Things to Do in Mackinac Island

Things to Do in Mackinac Island, MI - Mackinac Island Attractions

Things to Do in Mackinac Island

Check out must-see sights and activities:
Arch Rock, Fort Mackinac, Cultural Tours, Historic Sites. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Top Attractions in Mackinac Island

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveler reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

Scenic lakeside spot featuring a natural rock arch and multicolored waters. Enjoy tranquil walks or bike rides with panoramic views from the catwalk. Accessible via hiking or carriage tours.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Scenic island escape with horse-drawn carriage tours, bike trails, and historical sites. Enjoy the serene Arch Rock view and local fudge delicacies.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Butterfly conservatory nestled in Surrey Hill with a warm ambiance, showcasing over 70 species amidst lush flora, interactive experiences, and a return visit option.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

What travelers are saying

  • Linda B
    Radcliff, KY109 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a beautiful sight to see. Wear comfortable shoes it is 207 steps to get to the Arch and do take pictures. If you rent a bike you can park at the bottom of the steps.
    Written September 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • DarylJ552
    Carlsbad, CA3,574 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We hired one of the horse drawn carts to go up the hill to Fort Mackinac. There is a cafe in the fort and we had lunch on a balcony with a nice view. After that we went into most of the old buildings. The British opened the fort in 1780 and Americans were there from 1796 to 1812 when the British took it back by force. After the end of The War of 1812, Americans got the fort back and used it until 1895.
    Written December 16, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • My2015Trip
    Pittsburgh, PA54 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Island is amazing. No cars allowed, only horses. We enjoyed the fort, the Arch, the food, the shops. Would recommend visiting for a few days!
    Written November 21, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Garden guy
    Alma, MI331 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a wonderful way to spend an hour when visiting the Island. There was a large variety of butterflies on exhibit when we visited the facility. Caution, as you go through the facility, be careful wher you place your feet when walking so as not to step on a butterfly that has landed on the walkway. Also be careful when you go to sit down.
    Written October 10, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Vonda J
    46 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    They know how to move people. They accommodate well. Very friendly. Safe that I saw. $36 round trip if by at dock. Clean. Don’t by the book for just island location. Free maps at bicycle station.
    Written August 7, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • lakes218
    Saint Paul, MN21 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a decent butterfly house. It’s not very big, but beautifully landscaped inside. I wish they had even more butterflies, but there is a decent amount. One of my children loved it and didn’t want to leave. The other is terrified of butterflies (really anything that flies) and couldn’t get out of there fast enough. Butterflies landed on both of us adults but not the kids (to the great disappointment of one child). As an adult I’d probably skip this visit. Fun for the kids though.
    Written August 1, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lisamarie L
    Madison, WI958 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a lovely, historic church on the island, and a nice place for our family to attend Mass. There are beautiful stained glass, murals and shrines inside and there's also a nice museum downstairs with some interesting history. I recommend looking up info about Magdelaine Framboise who was influential in this church's history and the island in general, and she's buried in their crypt. The area nearby also has some very lovely lilac bushes, and it's right next to the Butterfly House which makes for a great Sunday afternoon.
    Written June 30, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • CaledoniaFam
    Caledonia, MI16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    While chaperoning a group of teens, we worked our way inland a bit and decided to check out Fort Holmes. It was worth the hike! As noted in other reviews, 144-ish steps up there, but once you're at the top, it's very nice. Relatively few tourists...we pretty much had the place to ourselves, and there is no admission charge...just walk right in. The building itself is somewhat-recently reconstructed (2016?) and is in good repair, with information posted on the walls about the fort's history. Note...Tripadvisor suggests it's 1.5-2 hours...a decent look around needs only about 15 minutes.
    Written June 3, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • gobabigo11
    Louisville, KY276 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This spot is so neat. If you scan your code on your bike and use your map, you’ll be able to see right where this spot is. It’s right on beside the bike path. It’s very easy to spot if your looking for it.
    Written July 29, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lisamarie L
    Madison, WI958 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had admission to the Fort, so we also stopped here (and the nearby Blacksmith).

    In some ways the exhibits were a little dense/dry, and if you are not into this particular period of history it may not be as interesting to you, and my kids were a bit harder to engage, but I did find some things to be intrigued by that I looked up later. This was the house of the Biddles, an important family in the history of Mackinac (in particular Agatha Biddle, a woman of mixed indigenous and French descent). The house also has a Native American museum and so there are multiple exhibits about the history of the Natives in the area (which should not be forgotten) as well as the intersection of French, British, Native and American culture that occurred here.

    I also found the stories of both Agatha Biddle and Magdelaine Framboise (another Native/French woman who was a prominent figure in Mackinac society, business and religious life) to be quite interesting.
    Written June 29, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BigMerk
    Glasgow, UK2,707 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We spotted this from the ferry and also got a good view from the beach on Mackinac Island. It’s an old style lighthouse and looks great.
    Written October 5, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • HTCWI
    Marathon, WI1,809 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I took advantage of the free entrance to this museum during the lilac festival! The museum is very, very nice! Beautiful art spanning local artists and historical art. Loved the maps depicting the variations on what the Great Lakes looked like. Art studio on the basement that had activities for children! Definitely with the stop!
    Written June 21, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
When to Visit
  • January
    20 ºF
    5 days of rain
    Moderately busy
  • February
    19 ºF
    Coldest month
    5 days of rain
    Less busy
  • March
    28 ºF
    5 days of rain
    Moderately busy
  • April
    38 ºF
    7 days of rain
    Moderately busy
  • May
    51 ºF
    6 days of rain
    Very busy
  • June
    60 ºF
    6 days of rain
    Very busy
  • July
    67 ºF
    Hottest month
    6 days of rain
    Very busy
  • August
    67 ºF
    6 days of rain
    Very busy
    Busiest month
  • September
    59 ºF
    8 days of rain
    Moderately busy
  • October
    47 ºF
    10 days of rain
    Wettest month
    Less busy
  • November
    36 ºF
    7 days of rain
    Less busy
  • December
    27 ºF
    7 days of rain
    Less busy
    Least busy month
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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