1 Day Itinerary For Mackinac Island: The Perfect Day Trip

Discover the best way to explore Mackinac Island in just one day with this carefully crafted itinerary, packed with must-see sights, delicious eats, and unforgettable experiences.

Why Mackinac Island Is A Perfect Day Trip Destination

Stepping onto Mackinac Island is a little bit like stepping back in time: horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping down the street, the smell of warm fudge drifting through the air, expansive vistas of Lake Huron, and not a single car in sight.

Known for its car-free streets, Victorian-era charm, and iconic Great Lakes scenery, Mackinac Island has managed to preserve a slower, more nostalgic pace of life that feels increasingly rare. The only way to get around the island is via foot, bicycle, or horse-drawn carriage. In fact, since 1898, motor vehicles have been banned on the island (with the exception of emergency vehicles), making it one of the only places in the United States where that rule has never been lifted.

The island sits between Michigan’s two peninsulas, right where Lake Huron meets Lake Michigan in the Straits of Mackinac, and is just a short ferry ride from the mainland (you can opt to cruise under the historic Mackinac Bridge which connects Michigan’s two peninsulas on your ferry ride over to the island). 

That accessibility is exactly what makes Mackinac Island such a perfect day trip — you can experience the highlights, soak in the scenery, eat extremely well, and still be back on the mainland by dinner if you want.

I’ve visited Mackinac Island several times (we go to Michigan every summer to visit AJ’s family), most recently on a summer long weekend up north with AJ, our two kids, his parents, and his grandmother. We stayed on Lake Huron in Mackinaw City and did a full day trip to the island — carriage ride, bikes, butterfly house, secret garden and all. It was a full day, but never felt rushed.

If you’re wondering how to make the most of just one day on Mackinac Island, this itinerary walks you through exactly how to do it.

But before we get started, a brief history and vocabulary lesson.

Mackinac versus Mackinaw

Both “Mackinac” (ending in -ac) and “Mackinaw” (ending in -aw) are pronounced the same way, “Mack-i-naw,” and refer to the same Straits region in Michigan between the lower and upper peninsulas. The name originates from the Ojibwe word Michinimackinong, referring to the shape of the island.

The difference between the two words is historical: “Mackinac” reflects the original French-influenced spelling (retained by the island, bridge, and straits), while “Mackinaw” (as in the city) is a later phonetic English spelling (the city founders in the 1850s adopted this phonetic spelling to reflect the actual pronunciation and to differentiate themselves from the island for postal services.)

Just remember, regardless of spelling, they are always pronounced “Mack-i-naw”.

How to Get to Mackinac Island

The only way to reach Mackinac Island is by boat (unless you’re arriving via private plane), and for most visitors, the ferry is the easiest and most popular option.

You can take a ferry from either Mackinaw City in the Lower Peninsula or St. Ignace in the Upper Peninsula. Both ferry rides take about 20 minutes and arrive at the same dock on the island.

During peak summer season (late May through early September), ferries run as frequently as every 15–30 minutes, and you don’t need to reserve a specific departure time. You simply buy a ticket (online or in person) and board the next available boat.

Pro tip: Take an early ferry if you can. The island feels noticeably quieter in the morning, especially before the mid-day crowds arrive.

You can also bring your own bike on the ferry for an additional fee — or rent one once you arrive.

When to Visit Mackinac Island

Summer is peak season on Mackinac Island, and for good reason. The weather is typically mild, everything is open, ferry schedules are frequent, and the island is buzzing with energy.

That said, if you’re looking for less crowds, late spring or early fall can be lovely alternatives. The ferry schedule is more limited, but the island is quieter and still beautiful. Fall foliage on Mackinac Island is especially stunning.

While Mackinac Island’s main tourism season is May through October, Mackinac Island is open year round. While the island largely shuts down to tourists from November through March (and many of the restaurants, businesses, hotels and inns will be closed), you can still visit if you’re interested in winter activities like snowshoeing or skiing. The Arnold Transit Company runs a ferry to the island in the winter as long as the ice on Lake Huron is not too thick. You can also book a reservation via plane to visit the island in the winter.

Morning: Exploring Historic Sites And Landmarks

Fort Mackinac

Start your day with one of the island’s most important historic sites: Fort Mackinac.

Perched high on a bluff overlooking downtown, the fort offers some of the best views on the island, along with an engaging look at Mackinac’s military history. Originally built as a British outpost, Fort Mackinac played a key role during the War of 1812 and later served as a U.S. Army post before becoming a museum in 1895.

Today, all fourteen buildings are open to visitors, with exhibits, reenactments, cannon firings, and demonstrations throughout the day — many run by college-aged guides and Girl Scouts.

If you enjoy history (or just want a killer photo overlooking Lake Huron), this stop is well worth your time.

Michigan Governor’s Summer Residence

Sitting high on a bluff at Fort Street and Huron Road, near Fort Mackinac, the Michigan Governor’s Summer Residence offers beautiful views over downtown and Lake Huron. You can easily walk over after visiting the fort, or catch it later as part of a narrated horse-drawn carriage tour.

With sweeping views of the Jewel Golf Course, the Grand Hotel, the Mackinac Bridge, and the harbor below, the three-story home spans more than 7,000 square feet and includes 11 bedrooms, nine-and-a-half baths, and a wraparound porch made for lingering. Originally built in 1902 as a private cottage called The Knoll for Chicago attorney Lawrence A. Young, it later became the governor’s summer residence and has hosted an impressive guest list over the decades, including John F. Kennedy, Harry Truman, Gerald R. Ford, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton. Today, the residence is typically open for free public tours on Wednesdays during the summer, led by knowledgeable docents who share stories about the home’s history, furnishings, and notable visitors.

The Grand Hotel

No visit to Mackinac Island is complete without seeing the Grand Hotel. Famous for its 600-foot porch — the longest in the world — the hotel has hosted everyone from Thomas Edison to Mark Twain.

Non-guests can enter the lobby for a fee (currently $12 for adults, which is a steal considering a night at the Grand Hotel could cost upwards of $1000), and bikes must be parked in designated areas before walking up. Even if you don’t go inside, strolling the grounds and Great Lawn, and peeking into the Secret Garden, is a quintessential Mackinac experience.

Midday: Lunch Recommendations And Local Dining Spots

For lunch, head back toward Main Street, where you’ll find no shortage of casual, classic Mackinac Island dining options — many with waterfront views and kid friendly menus.

The Pink Pony is a longtime island favorite (and our personal favorite) and an easy go-to for a midday break. Located right on the water, it has a relaxed, come-as-you-are vibe and a menu full of crowd-pleasers like burgers, sandwiches, salads, wraps and creative cocktails; perfect for refueling before an afternoon of biking or sightseeing.

If Pink Pony is busy (which it often is in peak season) and you didn’t pack your patience for the waitlist (no reservations!), there are plenty of other options nearby:

• Great Turtle Brewing – Mackinac Islands’s first and only craft brewery and distillery. We had dinner here during our last visit to the island and loved their beer and food! Fun fact: Mackinac means “great turtle.”
• Mission Point Resort Restaurants – A short walk from downtown, the Mission Point Resort offers multiple dining options with beautiful water views and a slightly quieter atmosphere. It’s a nice choice if you want a calmer lunch away from the busiest stretch of Main Street.
• The Chuckwagon – A casual spot known for hearty comfort food like big breakfasts and burgers. sandwiches. It’s unfussy, filling, and great if you’ve worked up an appetite biking the island.
• Seabiscuit Café – A good option for lunch with a group because of their extensive menu, there’s something for everyone.
• The Gate House – Located just down the street from the Grand Hotel, the menu is approachable, and the setting feels special without being stuffy.

Afternoon: Outdoor Activities And Scenic Views

Biking the Island

Biking is one of the best ways to experience Mackinac Island and the option most visitors choose. Rental shops line Main Street, making it easy to grab bikes as soon as you step off the ferry.

Prices are fairly consistent across vendors, and most offer hourly, half-day, and full-day rentals. You’ll also find options for kids’ bikes, tag-along bikes, child seats, and trailers, which makes biking around the island surprisingly doable for families.

The Outer Loop Road circles the entire island (an 8.2 mile trip) and offers a mostly flat, scenic ride with constant water views, forested stretches, and frequent pull-offs for photos. Even if you don’t do the full loop, biking part of it gives you access to many of Mackinac Island’s most iconic sights — and lets you explore at your own pace.

Mackinac Island Carriage Tours

If biking isn’t your thing — or if you’re traveling with multiple generations, like we were this summer, a horse-drawn carriage tour is a wonderful way to explore the island and learn its history. Carriages depart regularly from downtown and offer narrated tours that loop around the island, stopping at major landmarks along the way.

We loved doing this with our kids (ages 3 and 1 at the time), AJ’s parents and AJ’s grandma; it allowed everyone to see a lot of the island comfortably, without worrying about hills, stairs, or stamina, while still learning about the island’s history. Carriage tours typically include stops near Arch Rock, Fort Mackinac, The Butterfly House and Insect Museum and the Michigan Governor’s Summer Residence, making them a great option if you want a more relaxed, overview-style experience — especially with kids or older family members.

Arch Rock

One of the island’s most iconic natural landmarks is Arch Rock, a massive limestone arch spanning roughly 50 feet wide and rising 146 feet above the turquoise waters of Lake Huron. Arch Rock was formed during the Nispissing post-glacial period and is made of eroded limstone, making it a geological rarity in the Great Lakes region.

Long before European settlement, the site was considered spiritually significant by the Anishinaabek people (Odawa, Ojibway, and Potawatomi), adding an important layer of cultural history to its natural beauty.

The views from the top are some of the best on the island, especially on a clear day when you can see far across the lake.

To reach it by bike, you’ll ride a short stretch of the Outer Loop Road (less than 10 minutes from downtown), then park your bike and climb 207 steps to the viewing area. We were able to skip the climb and walked to the viewing area from our carriage tour.

Late Afternoon: Shopping And Visiting Local Shops Boutiques

Spend your late afternoon wandering Main Street, popping into shops to do some shopping and get some souvenirs. My favorite souvenier from a trip to Mackinac is my Mackinac Mittens, which are georgeous wool mittens made from recycled sweaters and handmade by teachers on the island. My kids favorite souvenirs are their pink pony stuffies from the Pink Pony gift shop (although if Joey could bring a real live horse home with her, she would have!)

Then it comes to one of your most important stops: most sampling fudge.

Fudge became synonymous with Mackinac Island in the late 19th century, when the Murdick family opened the island’s first candy shop. Today, there are 13 fudge shops on the island (we loved Murdick’s and Joann’s), and Mackinac imports an estimated 10 tons of sugar per week just to keep up with demand.

You’ll see fudge being made on marble slabs right in front of you — and yes, you should absolutely try more than one sample.

Evening: Sunset Views And Dinner Options

As the day winds down, grab a bite and a final drink from one of the spots listed above, enjoy the harbor views, and make your way back to the ferry dock. Watching the island empty out in the evening light is its own kind of magic.

If you’re staying on the mainland, plan to catch one of the last ferries back to Mackinaw City or St. Ignace. In the summer months, the last ferry leaves the island around 9 or 9:30 PM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips For Making The Most Of Your Day Trip

Here are some pointers for getting the most out of your day:

• Take an early ferry
• Rent bikes (or bring your own) or book a carriage tour in advance during peak season
• Wear comfortable shoes (even if you bike, there’s walking involved)
• Pace yourself — this island rewards slowing down
• Make sure you are back at the ferry dock with enough time to line up

Bike vs. Carriage: Which Is Better for Your Day on Mackinac Island?

Both biking and carriage rides are classic Mackinac Island experiences — the best choice really depends on your group and travel style.

Choose Bikes If:

• You want flexibility to stop whenever something catches your eye
• You’re traveling with older kids or confident riders
• You’d like to do the Outer Loop Road at your own pace
• You’re comfortable navigating stairs (like the climb up to Arch Rock)
• You enjoy being active and don’t mind a bit of effort

The island is mostly flat, but there are hills near Fort Mackinac and Arch Rock. Most bike rental shops offer child seats, tag-alongs, and trailers.

Choose a Horse-Drawn Carriage If:

• You’re traveling with multiple generations (grandparents included)
• You have young kids who may tire easily
• You want a guided, narrated overview of the island
• You prefer a more relaxed, sit-back-and-enjoy experience
• You want to see a lot without worrying about logistics

Carriage tours are especially great earlier in the day or as a way to orient yourself before exploring on foot.

Tips for Visiting Mackinac Island with Young Kids

Traveling with little ones? Mackinac Island is family-friendly!

• Start early. Mornings are quieter, cooler, and better for kids who wake up early anyway.
• Consider a carriage tour first. It’s a great way to see the island without tiring kids out too early.
• Use bike trailers or tag-alongs. Most rental shops offer these, and they make longer rides much more manageable.
• Build in downtime. The Grand Hotel lawn, harbor benches, and quiet shoreline stops are perfect for rest breaks.
• Pack snacks and water. Even with plenty of dining options, having snacks on hand helps avoid meltdowns.
• Embrace flexibility. You don’t have to see everything — Mackinac Island is best enjoyed at a slower pace.

Traveling with kids on Mackinac Island feels refreshingly low-stress once you lean into the island’s rhythm — fewer schedules, no cars, and lots of space to explore.