You’ve arrived on the ferry boat in downtown Mackinac Island. Yay! Now what?
While Mackinac Island has nearly 5 square-miles of incredible natural beauty to explore, many visitors spend their entire time downtown because there’s so much to see and do right there. From dining and drinking to shopping and sightseeing, downtown Mackinac Island has something for everyone.
Here are just some of the ways to experience the charming vibe of Mackinac Island and have fun downtown:
For the foodie on Mackinac Island
Whether you’re in the mood for succulent Great Lakes whitefish or your sweet tooth is craving some world-famous Mackinac Island fudge, your culinary wish is our command. Mackinac Island boasts nearly 50 restaurants of all kinds, offering everything from kid-friendly fare such as pizza and burgers to a variety of multicultural cuisine and fine dining, too.
- Beyond the fudge: Mackinac Island’s unique food and wine scene
- Where to get the most Michigan-tasting food on Mackinac Island
- Where to enjoy outdoor dining on Mackinac Island
- Coffee fanatic’s guide to Mackinac Island
- Breakfast options on Mackinac Island
- Mackinac Island restaurants with vegetarian and other dietary options
For the shopper on Mackinac Island
While there are several areas where you can shop, the downtown Mackinac Island shopping district includes many unique, specialty boutiques. Whether you’re looking for clothing, jewelry, toys, souvenirs or art, you can find it and more in downtown Mackinac Island. Plus, there are lots of fudge shops!
- The Ultimate Mackinac Island Shopping Guide
- What one-of-a-kind shops on Mackinac Island have in common
- How to get free fudge on Mackinac Island
For the nightlife lover on Mackinac Island
Just because the last ferry of the day has left Mackinac Island, it doesn’t mean it’s time to wind down for the night. Whether it’s the sound of big band, folk, rock, country, jazz or blues, many of the restaurants and pubs on the island host live music. Or maybe the sound of waves, foghorns and the clip clop of horse hooves is more your speed. Whatever your style, there’s plenty to do after the sun sets.
- Mackinac Island nightlife: 5 things to do after dark
- Where to get a drink on Mackinac Island
- 11 reasons to spend the night on Mackinac Island
For the adventurer on Mackinac Island
Downtown is the perfect place to start an adventure that goes out into the beautiful state park that occupies more than 80% of Mackinac Island. Hop on a horse-drawn carriage tour, rent a bike for a ride all the way around the island, saddle up on a horse or head off on foot to beautiful spots like Arch Rock, East Bluff or Fort Mackinac.
- 7 sights to see on a horse-drawn carriage tour of Mackinac Island
- What to expect on the 8.2-mile bike ride around Mackinac Island
- Rent a bike on Mackinac Island or bring your own bike on the ferry
- How much does it cost to ride horses on Mackinac Island?
- 10 ‘supernatural’ sights to see in Mackinac Island State Park
- Things to do at Mackinac Island’s historic Fort Mackinac
For the historian on Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island has a rich cultural history and downtown is full of must-see attractions. You can see Fort Mackinac high on the bluff as you approach in the ferry boat. But there are several other historic sites, too. A ticket to Fort Mackinac also gets you into the McGulpin House, the Biddle House Mackinac Island Native American Museum, the Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum and the Mackinac Island Fur Co. and William Beaumont Museum.
- Things to do on Mackinac Island for history buffs
- A look at Mackinac Island history through the centuries
- Churches of Mackinac Island: 350 years of historic beauty
- A bit of background on the Biddles: Learn about life on Mackinac Island in the 1830s
For the visitor who loves to relax on Mackinac Island
Maybe you need a vacation just to unwind. Well, Mackinac Island is the right spot! Take a book and head to Windermere Point or Marquette Park to soak in the gorgeous views and get some peace and quiet. There also are several spas on the Mackinac Island where you can enjoy a massage, facial and other relaxing treatments.
