Mackinac Island is a unique destination for travelers seeking a peaceful getaway. The island is located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula area. No cars are allowed on the island, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find too many chains of any kind. The lone Starbucks on the main street stands out among the local fudge shops, hotels, and eateries. When I travel, I personally love to explore truly local places, where chain restaurants and cafes haven’t taken over every corner. Between the local flair, world-famous fudge, and beautiful northern woods, Mackinac Island makes for a wonderful weekend (or week-long) getaway!
I had the pleasure of spending a day on the island, exploring a place that my mother loves to visit. She used to live in the Upper Peninsula, so it was a real treat getting to explore somewhere that she has wanted to take us for so long!
How to get there? Since cars aren’t allowed on the island, you can easily take a ferry to the island. There are several companies offering ferry service, generally for a round trip price of about $25. During peak season, ferries leave several times an hour.
Five Things You Must Do on Mackinac Island
- Fudge, fudge, and more fudge
- Smoked Whitefish
- Arch Rock
- Explore the northern woods
- Grand Hotel
Fudge
Eating fudge to your heart’s content is an absolute must on Mackinac Island. The island is known for their fudge, and let me tell you, it doesn’t disappoint. The island’s history with being a fudge destination dates back over 100 years ago to the late 1800s. There are several local shops on the island, each with their own claim to fame. I recommend trying a few to see which is your favorite.
Almost as cool as sampling all the different flavors of fudge is watching it being made. The shops have marble slabs in the storefront where they make the fudge by hand for your viewing pleasure. It is a wonder to watch it transform before your eyes from a liquid puddle of chocolate into a magnificent 3-foot log of divine chocolatey fudge.
While chocolate may be the classic fudge flavor, there are so many available at different shops on the island, half the fun is trying the many flavors. Not a big chocolate person? There are plenty of alternatives from vanilla to blueberry or cherry.
- Joann’s – ranked by The Daily Meal as the best fudge shop in the country, also my personal favorite of all the ones we sampled. Their salted vanilla caramel fudge was divine.
- May’s – the best cherry fudge I found! If you’re looking for straight cherry, no chocolate, this is your place. Also great for other unique flavors, such a blueberry or mint chocolate.
- Murdick’s – the original, since 1887 – not my favorite, but good, classic fudge.
- Ryba’s – voted Michigan’s favorite – the oreo fudge was the highlight here!
Smoked White Fish
Whitefish is a popular fish found in Lake Michigan, and getting smoked whitefish while you’re on the island is a definite must-do. My favorite was the whitefish pâté , which is a creamy, smoky dip made with the whitefish, cream cheese, and plenty of seasonings. Topped with pickled onions to cut the creaminess, and it’s worth ordering seconds (I know we did). Find it as a wonderful appetizer at Seabiscuit Cafe, right on the main street of the island.
Arch Rock
When researching places to explore on Mackinac Island, I came across Arch Rock, a naturally-formed limestone arch overlooking Lake Michigan from the wooded coast. The arch was formed by the waves of the lake washing away softer rock types over the years, leaving just the limestone formations. From the elevated viewpoint through the arch, the waters of Lake Michigan 150 feet below are piercingly blue, a shade of blue I didn’t know you could find on the Great Lakes.
It’s about a mile hike to Arch Rock from the main downtown area of the island. To access the paths leading back toward Arch Rock and other points of interest, head up along the path towards the fort. The path will veer to the right to the stairs up to the fort, but instead, continue along straight up along the left side of the fort. You’ll begin seeing signs pointing towards Arch Rock.
Explore the Northern Woods
The northern woods of Michigan are beautiful, and Mackinac Island is no exception. Grab a bike or lace up your walking shoes and go explore the northern woods. I promise you won’t be disappointed! The island’s circumference is 8 miles, and there are miles of additional trails in the island’s interior, ensuring that there are plenty of woods to explore.
The Grand Hotel
Catch your first glimpses of the Grand Hotel on the ferry ride to the island. Built in the late 1800s, the hotel is included among Travel + Leisure’s top 500 hotels in the world and is also ranked as the best hotel in Michigan. It’s in its 3rd generation of family ownership, and sure to take you back to a simpler time. If you’re looking to splurge, the nightly rate includes breakfast, lunch buffet, and dinner daily. Take in the full experience with afternoon tea and a nightly orchestra performance. Not looking to splurge, but still want to check it out? You can purchase day passes to access the hotel and grounds.
Check It Out
Other Points of Interest:
- Fort Mackinac
- Governor’s Summer Residence
- Skull Cave
- Sugar Loaf
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