Top Things to Do in the Mackinac Island Area, Michigan

Preserved history creates a soul-reviving escape on Mackinac Island and gateway ports like Mackinaw City. For a more budget getaway, set up home base in Mackinaw City or St. Ignace and take the ferry for the day to Mackinac Island, but to experience all the magic that Mackinac offers, splurge for at least a night or two in one of the island's historic lodgings.

The natural limestone arch is one of Mackinac Island's most-photographed sites. It's easy to access from carriage rides or bike and foot trails. mackinacisland.org

Cycling is the best way to explore auto-free Mackinac Island. An 8-mile paved trail circles Mackinac. Inland, 140 miles of carriage roads, bike trails and footpaths knit through a hilly and wooded landscape, past limestone outcrops. Bike rentals are available throughout downtown; no reservations necessary. bikemackinac.com

A horse-drawn carriage ride gives a good overview of the island's interior and state historic park; operators line Main Street. Hire a horse-drawn taxi, or you can drive a rented horse and buggy outside downtown. mict.com

Two lines shuttle visitors to the island. Look for discounted tickets online from Shepler's or Star Line.

Tour the Coast Guard's steel-hulled workhorse that kept Great Lakes shipping lanes free of ice from 1944 to 2006. Open seasonally; in Mackinaw City. themackinaw.org

On Labor Day, tens of thousands of walkers gather in St. Ignace for the annual 5-mile trek across one of the world's longest suspension bridges, which links the Lower and Upper peninsula. mackinacbridge.org

See hundreds of butterflies in an indoor tropical garden exhibit. originalbutterflyhouse.com

The park surprises visitors with its faraway-woods feel, despite being a few hundred yards from downtown. More than 80 percent of Mackinac Island is within the state park. Hike, bike or ride a horse through forests, past geological formations and along limestone bluffs. mackinacparks.com

Far from hazy light pollution, celestial reflections ripple across Lake Michigan in this park 2 miles west of Mackinaw City. During the day, hike through forests and to bluff views. midarkskypark.org

Kids can dress up like soldiers at Fort Mackinac, a historic military outpost on Mackinac Island. In Mackinaw City, Colonial Michilimackinac keeps visitors engrossed watching cooking and crafting demonstrations, as well as musket and cannon firings. This reconstructed fort sits near the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse; climb to the top of the 1889 tower. These sites, nearby Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park (with ziplines and a climbing wall) and other attractions combine to make Mackinac State Historic Parks. mackinacparks.com

In Mackinaw City, browse a complex of more than 50 shops and eateries. Mackinaw Crossings on Facebook

Three- to five-hour cruises are available May through mid-September; reservations recommended. sheplersferry.com

Kayak and paddleboard around Mackinac Island and Mackinaw City. Options include sunrise and sunset tours, a Round Island retreat, an Arch Rock excursion and SUP yoga. mackinackayak.com

Nine miles west of Mackinaw City, you'll find camping and rustic cabins, plus hiking and scenic drives on a 10,000-acre park with 26 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. dnr.state.mi.us

Sign on for guided hiking, biking and kayaking tours or rent equipment from this Hessel outfitter. woodsandwaters.eco

In Mackinaw City, dine in the casual Family Room or the upscale Chippewa Room on fresh, well-prepared local whitefish, lake perch and steaks. audies.com

The St. Ignace cafe claims a loyal following for its hearty, traditional meat pies. Bessie's on Facebook

For a fast and inexpensive breakfast or lunch while you're on the island, stop by this long-time favorite for omelets, French toast, burgers and sandwiches. chuckwagononmackinac.com

This is just one of the places to find the quintessential Mackinac treat, with more than 20 flavors. joannsfudge.com

Choose from 50 craft and local beers to go with your crispy pan-fried whitefish, thin-crust pizza or truffle fries. marysbistromackinacisland.com

Fresh perch and walleye fill baskets with fries, creamy coleslaw and crispy hush puppies. scalawagswhitefish.com

The casual pub-style restaurant serves hearty options that include whitefish Reubens and French Creole jambalaya. seabiscuitcafe.com

Run by the Grand Hotel, this Tudor mansion serves dinners of local and Bavarian-style specialties. grandhotel.com

Savor great homemade soups and sandwiches, plus unforgettable slow-cooked pot roast. yankeerebeltavern.com

Balconies take advantage of the refurbished 1902 hotel's location facing the marina. The Pink Pony patio serves casual fare. chippewahotel.com

For an unforgettable experience, stay at this Victorian-Era landmark, with its 660-foot porch overlooking the straits. grandhotel.com

Surveying the water from the edge of town, this luxurious Queen Anne-style hotel on Mackinac Island feels like an oasis. iroquoishotel.com

The 19 guest rooms at this hotel all feature luxury furnishings plus amenities like afternoon snacks and breakfast. themackinachouse.com

Want some character but not too much? Consider this charming (and air-conditioned) B&B on the island. metivierinn.com

Lounge on the lakefront lawn, relax with a lilac facial in the spa, or join activities such as flower pressing or bocce ball on the 18-acre property. A $10 million renovation freshened the property. missionpoint.com 

A variety of hotels and motels, many right on the lakeshore, typically offer lower rates than properties on Mackinac Island. Get more information here.

For more information: 

Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau mackinacisland.org

Mackinaw Area Visitors Bureau mackinawcity.com

St. Ignace Visitors Bureau stignace.com