Downtown Mackinac Island Travel Guide

Mackinac Island

No motorized vehicles allows on the Island and Amazon packages delivered with horse carriage.
No motorized vehicles allows on the Island and Amazon packages delivered with horse carriage.
The way out to Mackinac Island is by ferry, and since vehicles aren't allowed on the island, it's best to get there early for parking. The ferry doesn't move overly fast, but you're on open lake water and it's fast enough to stir up quite the wind, so I suggest a warm sweater and/or scarf & hat for the journey out (and especially the journey back in at night). Since the general public isn't allowed a vehicle on the island (never fear, there are service/emergency vehicles and snowmobiles are allowed in the winter), travel around the island will be by bicycle, on foot, or in horse-drawn carriages, such as the one pictured here.
Arch Rock is very aptly named, and it makes for a pretty perfect photo op! The best way to get to it is by taking the horse and carriage tour ride, as this is a stop. If I recall correctly you have about 15 minutes to try to elbow your way past the gathered crowds!
No cars on the island but a great opportunity to bike! There is a path all the way around the island. Great chance to stop and see all that the island has to offer! Don't forget to reward yourself with some fudge!

Popular places to visit

Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau

After visiting Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Mackinac Island. Stroll along the waterfront in this family-friendly area or seek out the cycling trails.

Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau

Haunted Theatre

You can browse the exhibits at Haunted Theatre, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to Mackinac Island. Stroll along the lakeside in this family-friendly area or seek out the cycling trails.

Haunted Theatre

Biddle House

You can learn about the history of Mackinac Island with a trip to Biddle House. Amble around this family-friendly area's lakeside or seek out the cycling trails.

Biddle House

Things to do

Somewhere in Time and Mackinac Island: Film Sites Audio Guide

Somewhere in Time and Mackinac Island: Film Sites Audio Guide

Rp167.333
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Somewhere in Time and Mackinac Island: Film Sites Audio Guide
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Top hotels in Downtown Mackinac Island

Bicycle Street Inn and Suites

Bicycle Street Inn and Suites

3.5 out of 5
7416 Main Street Mackinac Island MI
Stay at this golf hotel in Mackinac Island. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
Room was very clean, bed was comfortable and the view is what made it fantastic.

Reviewed on 17 Nov 2025

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Bicycle Street Inn and Suites
Pontiac Lodge

Pontiac Lodge

2.5 out of 5
1376 Hoban St Mackinac Island MI
The price is Rp2.472.628 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
Rp2.472.628
Rp3.278.217 total
25 Jan - 26 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this lodge in Mackinac Island. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, concierge services and cable TV channels. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (442 reviews)
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Reviewed on 3 Jan 2026

Pontiac Lodge
Lilac Tree Suites

Lilac Tree Suites

2.5 out of 5
7372 Main St Mackinac Island MI
Stay at this hotel in Mackinac Island. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions The Jewel at the Grand Hotel and Haunted ...
Quaint hotel in the heart of Mackinac Island
We really like this hotel, it's in the heart of downtown Mackinac Island, so it was the perfect place to regroup between biking around the island, shopping or going out to eat. Our view wasn't the greatest, as we had a room that looked out over an alley and nearby houses, but we weren't in the room ...

Reviewed on 14 Sept 2019

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Lilac Tree Suites
Hamilton Inn Select Beachfront Mackinaw City

Hamilton Inn Select Beachfront Mackinaw City

3 out of 5
701 S Huron Avenue Mackinaw City MI
Stay at this beach hotel in Mackinaw City. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,553 reviews)
Just a quick overnight so not much time to explore. Front desk person was very nice & accommodating. We will visit again in warmer weather.

Reviewed on 6 Jan 2026

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Hamilton Inn Select Beachfront Mackinaw City
Holiday Inn Express Mackinaw City by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Mackinaw City by IHG

3 out of 5
364 N Louvingney St Mackinaw City MI
The price is Rp1.348.400 per night from 19 Jan to 20 Jan
Rp1.348.400
Rp1.456.272 total
19 Jan - 20 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Mackinaw City. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
Helpful and attentive staff

Reviewed on 6 Jan 2026

Holiday Inn Express Mackinaw City by IHG
Bridge Vista Beach - Hotel & Convention Center

Bridge Vista Beach - Hotel & Convention Center

2.5 out of 5
1027 S Huron Mackinaw City MI
Stay at this beach hotel in Mackinaw City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
We went during off season so the hotel was mostly empty during the week. We wanted connected rooms so we couldn’t get a room with a balcony. The room was in good condition and the beds were pretty comfortable. The staff was very helpful in giving suggestions for restaurants and activities. We would ...

Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026

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Bridge Vista Beach - Hotel & Convention Center
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Mackinac Island

Seeing the sights and learning while in Mackinac Island

East Bluff

While visiting East Bluff, you might make a stop by sights like Arch Rock and Fort Mackinac.

East Bluff
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Harrisonville

If you're spending some time in Harrisonville, Mackinac Island State Park and Lake Huron are top sights worth seeing.

Harrisonville
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Hubbard's Annex

While visiting Hubbard's Annex, you might make a stop by sights like Mackinac Island State Park and Lake Huron.

Hubbard's Annex

Downtown Mackinac Island Travel Guide