Mackinac Island is all about things to see and do. While it can also be a great place to relax and take it easy, there's plenty to do on the island.
Generally, the Things to Do & Places to Go category may include online resources relating to museums, historical places, libraries, theaters, and art galleries, as well as theatre groups, concerts, festivals, and other events. Other appropriate topics for this category might include entertainment venues, recreational opportunities, parks, and sports programs.
Mackinac Island does not permit automobiles or other motor vehicles, and most people will agree that this adds to its charm. However, the island can be explored by bicycle, and there are several places where bikes can be rented, or you can bring your own. Most of the attractions on the island are accessible by bicycle. I don't think they want you to bring your own horse but there are plenty of horses on Mackinac Island, including horse-drawn carriage tours, livery carriages, riding stables, and even a livery stable offering drive-your-own buggies. Walking tours and boat excursions are also available.
Visitors to the island can access everything that is available to the public by foot. Although it might involve a bit of walking, it's not that big of an island. Mackinac Island has a lot of history, and much of it can be viewed or experienced by the public. It's a resort island, so a lot of it costs money but there is plenty of things to see and do for free.
The most popular attractions on Mackinac Island include Fort Holmes and Fort Mackinac. The latter includes fourteen original buildings and, while Fort Holmes has been recreated, it was done so from the original plans. There are several museums, some of which are free-standing, while others are part of various historic hotels.
Mackinac Island State Park was the second established national park before it became Michigan's first state park, and more than eighty percent of the island is state park property.
These are just a few. While the circumference of the island is only about eight miles, you wouldn't be able to see it all in a day, or even a weekend.
The focus of this category is on attractions, events, and recreational opportunities on Mackinac Island.
Recommended Resources
Operational in Mackinac Island and Mackinaw City, Michigan, the company offers instruction on kayaking and paddleboarding in the Mackinac Island Marina and Haldimand Bay, as well as guided tours of natural rock formations, wildlife, and lighthouses of Mackinac Island, Mackinaw City, St. Ignace, Round Island, and Bois Blanc Island. Basic instructions, a list of things to bring, information on what to expect, rules, and safety tips are provided, along with photos, video, and route maps.
https://mackinackayak.com/
Mackinac Horsemen's Association
Operating the Mackinac Community Equestrian Center, MCEC is situated on a 3.5-acre site on the back half of Mackinac Island, not far from British Landing. Its programs include the Mackinac Island 4-H Club, an introduction to riding, private lessons, semi-private lessons, and group riding courses, as well as horse camps, and a horse-leasing program in which its 4-H Horse Club families will have first consideration. Group rides, facility leasing space, and boarding services are also offered.
https://www.mackinachorses.org/
The bike rental shop carries a wide variety of rental bikes, including kid carriers and Tagalogs, as well as motorized cards, push-chairs, and baby strollers. Payable upon return, its rates are listed per hour, half-day, full-day, and its sunset special. Rates are pro-rated after the first hour, and half-day and full-day rates are discounted. Self-guided bike tours are featured on the site, including maps showing attractions along the way. Contacts are published on the site.
http://bikemackinac.com/
Mackinac Island Carriage Tours
The oldest horse and buggy service, Mackinac Island Carriage Tours was established in 1948, when the first city carriage license was issued, although tours were provided as early as 1869. The history of the business is provided, and its horse-drawn taxi services, wedding carriages, and private tours are featured, along with its sightseeing tours. Schedules, itineraries, and a tour map are set forth, and tickets may be purchased online for select tours. Contacts are provided.
https://www.mict.com/
Created in 1895 to supervise Mackinac Island State Park, the first state park in Michigan, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission's site features a guide to several island attractions, including Mackinac Island State Park, Michilimackinac State Park, Fort Mackinac, Biddle House, the Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum, Historic Downtown Mackinac, Colonial Michilimackinac, Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, and others.
https://www.mackinacparks.com/
Although headquartered in Flushing, Michigan, the organization sponsors various run or run and walk events on Mackinac Island. Details of scheduled events are published on the site, along with maps showing the route, its location and start times, registration details, which may include online registration, as well as a guide to local accommodations, photographs of past events, awards and divisions, and race results after the conclusion of the race. Maps and travel suggestions are included.
https://runmackinac.com/
