How to Plan a Trip to Mackinac Island
- 1). Choose someplace to stay. In addition to the two major hotels on Mackinac Island -- The Grand Hotel and Mission Point Resort -- there are lovely inns and bed and breakfasts to choose from.
If you're on a budget, your best bet to see the Grand Hotel is to visit for its legendary buffet lunch. There is a fee for nonguests to stroll the grounds. If you have the funds, by all means, stay at the Grand. The price includes a gourmet breakfast in the dining room or delivered to your room, and a five-course gourmet dinner.
Mission Point has an executive putting green, bike rentals, a heated outdoor pool, a game room and a rambling lawn dotted with white Adirondack chairs, which are perfect for enjoying the view of the Straits of Mackinac and eating fudge. - 2). Choose a ferry. The only way to get to Mackinac Island is by water or by air. If you have your own boat, you can dock at the Mackinac Island Yacht Club. Most tourists opt for the public ferry. There are three ferry lines, and the prices are all similar. Your bags will be tagged with your hotel and transported there for you. You can walk to your hotel, take a horse-drawn shuttle, or hire your own horse-drawn taxi.
- 3). Take a tour. There are many guided tours available. You can hire your own private tour, or you can purchase a ticket for a public tour. Do this as soon as you get to Mackinac Island so you can see what the island has to offer. Go back and explore on your own later.
- 4). Rent a bicycle. No trip to Mackinac Island is complete without seeing it by bicycle. You can bring your own bicycle to the island, or you can rent one by the hour. The perimeter of the island is a lovely bike route. Or get a map of the island and explore the interior. There are many natural wonders, and don't miss Mackinac Island's historic cemeteries.
- 5). Rent a horse and carriage. It doesn't matter if you've ever driven a horse or not. You will fill out a brief questionnaire and will be matched with a horse that fits your skill level. The horses know the routes well, so you barely have to steer them. If you're feeling more adventurous, tour the island on horseback.
- 6). Pack a picnic. Visit Mackinac Island's little shops to stock your picnic basket, or let one of the hotels or restaurants do it for you. There are many romantic spots along the water to enjoy a picnic, or hike or bike among the trees in the interior of the island.
- 7). See some history. There are several historical attractions on Mackinac Island. Fort Mackinac, the largest attraction, sits high above the island on a bluff and is well worth the trek. The tea room is operated by the Grand Hotel and features a limited selection of luncheon items. It is pricey, but the view alone is worth the cost.
- 8). Eat some fudge. Fudge is a specialty on Mackinac Island. There are quite a few shops -- try them all! How else can you choose a favorite?
- 9). Enjoy the relaxed pace of island life. Mackinac Island is a special place because cars are banned. You will not believe how much quieter life is without the automobile. Sit back, take a deep breath, and listen to the clip-clopping of horses. You will feel like you've gone back in time.
