This 3.8 square mile island is located 8 miles off the coast of Michigan in Lake Huron.  No cars are allowed on the island, which makes this a great place for horseback riding, carriage rides, bike riding and hiking.   You won’t find the typical franchise hotels on the island, but there are over 1,500 unique lodging options to choose from.  

Model Itinerary

Day 1:
Mackinaw City is located on I-75 in northern Michigan.  It’s a 4 ½ hour drive from Detriot, and a 3 ½ hour drive from Grand Rapids.  Before heading over to Mackinac Island, spend a few days exploring the sights around Mackinaw City.  This itinerary includes 3 nights in Mackinaw City and 3 nights on Mackinac Island.  There are more restaurants, shops, and attractions in Mackinaw City, so you should adjust the itinerary based on what your family likes to do.  
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Day 2:
Start the day in Mackinaw City with a visit to Colonial Michilimackinac.  This is a great place to begin learning about the history of the area.  French fur traders built the fort in 1670.  There are costumed guides and demonstrations throughout the park, as well as an underground archaeology exhibit.  For dinner, there are plenty of shops, attractions, and restaurants in Mackinaw Crossings.  There is even a free nightly laser show. 

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Day 3:
You can start with a guided tour of Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse.  This 1889 lighthouse has been restored so visitors can climb up the tower and visit inside the original buildings.  There is also a picnic area in the park for a nice lunch break and views of the Mackinaw Bridge.  ​
Day 4:
Macinac Island is not accessible by car so you must take one of the ferry boats which leaves daily from both Mackinaw City in the Lower Peninsula or from St. Ignace on the Upper Peninsula.  The Star Line Ferry and  Shepler’s Ferry both provide service to the island.  The ferry takes about 20 minutes and does not require reservations in advance.  The ferry will drop you off in the heart of historic downtown.  Take some time to explore the shops and historic buildings.  The best way to get an overview of the island is by taking a sightseeing Island Carriage Tour.  The horse-drawn tour will lead through both the City of Mackinac Island and Mackinac Island State Park.   If you don’t spend the night at the historic Grand Hotel, you should still take the time to tour it while you're on the island.  ​
Day 5:
Start your morning by visiting Fort Mackinac.  The fort was founded in 1780 and all 14 buildings (including the oldest building in Michigan) are restored and set up to give visitors a glimpse into life in the early 1800’s. Stop for lunch at The Tea Room and enjoy views of the island and Haldimand Bay.  After lunch, you can rent bicycles or go hiking and explore the rest of the island at your own pace.  ​
Day 6:
Spend the day on the water!  There are many options for getting out on the lake here.  You can rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, schedule a sailing trip, go fishing, or try some of everything!    ​
Day 7:
​Take the ferry back to your car and head home and start planning your next family adventure!