Any suggestions on places to stay? How long to stay? Thinking of going early June.
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Mackinac Island
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Last: 2 mo ago by Mat Lanticus
If you want to absorb the whole experience you really should stay at the Grand Hotel. It is what the island is all about. Try to find a deal or a special like there was a wine event that made the stay more affordable. Try to take a history lecture on the hotel which is incredible.
Been several times the past few years. Fun place to visit if you get away from Main Street and Market Street. Several stays in the summer, and one in the fall (Great Turtle Half Marathon)
Ferry
We've only used Sheppler's Mackinac Ferry. It's been great every time. Arnold and Starline are owned by the same company and tried to bully Sheppler's out of business. Thankfully, it didn't work.
Weather
You will want to bring warm clothes (pants/jeans and a long sleeve shirt and jacket) it can get cold on the island during the day and at night due to all the natural air condition of Lake Michigan and Huron as the lakes won't be that warm in June.
Hotels
We've stayed at the Main Street Inn and Suites several times. If you say here I highly recommending splurging for a room with a balcony overlooking Main Street. It's fun to see the island go to sleep at night, and see the island come to life in the morning. The one bedroom with Jacuzzi has a very small balcony. The other rooms with balconies are a better pick. You will either be on the second or third floor. They have a turn down service at night and you get a free sample of fudge from Joann's. The ladies at the front (and now occasional gentleman) are more than helpful to get you around the island.
I've also stayed at Mission Point resort on the way edge of main street. This was for the half marathon in the fall. Felt like a standard hotel room. There is a very large lobby with bar on one side and a ritzy restaurant on the other side. There is a large field with Adirondack chairs available for anyone to sit and watch Lake Huron.
Lilac Tree, Bicycle Inn and Chippewa Inn all look nice as well, but I couldn't tell you much else about them
I have never stayed at The Grand Hotel. I've been inside several times for conferences. Yes, the largest front porch in the world has awesome views of Lake Huron. Yes, I've heard the buffet is great. The thing that keeps me away from the Grand is that it is far away from everything. You either have a long walk, a horse taxi ride, or a bike ride to get around. Plus, there is also a dress code in the evening. I'm too lazy to pack a nice suit just to play dress up on vacation.
Places to Eat
Eating on the island is not cheap.
Pink Pony is by far our favorite place to eat for lunch and dinner. Plenty of good choices for our family, and plenty to eat.
Chuckwagon is great for breakfast (and right next door to Main Street Inn and Suites)
Yankee Rebel Tavern makes good burgers
Island Slice Pizzeria is a standard pizza joint
If you're looking for a cheap burger and hot dog joint, Mighty Mac hamburgers is decent.
Sadie's Ice Cream Parlor at The Grand is worth a stop if you are in that area (I wouldn't make a special trip for it).
Joann's Fudge is our favorite, but ask others about their favorite place for fudge and they will give you a different response.
Things to do
Remember I said the island is a fun place to visit if you get away from Main Street and Market Street. If you stay on these two streets, you will leave Mackinac Island with thoughts of a tourist trap in your head. These two streets have hotels, restaurants, and shops. Some cute island shops, some cruddy t-shirt shops. If you need a grocery store there's Doud's Grocery. GET AWAY FROM THIS AREA.
You will want a bike Either bring your own or rent one. A bike is freedom. A bike will get you around the island easy. It's an 8 mile round trip hike around the perimeter of the island. Taxi service doesn't take you all around the perimeter. A bike will get you on the island trails (some paved, some not). Grab a map from the rental bike shops or hotel and explore the island. There's arch rock, British Landing, a trip over to the Grand Hotel to see it up close, but you can't go in unless you are a guest or you pay $10 to walk around.
Fort Mackinac was a fun way to see the island history. If you want to fire the canon you can sign up if you spend some money.
We did the carriage tour one year. It was a fun way to see the highlights of the island. We had several different tour guides and all were great and interactive.
Our kids liked the Butterfly House. I never went so I can't comment.
Trip Duration
This is how our typical trips went to Mackinac in the summer
Wednesday
- Drive all day to Mackinaw City. Eat at Darrow's Family Restaurant. Stay at Baymont Hotel.
Thursday
- Walk around Mackinaw City, take ferry over to Mackinac Island sometime in afternoon.
Friday - Saturday
- For me it was usually wake up around 5-6am and go for a run around the island perimeter. Eat at Chuckwagon. Go to a conference in the morning. Go back to the hotel, Grab family to eat. Grab a few souvenirs. Then bike the island and explore in the afternoon and evening. Eat late. Go back to hotel or walk around the touristy area of the island.
Sunday
- Leave along with everyone else who stayed on the island after grabbing breakfast and then drive all day back home.
For me the 2.5 days we stayed on the island is more than enough time. The island is expensive to stay and if you are looking for a cheaper alternative you can stay in Mackinaw City or St. Ignace the night before you go to the island. Then ferry over in the morning. Your bags will be taken to the hotel by courier. Tour the island in the morning, check into the hotel later in the day. Spend the night. Stay all day the following day on the island, and ferry back to MC or SI late in the day or evening to stay in a hotel there.
If you have any specific questions, please let me know.
In case you didn't know. Mackinaw and Mackinac are pronounced the same Mack-i-NAW.
Ferry
We've only used Sheppler's Mackinac Ferry. It's been great every time. Arnold and Starline are owned by the same company and tried to bully Sheppler's out of business. Thankfully, it didn't work.
Weather
You will want to bring warm clothes (pants/jeans and a long sleeve shirt and jacket) it can get cold on the island during the day and at night due to all the natural air condition of Lake Michigan and Huron as the lakes won't be that warm in June.
Hotels
We've stayed at the Main Street Inn and Suites several times. If you say here I highly recommending splurging for a room with a balcony overlooking Main Street. It's fun to see the island go to sleep at night, and see the island come to life in the morning. The one bedroom with Jacuzzi has a very small balcony. The other rooms with balconies are a better pick. You will either be on the second or third floor. They have a turn down service at night and you get a free sample of fudge from Joann's. The ladies at the front (and now occasional gentleman) are more than helpful to get you around the island.
I've also stayed at Mission Point resort on the way edge of main street. This was for the half marathon in the fall. Felt like a standard hotel room. There is a very large lobby with bar on one side and a ritzy restaurant on the other side. There is a large field with Adirondack chairs available for anyone to sit and watch Lake Huron.
Lilac Tree, Bicycle Inn and Chippewa Inn all look nice as well, but I couldn't tell you much else about them
I have never stayed at The Grand Hotel. I've been inside several times for conferences. Yes, the largest front porch in the world has awesome views of Lake Huron. Yes, I've heard the buffet is great. The thing that keeps me away from the Grand is that it is far away from everything. You either have a long walk, a horse taxi ride, or a bike ride to get around. Plus, there is also a dress code in the evening. I'm too lazy to pack a nice suit just to play dress up on vacation.
Places to Eat
Eating on the island is not cheap.
Pink Pony is by far our favorite place to eat for lunch and dinner. Plenty of good choices for our family, and plenty to eat.
Chuckwagon is great for breakfast (and right next door to Main Street Inn and Suites)
Yankee Rebel Tavern makes good burgers
Island Slice Pizzeria is a standard pizza joint
If you're looking for a cheap burger and hot dog joint, Mighty Mac hamburgers is decent.
Sadie's Ice Cream Parlor at The Grand is worth a stop if you are in that area (I wouldn't make a special trip for it).
Joann's Fudge is our favorite, but ask others about their favorite place for fudge and they will give you a different response.
Things to do
Remember I said the island is a fun place to visit if you get away from Main Street and Market Street. If you stay on these two streets, you will leave Mackinac Island with thoughts of a tourist trap in your head. These two streets have hotels, restaurants, and shops. Some cute island shops, some cruddy t-shirt shops. If you need a grocery store there's Doud's Grocery. GET AWAY FROM THIS AREA.
You will want a bike Either bring your own or rent one. A bike is freedom. A bike will get you around the island easy. It's an 8 mile round trip hike around the perimeter of the island. Taxi service doesn't take you all around the perimeter. A bike will get you on the island trails (some paved, some not). Grab a map from the rental bike shops or hotel and explore the island. There's arch rock, British Landing, a trip over to the Grand Hotel to see it up close, but you can't go in unless you are a guest or you pay $10 to walk around.
Fort Mackinac was a fun way to see the island history. If you want to fire the canon you can sign up if you spend some money.
We did the carriage tour one year. It was a fun way to see the highlights of the island. We had several different tour guides and all were great and interactive.
Our kids liked the Butterfly House. I never went so I can't comment.
Trip Duration
This is how our typical trips went to Mackinac in the summer
Wednesday
- Drive all day to Mackinaw City. Eat at Darrow's Family Restaurant. Stay at Baymont Hotel.
Thursday
- Walk around Mackinaw City, take ferry over to Mackinac Island sometime in afternoon.
Friday - Saturday
- For me it was usually wake up around 5-6am and go for a run around the island perimeter. Eat at Chuckwagon. Go to a conference in the morning. Go back to the hotel, Grab family to eat. Grab a few souvenirs. Then bike the island and explore in the afternoon and evening. Eat late. Go back to hotel or walk around the touristy area of the island.
Sunday
- Leave along with everyone else who stayed on the island after grabbing breakfast and then drive all day back home.
For me the 2.5 days we stayed on the island is more than enough time. The island is expensive to stay and if you are looking for a cheaper alternative you can stay in Mackinaw City or St. Ignace the night before you go to the island. Then ferry over in the morning. Your bags will be taken to the hotel by courier. Tour the island in the morning, check into the hotel later in the day. Spend the night. Stay all day the following day on the island, and ferry back to MC or SI late in the day or evening to stay in a hotel there.
If you have any specific questions, please let me know.
In case you didn't know. Mackinaw and Mackinac are pronounced the same Mack-i-NAW.
I was gonna give a whole list of things, but the poster above me took care of it.
Shepler's is the way to go. My wife always laughed at me for insisting we were a Shepler's family (it was always the only one we used), until we took Star a few years ago because my cousin got a special on it for his wedding on the island. So we took Star. And she realized why I insist on Shepler's.
For other hotels, look at Hotel Iroquois. It's right on the water and if you get a room on the corner, you'll have a great view. Harbour View Inn is another nice hotel with a great view.
There's a lot to do on the island, as the above poster indicated. You won't be bored.
Not sure if you're going anywhere else in the area, but let me know if you need any tips on the Petoskey area. There's a lot to do around there, too.
And that Great Turtle Half Marathon is no joke. But it was fun. Also, Ryba's fudge is better than Joann's.
Northern Michigan is beautiful. Again, my wife laughed when I told her I wanted to take to my family's place up there when we were dating. Then we went, and she realized the appeal of it.
Shepler's is the way to go. My wife always laughed at me for insisting we were a Shepler's family (it was always the only one we used), until we took Star a few years ago because my cousin got a special on it for his wedding on the island. So we took Star. And she realized why I insist on Shepler's.
For other hotels, look at Hotel Iroquois. It's right on the water and if you get a room on the corner, you'll have a great view. Harbour View Inn is another nice hotel with a great view.
There's a lot to do on the island, as the above poster indicated. You won't be bored.
Not sure if you're going anywhere else in the area, but let me know if you need any tips on the Petoskey area. There's a lot to do around there, too.
And that Great Turtle Half Marathon is no joke. But it was fun. Also, Ryba's fudge is better than Joann's.
Northern Michigan is beautiful. Again, my wife laughed when I told her I wanted to take to my family's place up there when we were dating. Then we went, and she realized the appeal of it.
We spend two weeks on Lake Charlevoix every year around July 4th to escape the heat of Houston. We usually make a day trip to Mackinac Island every time we're up there.
Most of the highlights have been covered but we found Mission Point much more than a standard hotel room. The bar overlooking the lawn and lake is very cool. We've always liked the carriage tours and learning about the history of the island. The carriage houses are gorgeous. Golf is very scenic.
Most of the highlights have been covered but we found Mission Point much more than a standard hotel room. The bar overlooking the lawn and lake is very cool. We've always liked the carriage tours and learning about the history of the island. The carriage houses are gorgeous. Golf is very scenic.
Just wanted to say, you don't only want warm clothing. It actually can be quite warm that time of the year, especially if you rent a bike and ride the route around the island. Lots of cool things to stop off and check out on the route as well. You don't have to stay at the Grand Hotel, and the price difference between it and somewhere near is pretty outrageous.
Make sure you get fudge while you are there.
Also in the area, Soo Locks is relatively nearby and pretty amazing to see in person.
Make sure you get fudge while you are there.
Also in the area, Soo Locks is relatively nearby and pretty amazing to see in person.
I second the Soo Locks if you have time. You can take a boat tour of the locks, but it takes more time than you may have.
Also, definitely recommend at least driving over the Mackinac Bridge, even if you turn right back around and drive back over. But if you do drive over, there's a park not too far into St. Ignace with an overlook that has a great view of the bridge and the straits - Straits State Park. Worth a stop if you have a few minutes.
Also, definitely recommend at least driving over the Mackinac Bridge, even if you turn right back around and drive back over. But if you do drive over, there's a park not too far into St. Ignace with an overlook that has a great view of the bridge and the straits - Straits State Park. Worth a stop if you have a few minutes.
We're planning a trip up there at the end of May. We're staying at Mission Point because we don't like to dress for dinner.
My wife really wants to see the Grand Hotel, though, so we found out you can pay $10 to just walk around or you could even eat a meal there if you want.
https://www.grandhotel.com/about-grand-hotel/non-hotel-guests/
My wife really wants to see the Grand Hotel, though, so we found out you can pay $10 to just walk around or you could even eat a meal there if you want.
https://www.grandhotel.com/about-grand-hotel/non-hotel-guests/
There's a lot of history in that hotel. Be sure to check out all the old photographs. It's worth the visit. And have a drink on the porch.
Totally forgot about the pay $10 to walk around.
Edited my post above.
Edited my post above.
Watch the movie Somewhere in Time before you go. I enjoy finding spots where movies were shot in general, so it's interesting to me.
We went to the island for a day trip and I, acting like a Texas tourist, bought a t-shirt with a large W T F printed on it and below it in small letters was Where's The Fudge and Mackinac Island! My kids and grandkids know I wear weird t-shirts. I was in Leadville, CO last summer and walked into a shop that was a bakery and sold fudge. Just as I entered, a young lady looked up and immediately pointed to a corner of the shop and said "over there". I didn't realize I was wearing the shirt and she pointed out the fudge counter. I wore it in Silverton, CO in a shop where they sell fudge and they said they were going to order some. I have also bumped into numerous people that asked if I was from MI or wanted to ask me about the island.
"ROGER - OUT"
hds said:
Any suggestions on places to stay? How long to stay? Thinking of going early June.
Any updates?
The UP is beautiful. Mackinac Island is too but small after a few days. The most impressive town I drove through up that way was Charlevoix, MI on Lake Michigan.
Traverse City is a nice little town too.
Traverse City is a nice little town too.
Quick update . . . let me just say the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is beautiful!
We landed it Detroit and go out of there as quick as we could! We ended up in Sault Ste Marie for 2 nights just exploring the area and the Soo Locks. Great suggestion and all in our multi-generational group loved the area.
If you have a rental car that is plated in Michigan and plan to visit any state parks, buy the pass instead of a day visit . . . day visit it $9 and year pass is $16. We ended up stopped at 3 so paid for itself quickly.
Hartley Pines State Park was good for a quick break on drive north . . .had museum and short hiking trail with A LOT of bugs . . . bring bug spray.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park for waterfalls with short walks/hikes . . . be sure to go to upper and lower.
Then to Mackinac Island we went . . took the Shepler's Ferry to Mackinac Island from St Ignace City. Super easy and efficient too. Book online before to save a few bucks per person
We spent 2 nights at the Bicycle Street Inn right in the middle of the main street. It was a good location.
The day we arrived we took a private carriage tour . . . was only $20 more for a private tour than a large group tour (around 20 people). There were 4 in our group and best decision to do private. You can't book until you get there and walk up to arrange.
First full day we toured the Fort and had arranged for my not easily impressed teenager to fire the cannon! He loved it and we loved being inside the fort before the masses arrived. Hourly demonstrations were held on the Saturday we were there. We also rented bikes and rode the loop around the island. Again, was great thing to do for all ages even my parents in their 70s had no problems. The teenager loved it and did it again . . . super safe and nice relaxing thing to do. Places to stop and rest if needed; restroom at half way point too.
We ate at Sea Biscuit and Pink Pony . . . both were good but I liked the menu at Sea Biscuit the best.
We took the super long way back to Detroit by driving to Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes and enjoyed the views and dunes. Once in Detroit (not on same day) we visited the Henry Ford Museum and Village which was something good to do before heading to the airport to fly back to Texas in the evening.
Great trip . . . wish would have had more time to head even farther North on the UP!
We landed it Detroit and go out of there as quick as we could! We ended up in Sault Ste Marie for 2 nights just exploring the area and the Soo Locks. Great suggestion and all in our multi-generational group loved the area.
If you have a rental car that is plated in Michigan and plan to visit any state parks, buy the pass instead of a day visit . . . day visit it $9 and year pass is $16. We ended up stopped at 3 so paid for itself quickly.
Hartley Pines State Park was good for a quick break on drive north . . .had museum and short hiking trail with A LOT of bugs . . . bring bug spray.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park for waterfalls with short walks/hikes . . . be sure to go to upper and lower.
Then to Mackinac Island we went . . took the Shepler's Ferry to Mackinac Island from St Ignace City. Super easy and efficient too. Book online before to save a few bucks per person
We spent 2 nights at the Bicycle Street Inn right in the middle of the main street. It was a good location.
The day we arrived we took a private carriage tour . . . was only $20 more for a private tour than a large group tour (around 20 people). There were 4 in our group and best decision to do private. You can't book until you get there and walk up to arrange.
First full day we toured the Fort and had arranged for my not easily impressed teenager to fire the cannon! He loved it and we loved being inside the fort before the masses arrived. Hourly demonstrations were held on the Saturday we were there. We also rented bikes and rode the loop around the island. Again, was great thing to do for all ages even my parents in their 70s had no problems. The teenager loved it and did it again . . . super safe and nice relaxing thing to do. Places to stop and rest if needed; restroom at half way point too.
We ate at Sea Biscuit and Pink Pony . . . both were good but I liked the menu at Sea Biscuit the best.
We took the super long way back to Detroit by driving to Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes and enjoyed the views and dunes. Once in Detroit (not on same day) we visited the Henry Ford Museum and Village which was something good to do before heading to the airport to fly back to Texas in the evening.
Great trip . . . wish would have had more time to head even farther North on the UP!
My grandparents lived in Charlevoix most of their lives and my parents now have a summer house there. It is a great little town with great scenery and a good number of things to do during the summer months. They now have a couple brew pubs in the Downtown area and you can take day/evening cruises out onto Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix. I try to get up there every summer to see my parents - great place to relax. It is definitely worth a day trip through town if you're in the area. If you can catch the Venentian Festival in mid/late July, they shut down part of Downtown for a big carnival with rides, food, and live music in the park each night.Shife said:
he UP is beautiful. Mackinac Island is too but small after a few days. The most impressive town I drove through up that way was Charlevoix, MI on Lake Michigan.
Traverse City is a nice little town too.
I've gotta say, we just got back on Saturday. We stayed at the Sunset Condos at Stonecliffe and it was perfect. We were a mile or two from town so we had a break from the crowds and had all of the amenities of Stonecliffe Inn next door. The views from the condo are second to none on the island and THE place to be for sunsets.
We ate at Pink Pony, had dinner one night at the Carriage House and Hotel Iroquois, Millie's, and a dinner at Stonecliffe Inn.
We flew out of Chicago so it was a 5+ hour drive up there. Didn't see much of anything on the way up though we did stop in Michigan City at the Standard Sub shop, which was fantastic.
After our stay on the island, we drove back from Mackinaw City over the bridge and drove back to Chicago through the Upper Peninsula. Absolutely loved it. We took a 2 hour boat tour on Lake Superior to see the Pictured Rocks...I was amazed at the beauty of "Gitchee Gumee". We also stopped in Mastinique to see Kitch-Iti-kipi, which is a natural spring that is pumping out 10,000 gallons a minute.
Enjoyed just driving around Lake Michigan and seeing how other folks live right up next to the lake.
We will definitely head up to Mackinac Island again in the future. I would probably bring an ice chest full of food to cook a little more in the condo. Things are pretty expensive up there. It costs $90/day for a bicycle.
We ate at Pink Pony, had dinner one night at the Carriage House and Hotel Iroquois, Millie's, and a dinner at Stonecliffe Inn.
We flew out of Chicago so it was a 5+ hour drive up there. Didn't see much of anything on the way up though we did stop in Michigan City at the Standard Sub shop, which was fantastic.
After our stay on the island, we drove back from Mackinaw City over the bridge and drove back to Chicago through the Upper Peninsula. Absolutely loved it. We took a 2 hour boat tour on Lake Superior to see the Pictured Rocks...I was amazed at the beauty of "Gitchee Gumee". We also stopped in Mastinique to see Kitch-Iti-kipi, which is a natural spring that is pumping out 10,000 gallons a minute.
Enjoyed just driving around Lake Michigan and seeing how other folks live right up next to the lake.
We will definitely head up to Mackinac Island again in the future. I would probably bring an ice chest full of food to cook a little more in the condo. Things are pretty expensive up there. It costs $90/day for a bicycle.
Formerly Willy Wonka
I've never seen so many flying insects as I saw at Kitch-Iti-kipi. It was beautiful, but I wish I'd had a headnet.
JYDog90 said:
Things are pretty expensive up there.
They gotta pay for the natural horse sh-t aromatics somehow!
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