enthusiasts love! The track is a low-risk, high-fun environment geared to kids, but is fun for all bike riders aged 6 and up.

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Golf On The Jewel

Awarded Editor’s Choice “Best Grand & Boutique Golf Hotels” by Golf Digest, The Jewel is one of the most unique courses in Northern Michigan and the United States. The 7th hole, a scenic par 3, blends challenge with breathtaking Michigan views at Grand Hotel. Titleist rental clubs, golf carts, and pull carts are available throughout the season. To schedule a tee time, book via the link or call the Pro Shop at 906-847-9218.

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Shopping on Mackinac Island

Downtown Mackinac Island offers a shopping experience like no other, blending stunning natural beauty with historic charm. Wander through the island’s unique shops, where you’ll discover everything from home décor and sporting goods to jewelry, artwork, books, and accessories. There’s something for everyone, including toys for both kids and dogs, colorful kites perfect for flying at Windermere Point, and an antique portrait studio where you can immerse yourself in the island’s rich history and take home a piece of the past.

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Great Turtle Kayak Tours

If your idea of adventure is more fluid, hop in a kayak for a tour hosted by experienced guides at Great Turtle Kayak Tours. They offer seven different routes, including their popular sunrise or sunset tours. No need for experience – they’ll teach you!

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Horseback Riding

Horses are the main form of transportation on Mackinac Island, so it makes sense that the most authentic view of the island is from horseback. Two stables, Cindy’s Riding Stable and Jack’s Livery Stable offer saddle horses for individual rides or guided tours. Be sure to check their websites for rules and pointers before arriving. Keep in mind that this is a popular activity, so you’ll want to be flexible with your timing in order to Giddy Up.

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Fort Mackinac

Steve Brisson, Director of Mackinac State Historic Parks, has been known to say, “A trip to Mackinac Island is not complete without a visit to Fort Mackinac.” And we agree! So much of the charm of Mackinac Island is built on history. The Fort offers rifle demonstrations, historic interpreters available to answer all your questions, and exhibits explaining all about the history of the military installation and fur trade of the island. There are interactive exhibits for the kids, and their most recent addition to their activities – firing the morning cannon to indicate the opening of the Fort is one of the most unique experiences on the island. Reserve your spot by calling Fort Mackinac at least three days in advance of your visit.

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Carriage Tour

We highly recommend a narrated carriage tour, especially for first-time visitors—it’s a great way to get an overview of the island. The public tour with Mackinac Island Carriage Tours departs just two blocks away and lasts about 1 hour and 45 minutes, stopping at highlights like Arch Rock, the cemeteries, Fort Mackinac (admission not included), Surrey Hill Carriage Museum, and Wings of Mackinac (separate admission). For a more personalized experience, private tours are available through Gough Carriages or in front of Marquette Park. These can be tailored to your interests, with popular routes through the East and West Bluffs to view historic Victorian homes.

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Hike Mackinac Island State Park

Mackinac Island is a hiker’s dream. The Island is just under four square miles, but it has over 70 miles of trails to explore. 80% of the island is designated as a state park and the extensive trail system is highlighted in the Mackinac Island Historic Guidebook that is created by the Mackinac Historic Parks. You can purchase one on your ferry ride over or from the Island Visitor’s Center across from Fort Mackinac. If you are into geocaching, there are over 100 active caches on the island. It’s a great way to explore the little seen areas of Mackinac Island and to get back to nature.

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Haunts of Mackinac

Over the past few years, haunted walking tours have become more popular throughout all tourist destinations, and Mackinac Island is no exception. Haunts of Mackinac is based on a series of books by the same name. Each tour is a 90 minute walking tour, encompassing about a mile of area including the downtown area all the way to Mission Point Resort with a personal guide that will entertain you with folk lore and ghost stories that tell about Mackinac’s “buried” history. We recommend buying tickets online as tours fill up fast.

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The Original Butterfly House and Insect World

Using the word Original in the title is not just a marketing trick for this butterfly conservatory. It legitimately owns the rights to that title as it was the first of its kind in Michigan and only the third live butterfly exhibit in the United States! Boasting of over 30 species of butterflies, you are sure to see a magnificent show in their butterfly garden. In 2006, they added the Insect World and you can see both live and preserved insects and reptiles from all over the world. Even better, they offer a discount to our guests!

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Sip N Sail Cruises

This hidden gem of Mackinac Island is one of our favorite activities to suggest to couples looking for a romantic evening, or for a great Girls Night Out. Each cruise is about 1 ½ hours and tours the waters around Mackinac Island with a trip under the Mackinac Bridge if time and weather allow. With both open-air upper deck and covered cabin, you can be sure to cruise in comfort. There is live entertainment and a full bar onboard. Check out their schedule to see what is available during your stay.

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