12 Things to Do Mackinac Island | What to Expect + Where to Stay

Michigan's Mackinac Island is one of the most unique destinations in the United States. Before you go, it's helpful to have a plan of things to do.

00:00 Things to Do Mackinac Island, Michigan
00:30 Know Before You Go - Mackinac Island
02:00 12 Things to Do - Mackinac Island
07:30 Where to Stay - Mackinac Island
09:22 Self Q & A
09:30 What would you do if you went back to the Mackinac Island?

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[graced]

How fun to step back in time like this to get away from the sound of vehicles.

[jeffdetrick]

One of my favorite places to visit. I'm a native Michigander and I absolutely love northern Michigan and the U.P. Took my wife there on our honeymoon and then went back the following year. Some additional things I would recommend.... 1) Go horseback riding; or drive your own horse drawn carriage. Both are available for a small fee; and 2) Visit the cemetary on the island; it's really cool if you enjoy that kind of thing.

Another commenter also mentioned Drummond Island and it's a fantastic place as well. It's an off-roaders paradise so either bring a Jeep Wrangler, quads, or a side-by-side, and hit the trails.

[shirleybalinski]

The Island is NOT DISNEY LAND. The Island iis a real home/ town for local folks. The prices are rather high. Do not expect to get a hotel room by walk in. The Island is great for a day trip. If you enjoy history, you will definitely enjoy the Island. In fact the fur trade & exploration of the West started here!! Enjoy some fudge, pack a hamper of food, take a stroll, enjoy the scenery, soak of history. A must for any Summer bucket list!!

[landry.styles]

I’ve gone to Mackinac island 7 times with my family and highly recommend going! Staying on the island is always so fun and cool to see all the places on the island. It feels like you are disconnected from the current world and is always super interesting and never gets old. :)

[kjones]

We have visited several times. Beautiful ! Our grown boys talk of it often. The bike rides, the weather, the water, the food, the fun ! Good memories

[mskulagal]

My husband, who is a native Michigander, and I visited in 2019 for 4th of July for 4 nights. We stayed at the Island House Hotel and was surprised you didn’t mention it. It’s a great place to stay, good location, and offers a great porch to sit and read. We had a nice dinner at the Grand Hotel, toured the grounds, and remembered it was the place featured in the film, “Somewhere in Time”. I loved spending 4th of July on Mackinac Island - real Americana at its best! We hope to return this summer 2023.
Mandy from Tucson🌵

[IgnoretheButter]

The last time I went on the island, I biked on a tandem with my brother around the island 3 times. It was fun

[billdoty]

One of my favorite places on earth, thanks for sharing!

[nicolebryant]

I went with my sister in laws and we stayed at the Grand Hotel ..( they had a special package weekend).. it was awesome .. the hotel decor is definitely old elegance style.. dress up dinners and it was great… the in hotel boutiques are pricey… we brought our own bikes we biked around the island ..the shops and little cafes and restaurants are great… I have been to the island many a time..just love it…

[majorlagg]

The Grand Hotel is where the movie Somewhere in Time, starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour, was filmed.

[zoltonthemagnificent]

Thanks for a no nonsense review very well done!

[draco]

i've been going to makinac island for the last 20 + years. i enjoy the slower pace of life on the island with no motorized vehicles. in 1978 or 1980, a movie "somewhere in time" with christopher reeves was filmed on the island.

[as]

Go to St. Ignace to board the fairy… it’s way more quaint and beautiful than Mackinaw City… less hectic!

[miragexl]

After years of going. We finally stayed at the grand hotel, surprise the kids. Beautiful, the room was about as plain and old as you can get. So it was just the experience.. Being able to go in, and sitting on the porch.

[fitfrog]

We visited this August and stayed at the Grand Hotel for two nights. I grew up in Ohio and had not had Waleye since childhood. The Grand is a must do, as is walking the many trails on the island. We will do it again!

[keithhuotari]

Great video, thanks for sharing! Me & my family have been to the Island many times over the years, to the point that day trips just don't cut it for us anymore. One thing you mentioned was biking around the Island--thats pretty much a given, but I take it one step further and run around it as I'm a long distance runner. Its something I look forward to everytime we are on the Island. Also, if you stay at night, you need to walk along the boardwalk and take it the lights of the Mackinac Bridge at dusk. Of course I guess you can do that from the porch of the Grand Hotel too, if you decide to stay there...:) (Steve Orchard, Kingsford, Michigan--in the U.P.!)

[chaskitchell]

It is a beautiful place to visit. Prices on everything has gone up tremendously over the past few years (all goods and services transported by Diesel powered boats, fuel prices go up so does everything).
Also, don’t expect any free transport for handicapped individuals even if you have a reservation at a hotel. You Will Pay to get there and back.

[colleenleroy]

Thank you for this video! I was debating where to do a close getaway with my husband after our recent court house wedding and this was one of the locations i had in mind, we’re from Chicago. pretty much copying your itinerary and suggestions in your video. I’m pretty much leading him on this vacation blind.. can’t wait!

[daisypeony]

Went last August for our 30th anniversary. Great vid explaining all the info. We stayed at Mission Point. Grounds were gorgeous, our room was very old. Would recommend staying at the newer section. I am a HUGE Somewhere In Time fan and stopping at sites on the island where scenes were shot was amazing! The small room with the movie memorabilia at the Grand Hotel was so cool. One scene was filmed at the theater at MP. They were showing the movie when we were there in the theater and I sat in the seat where Christopher Reeve sat in the movie ❤️. The gardens on Mackinac are incredible and designed by Jack Barnwell. There is a “hidden garden” at the Grand below by the tennis courts. It’s spectacular! They have a Mackinac Garden Show for the island every August. I would stay at Hotel Iroquois next time.

[PublicEnemy-kfbu]

Gotta get on the bike to enjoy if fully!