Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau — Attraction in Mackinac Island

Since our honeymoon some 34 year ago my wife and I have been coming to Mackinac Island. Starting with a short ferry ride to get there, you feel transported to a different place and time. Mackinac Island provides a unique opportunity for visitors to experience a “no motor vehicle” approach to life - requiring them to walk, ride a bike or take a horse-drawn taxi to get to a destination - instead of driving there. This results in an immediate slowing down of pace and gets you into “vacation mode” right away where one is, quite literally, able to “stop and smell the roses” or take a picture of them. For many, a day trip to the gift shops may be all they associate with a visit to Mackinac Island. While there are guided tours to the more well-known main attractions, such as Arch Rock and the like, the number and variety of trails are one of the islands best kept “secrets”. These well-mapped trails range from smooth paved bike and walking trails around the perimeter and interior of the island to hiking paths - some of which are well-suited to both equestrian and/or mountain bike travels. Beyond that, there is so much more to experience when you stay overnight at one of the many hotels here. Once the day-tourists depart on the last ferry, the island takes on a whole new character - a serene quality that lasts until the next next morning where the streets are quiet and empty and you can enjoy some solitude with a hot cup of coffee or your favorite beverage from one of the coffee shops before the first ferry arrives. For those who prefer a little more activity in the evening, Horn’s Bar is a popular night spot - often with live music. Of course, whether you visit just for the day or overnight there are many excellent restaurants here ranging from simple hamburger fare to cuisine that will satisfy even the most sophisticated palate. So regardless of what you are looking for, the island has something for everyone and you can be assured that you’ll have a great time...

Mackinac Island is really a Michigan treasure. Sure, downtown is the typical tourist area with thousands of people, pets, bikes and horses, but once you get away, it becomes a completely different world!!! I would recommend hiking, biking or self directed horseback riding to explore the island's "outback", non-comerilzed identy.... It is amazing to talk with all the different workers, business owners and yes, the contractors doing all the repair and replacing, along with new construction. Just stop, smile and say HI!!! I 😊😊😊 An amazing conversion may soon start up and you just had a terrific 15 minute break too!!!! I can go on, but hope you get the gest of my message. Take care, enjoy this Holiday weekend and God Bless Michigan and this nation!!!! A huge thank you to all who have served this country in the armed services, including my deceased father and many, many relatives....THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!!!!...

I have visited Mackinac Island every year since 1979 and have stayed in 8 of the hotels/resorts over those years, most of which have been spring and fall visits. This year late October. This year my wife asked that I bring home just 1 item for her.....a single ball point pen with the inscription of 'Mackinac Island' and logo as the only inscription. I visited 21 businesses on the island looking for that pen.....until I saw the Mackinac Island Tourism information booth on the main street and stopped. I asked the young lady manning the booth for a pen.....fitting the description....she proceeded to turn over everything in the booth to search for a pen. Finally, she found 1 remaining 'Mackinac Island' pen and handed it to me. She was on a mission to locate and provide my requested pen. How many Mackinac Island ambassadors would be that focused and determined to provide 'Pure Michigan' hospitality? She...