Arch Rock is one of the geological highlights of Mackinac Island State Park. It is a natural rock soaring 149 feet above the Straits of Mackinac that appears to be suspended in midair.

Iconic. The cannon blasts, the rifles fire, the soldiers march and history comes alive. The oldest building in Michigan and 13 other historical structures boast exhibits explaining everything from military training and battles to medical treatments to family life within the fort. More than just a military outpost, Fort Mackinac served as a home for soldiers and their families and eventually the headquarters for Mackinac National Park, where tourists to the island visited the great fortress on the bluff, much like they do today. This is Mackinac.

Michigan's first state park. This is Mackinac Island State Park, a landscape characterized by high limestone bluffs, beautiful vistas of sparkling water, vibrant forests, and mystical geological formations. With automobiles banned since 1898, here exists a quieter way of life away from interstate noise of cities. Over 80 percent of Mackinac Island is within Mackinac Island State Park—free of charge and open year round—where you’ll discover the true natural gems of Mackinac. Whether visiting this island parkland by foot, bike, horseback, or carriage, these many majestic geological wonders and unique historical monuments are visual treasures found only here—on the island sacred to the Ojibwa and Odawa Great Lakes Indian tribes. According to them, this is where life began. You’re invited to discover why. This is Mackinac.

Set sail with Mackinac Island Ferry Company, your gateway to the enchanting Mackinac Island and beyond. As the steward of the iconic Star Line Hydro-Jet® fleet, we take pride in our unique waterjet rooster tails, a symbol of our commitment to speed, comfort, and style. Witness awe-inspiring views of the majestic Mackinac Bridge, historic Round Island Lighthouse, and the serene shoreline of Michigan's great peninsulas. Choose to embark from either St. Ignace or Mackinaw City and cruise aboard our distinguished ferries like the Radisson, Marquette II, or the exclusive Mackinac Express, the only catamaran on the Straits. Since 1878, we've been more than a transportation service, we've been an integral part of Mackinac's history, welcoming explorers, adventurers, and vacationers. Enjoy our suite of complimentary services, including parking, luggage handling, and hotel shuttles, all designed for your convenience. With Mackinac Island Ferry, every journey becomes an adventure.

The Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House is the 1st of its kind in Michigan, and the 3rd oldest LIVE butterfly exhibit in the United States. The world-renowned facility has 1800 sq ft of tropical garden filled with hundreds of live butterflies from four continents. After a relaxing visit with the butterflies, take some time to check out Insect World, where you will be amazed at the size of the insects that live in the tropical regions of the world. On display are 14″ walking sticks and 6″ centipedes, along with giant beetles and spiders. The current record setter for the world’s “heaviest bug” is also found here. Regular Season Hours: 10 am – 7 pm Prior to Memorial Day, After Labor Day: 10 am – 6 pm *Last admittance is 30 min prior to close

Experience free-flying exotic butterflies in a lush garden environment.

A Time of Change. Step into the home of Agatha and Edward Biddle, merchants who moved in around 1830. This was a time of change, and the 1830s were critical to the Biddles for another reason: as an Anishnaabek woman, Agatha and other indigenous people witnessed their culture subjected to immense changes. The decade transformed the Anishnaabek, linking old ways with Michigan’s modern indigenous culture. The continuing story of the Anishnaabek of northern Michigan is not always a happy one. It is a story of battles won and lost, promises made and broken, and cultures repressed and resurgent. Most importantly, the story in which the Biddle family played a role is one that continues today. This new exhibit, created in conjunction with tribal partners, explores that story and how it still resonates on Mackinac Island and throughout northern Michigan. This is Mackinac.

During the War of 1812, the British constructed a small fort on the highest point of the island, to better protect Fort Mackinac. Originally named Fort George, it was renamed by the Americans, following their return in 1815. The Americans continued to man the outpost for a few years, but eventually abandoned it. In 1934 a reconstruction, carried out by the Works Progress Administration and based on original plans, was completed. It was replaced by the current version in 2015.