Discover Mackinaw Island: A Day Trip with Kids
MACKINAC ISLAND DAY TRIP WITH KIDS: THE ULTIMATE PLANNING GUIDE
One of the most iconic areas to visit in all of Michigan is home of the Mackinac Island and the Mackinaw Bridge. Luckily, both can be seen during a trip to this beautiful area of the Mitten State. If you’ve never visited, then it’s high time you put Mackinac Island on the top of your summer bucket list.
WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE
Known for its quintessential atmosphere with bicycles, horse drawn carriages, and delicious hand made fudge makes it an ideal Michigan adventure. You won’t regret visiting this unique island in the Great Lakes.
Carriage Rides around Mackinaw Island
Mackinac Island State Park is a memorable experience for any family. Step off the ferry and be transported back in time before vehicles dominated the streets. Automobiles were banned on Mackinac Island in 1901 so it has created a unique village. The charming streets are bustling with people bicycling, strolling leisurely while enjoying fudge and visiting the many shops and art galleries. It’s not uncommon to hear the clumping of hooves and see horse drawn carriages transporting patrons around the island.
Exploring the island, shopping and dining are all enjoyable activities to partake in during your stay. History buffs will love exploring Fort Mackinaw, a stronghold fortress located on the bluff with views of beautiful Lake Huron.
Stunning Sunrises
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Summer is one of the best times to visit this beautiful island, although it’s a popular destination so it can get quite busy. Make reservations early so you don’t miss out on the beauty of this Great Lakes area. If you desire to swim, generally by the 4th of July the water has warmed up. Planning to go during an off season, make note ferrys to Mackinac Island run daily from April 21 – October 31, 2023. During the spring and fall, you’ll appreciate a calmer, less crowded atmosphere on the island.
Average Temperatures at Mackinac Island
Summer: Warm and humid avg 77°F
Spring: Mid 30-50°F
Fall: 40-50 °F
Winter: Temps can be below freezing avg 20-30 °F
GETTING TO MACKINAC ISLAND BY FERRY
Ferry Ride
Shepler’s Ferry
Start the excitement off right away, with one of the best attractions for Mackinac Island, the ferry ride over.
St. Ignace or Mackinaw City are the two locations for ferry access to get across to Mackinac Island State Park. Star Line Ferry or Shepler’s Ferry are the two main ferries that provide scheduled trips daily to visitors. Starline Ferry is the quickest option, while Shepler’s takes a more scenic route. I recommend getting there before 10am because the earlier ferry rides will even take you under the bridge.
Star Line Ferry features a hydro jet ferry which offers the fastest ride. Other fun options include a pirate ship. Hydro Jet prices are the following: $34 adults (13 up)/ $22 children (ages 5-12). It is $16.00 per bike to transport them to the island. If you book online you can save $3.00 for adults/ $1.00 for children. They also have deals for 3 adult tickets/ get a free adult ticket.
Travel under the Mackinac Bridge on the Ferry
If you prefer a longer ferry ride choose Shepler’s Ferry. From April 21 through October 31, 2023, Shepler’s tickets are $36 for adults/ $23 for children (5-12). Save $2.00 on tickets by purchasing online prior. Looking for additional savings, researching ahead of time to find potential package deals, nearby campgrounds offer discounts too. During our trip they had a deal, buy 2 adult tickets, get a child ticket free.
To transport bikes on the ferry’s is $21 per bike. Although to rent a bike on the island can be quite expensive so you will save money in the long run. For comparison typical bike rentals on the island for an adult bike start at $13.00/ hour, half day /$52.00 and full day /$72.00.
Parking lots fill up fast, especially during peak summer season. Quick tip, my husband dropped our family and bikes off at the entrance and then parked farther away at the free parking lot. Then he rode his bike to join us while we waited in line.
Ferry boats depart for the island every 15 min so there is minimal wait time. The boat ride only takes approximately 15-30 minutes. If you get there before 10, Shepler’s ferry will take you under the Mackinac Bridge, which was a highlight for our entire family!
TOP THINGS TO DO ON MACKINAC ISLAND
Once you dock at beautiful Mackinac Island, this is an ideal time to rent bikes, grab a map and explore all the charm that the island offers. Rich with history, some wonderful ways to explore the island is by horse drawn carriage, walking or by bike, all at various price points.
Exploring the Island by Bike
8 Mile Scenic Loop around Mackinac Island
What adds to the charm and beauty of this island is that it’s surrounded by Lake Huron. The island is extremely hilly in the center so bikes are beneficial if you plan to explore. Our personal favorite way to view the island is by bike. Offering one of the loveliest 8 mile bike loops along the shoreline of Lake Huron, you’re in for a treat. Bring your own bicycles across on the ferry for a fee or rent bicycles on the island for a few hours or the entire day.
The outer paved loop around the island follows the edge of the rocky shoreline with stunning lake views at each curve of the road. We recommend packing water and snacks for the journey or even a sack lunch to enjoy. Our family of 6 allotted about 2 hours to bike leisurely around the island with additional time to stop and see the many unique features along the way. During the ride we enjoyed hiking up to view Arch Rock, having a picnic lunch, playing at the Mackinac Island playground, skipping rocks and exploring the rock cairns dotting the rocky shoreline.
Explore the Island by Foot while Hiking
Mackinac Island State Park makes up 80% of the island. With over 70 miles of trails throughout the woods, including a wealth of paved trails, you’ll enjoy exploring all the island has to offer.
A number of beautiful hiking trails are situated on the island. If you opt for a stroller there are paved trails through the main town and around the entire outer edge of Mackinac. If you venture to the Island’s inner area there are a number of steep hills. Due to the hilly inner topography of Mackinac Island be prepared with adequate athletic footwear. I recommend baby wearing if you plan to hike the footpaths through the woods. A few favorite hikes include:
Skull Cave
A small and shallow cave said to be the hiding place of Alexander Henry, who was an English fur trader, during a rebellion in 1763. Hike to this former burial ground for Native Americans and learn about the history of Mackinac Island.
Arch Rock
Hike to Arch Rock at Mackinaw Island
This famous limestone landmark creates a beautiful arch showcasing the beauty of Lake Huron. Climb the staircase to see the 146ft rock formation. It’s a popular stop while biking around the 8 mile loop trail along the shores of Lake Huron.
Explore the Island by Horseback or Carriage & Wagon Rides
Another option, which is much less strenuous, is to explore the island’s many sites by horse. Some unique options include horseback riding on a guided or unguided tour, a wagon ride, tour in a private carriage or even drive your own buggy. There are multiple trip lengths and types of carriages to choose from for your specific needs. The average length of the rides are 1 hour 45 minutes and cost $39.00 Adults/ $16 Children. Children 4 and under are free. Check out All Things Horses for additional information.
Skip Rocks
There are dozen of places along the rocky shoreline of Lake Huron to skip rocks, have a picnic and enjoy the views. Make it a priority to slow down and allow you and your children to explore this beautiful area. On the East side of the island along the rocky edge there are dozens of rock cairns precariously balanced and is a lovely spot to dip your toes in the water and play among the boulders. Our family spent about a half hour exploring this area.
Playgrounds
Mackinac Island Playground
There are actually three playgrounds on Mackinac Island for your family to utilize. If you decide to bike around the island, Mackinac Island Playground is on the loop. It’s connected to the school building and is available during the summer when school isn’t in session. Located on the southern tip of the island, it’s a perfect one to enjoy because it contains a large play structure for kids and swings. My children spent a large portion of time playing, resting in the shade and having a snack break here during our 8 mile bike trip.
Great Turtle Park: This park is wonderful for the whole family to enjoy with both younger and older children. Located in the center of the island, which requires a bit of a hill climb. It features a disc golf course, ball fields and a gaga ball pit. Children will love the swings, a large play structure, and even a smaller toddler sized play structure. If you have the time this is another favorite park to visit during your stay.
Looking for a relaxing park for a picnic? A beautiful area across from the Grand Hotel has dozens of lawn chairs and open grassy space ideal for picnics and relaxing with gorgeous views of the water. A wealth of picnic spots and grills make it easy for travelers.
Shopping
Stroll along the many quaint shops including boutiques, candy and fudge shops, and grab a souvenir at one of the many gift shops. Nourish your artistic side and explore one of the art galleries located on the island. Great Turtle Toys and Caddywampus are two shops that kids would enjoy visiting during your stay.
Butterfly Houses
Not one, but two butterfly houses, Wings of Mackinac and The Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House and Insect World can be found on Mackinac Island. Families will enjoy learning about the life cycles of butterflies, viewing different species, and discovering what they eat. If you’re trying to decide which one to visit, the prices are the same. Wings of Mackinac Rates are $9/children (5-12) and $13/adults. You may appreciate that The Butterfly House provides a reference card to assist with identifying various butterflies. They also have more flowers on display. If you plan on taking the carriage tour, save the extra few bucks you would spend on Wings of Mackinac and go to the Butterfly House instead. Bundling items can be some of the most ideal ways to save while visiting Mackinac.
Fort Mackinac
Dive back to the 1800’s while visiting Fort Mackinac. Enjoy history through live costumed reenactments, which includes a cannon firing demonstration. Learn and discover with hands-on exhibits and original materials dating from the 1800’s within the fort. Visiting Fort Mackinac is a unique experience for families. Another added bonus is the lofty position on the island provides stunning views.
Find the Secret Garden
Walk along the southern edge of the island and check out the majestic Grand Hotel. Here’s a secret. This is a great time to grab an ice cream and find the hidden garden, located besides the pool/ tennis courts. If you want to view the inside of the Grand Hotel, you can also take a tour for a $10 fee.
Watch Fudge Demonstrations
Delicious Fudge at Murdick’s in Mackinaw City
Did you know that Mackinac Island is the Fudge Capital of the World. With 14 island fudge shops you’ll have tons of opportunities to satisfy your sweet tooth as you meander the streets partaking in the island’s famous treat and enjoying the heavenly smells drifting from the shops. Any time during the day you can enjoy fudge making demonstrations and free samples! Murdick’s Fudge, Ryba’s Fudge Shop, Kilwins, and Joann’s Fudge all are great places to come sample, savor the smells and witness the fudge making processing.
Mackinac Island hosts a Fudge Festival near the end of August each year, August 26-28th. During the festival enjoy fudge-making demonstrations, treasure hunts, giveaways, and even fudge bingo during the weekend. Before leaving the island, make sure to purchase some for the ride back home.
NEARBY ACTIVITIES AND TOWNS
Visit Mackinaw City
Easily spend the day exploring, eating, shopping and playing in this popular tourist spot. Head into Mackinaw City where there are dozens of free and paid family-friendly activities to enjoy. Here is a full list of the Top Things to Do Near Mackinaw City: Free & Paid Activities. Some examples include:
McGulpin Lighthouse A nice tour of the Lighthouse and grounds which provides a good view of the bridge at the Rock.
Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park A place to combine adventure with history. Traverse through the tree tops at this outdoor adventure park with a zipline, climbing wall, and historic water powered saw mill.
Visit St Ignace
During your stay, take the time to explore the St Ignace area and restaurants. St Ignace has a variety of recreational activities, making it a great base camp for exploring the UP or hiking Castle Rock.
Fireworks every Saturday night are a fun feature in St. Ignace in the summer. Sit anywhere along the water in the downtown area or find spots at the American Legion Park or along the Huron boardwalk. Grab an ice cream at the local shops while you watch the firework’s display.
Mystery Spot Experience an oddly tilted visual illusion at this unique spot.
Oswald’s Bear Ranch A one-of-kind bear sanctuary in the Upper Peninsula.
Lethos Don’t miss stopping here to try some delicious pasties, an Upper Peninsula staple.
Brevort Lake A relatively unknown lake among tourists, although many local sportsman from St. Ignace use the lake for fishing, boating and other recreational activities.
The Narnia Trail Another hidden gem in nearby Cedarville. Fans of C.S. Lewis book, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe will love this unique hike that ends at a lamppost.
Straights State Park Visit this beautiful state park for one of the best views of the Mackinac Bridge.
View of the Mackinac Bridge at Straits State Park
Tunnel of Trees - During the Fall, take a tranquil drive through the tunnel of trees on M-119 up from Harbor Springs all the way to Mackinaw City for stunning fall leaf colors along the Lake Michigan shoreline
Headlands International Dark Sky Park Grab a red filter flashlight and head to this beautiful stargazing park. Their Facebook page shares programming throughout the year in which you can look through their large telescope.
Letterboxing or Geocaching Experience a treasure hunt as you search for hidden caches or letter boxes. There are sites in Mackinaw City as well as many on Mackinac Island.
Swim at Michigan Lakeshore off US Highway 2 After crossing over the Mackinac Bridge you can pull off on the side of US Highway 2 and spend the day enjoying the stretch of sandy Lake Michigan beach and jump in the waves.
Tahquamenon Falls Visit the beautiful waterfalls in Tahquamenon Falls State Park in the Upper Peninsula. Toonerville Trolley, is a fun and unique way of visiting Tahquamenon Falls.
Soo Locks See these impressive man made structures, which are the busiest lock system in the world. Thousands of ships travel through the locks every year.
Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse Built in 1889, the lighthouse’s role was to guide ships through the dangerous Straits of Mackinac. Free tours are available to view the inner parts of the lighthouse, which holds original items, a lightkeeper’s living space and the lens. Easily spend the day sightseeing as you explore Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse.
Fort Michilimackinac This 18th century historic fort is a great place to visit. View a real cannon at this National Historic Landmark and state park during your visit.
The Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Museum This intriguing museum shares the history of the lighthouse and explanations into the reasons for hundreds of shipwrecks through the years.
TIPS FOR VISITING MACKINAC ISLAND
The summertime is the peak season for visiting this popular Michigan destination. Mackinac Island hosts the largest number of visitors during June, July and August. Exploring the island is manageable for a fun day adventure, although staying overnight is preferred if you want to explore more of the island. If you decide to stay overnight there are lodging recommendations near the end of the post.
Attempt to get one of the first ferries out in the morning to get the most out of your day on the island. Bonus if you get to Shepler’s prior to 10:00am, the ferry boat takes you under the Mackinac Bridge.
Depending on the weather, near the end of May through first of June you may encounter annoying mosquito like bugs, called midges. These bugs are pesky, but thankfully do not bite.
The interior of the island is hilly so wear comfortable athletic shoes and plan to do lots of biking and walking while you explore the state park.
Bring water and lots and lots of snacks to keep your kids happy.
WHERE TO EAT: RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS
During your stay, there is a vast assortment of Mackinac Island restaurants that can satisfy even the pickiest eaters, while still pleasing parent’s sophisticated palates. There are some great budget friendly options for families like Mighty Mac, The Mustang Lounge, and the Chuck Wagon. These all feature options that provide your favorite foods. Many restaurants on Mackinac also provide kid menus and can accommodate dietary restrictions. Check the Mackinac Island Dining Guide for detailed menus and additional family-friendly dining options.
Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor
A great spot to grab Ice cream by the Grand Hotel and view the iconic porch and rocking chairs.
Pack a Picnic
To stay on budget since Mackinac Island can be pricey, another idea is to pack a picnic lunch and eat breakfast at your campsite or hotel. Grab sandwiches and having a picnic in the grassy open area in front of Mission Point lawn where they have tons of Adirondack chairs to enjoy the views.
WHERE TO STAY
Hotels
If you want to splurge and stay at the famous Grand Hotel you can expect luxurious hotel accommodations, while maintaining kid friendly features like free golf for kids, lawn games in the tea garden, a large swimming pool, the world’s longest front porch, and family-style dinner options. The historic hotel provides a wonderful family experience and offers Family Added Value Days. Located on the Southwest shore of the island with its incredible porch and panoramic views you won’t be disappointed. They even provide babysitting services and a spa if you need a break.
Bicycle Street Inn Suites is another great option, with a pool, free breakfast and located right in downtown Mackinac. If your kids love to swim, both the Inn at Stonecliffe and Hotel Iroquois have pools. Some places provide family packages such as Mission Point Resort’s Mackinac Family Experience which combines housing, ferry tickets, restaurants deals and discount bundles combining bike rentals and admission to the Butterfly House or the fort.
Book as soon as possible to secure your lodging for this popular area. You’re sure to find something that fits your families needs, since Mackinac Island features so many hotels, resorts, and cottages perfect for relaxation and fun! Check out availability and the best deal here.
If you prefer to stay in a house or cabin nearby, using Vrbo is our preferred option. We love having all the home like amenities.
Camping Near Mackinac Island
Staying on the island can be quite expensive, luckily a day trip is just as doable and still allows you to visit this gorgeous island. If you’re trying to cut back on the price, camping at one of the nearby Michigan state parks or private campgrounds is an affordable way to visit the island without the large price tag. Families can explore the island for a day or two and then head back to their campsite to enjoy a bonfire in the evening. Camping is restricted on the island, but there is a wide selection of campgrounds less than 15 minutes from Mackinaw Island.
Camping at Michigan State Parks can be the most affordable options for families at $38/ night for 30 amp and tent sites. Many of the private Michigan campgrounds like KOA’s average prices range from $40– $80 per night. Many campgrounds now offer cabins and glamping tents, which range between $50- $250 per night. This is a popular destination, so book right away to secure your site. Choosing where to camp near Mackinaw City can be a hard decision with so many choices. Check out this Guide to Camping Near Mackinac Island, where we’ve reviewed and highlighted the following campgrounds in the area.
Straights State Park:
Mackinaw City/ Mackinac Island KOA
Tee Pee Campgrounds
Cabins at Mackinaw Mill Creek Offering large luxury cabins with lofts that can fit large families( $300/night), to rustic cabins with no bathrooms ($50/ night), Mackinaw Mill Creek has tons of possible accommodations. If you want convenience try the Mackinac Island View Lake House or Mackinac Bridgeview House.
Final Thoughts
With a range of outdoor activities and the beauty of the Great Lakes, it’s sure to be a memorable time at Mackinac Island. The unforgettable experience of viewing the Mackinac Bridge, riding the ferry, and biking around the island makes for a fun family adventure! Capture stunning photos at Arch Rock, view the fudge-making process, and visit the butterfly house and Fort Mackinac during your vacation to this stunning destination spot in Northern Michigan. Make sure to Pin and Save for later.
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