As the crisp fall air sweeps across the Straits, Mackinac Island visitors are greeted with a tapestry of vibrant foliage, painting the landscape in hues of red, orange, and gold. Whether you enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through Mackinac Island State Park or a leisurely bike ride along the Mackinac Island shoreline, visiting Mackinac Island in October will be filled with memories for a lifetime.
October is a unique time to visit Mackinac Island because you can enjoy a slower pace and receive deep discounts on lodging and retail specials as stores try to sell any remaining inventory. The end of October is when most shops, attractions, and restaurants begin to close their doors for the season.
Although Mackinac Island is accessible year-round, most businesses are open only from May to October. So, be sure to get the latest Mackinac Island season updates to see when things close down for the season.
WEATHER ON MACKINAC ISLAND IN OCTOBER
As the summer sun begins to fade and cool, crisp nights become the norm, fall arrives with the turning of leaves and a hint of autumn in the air.
October generally sees average high temperatures of 53 degrees and low temperatures of 39 degrees. It’s important to pack layers and appropriate clothing and even to consider bringing hats and gloves if you are spending the night as the cool nights bring on chilly mornings.
What fall weather is like on Mackinac Island
GETTING TO MACKINAC ISLAND IN OCTOBER
Mackinac Island is known for historic charm and stunning landscapes, but perhaps the most notable feature is the ban on motor vehicles. Since you will leave your vehicle behind, there are 3 ways to get to Mackinac Island in October: public ferry, personal boat, or flying. Once on the Island, residents and visitor alike get around by bicycles, walking, horse-drawn taxis, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters.
Ferries to Mackinac Island
Taking a ferry is the most popular mode of transportation to and from Mackinac Island in October. Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry operates out of two port cities on the mainland, Mackinaw City in the Lower Peninsula and St. Ignace in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
In October, the ferry schedule is limited compared to the summer schedule. Be sure to double-check the Mackinac Island ferry departure and return times for prospective dates.
Round-trip tickets are around $35 for adults and $25 for children, with additional pricing for bicycles, burleys, and wagons. The ferry ride to Mackinac Island takes around 20 minutes. Parking and ticket information can be found on the respective ferry websites.
Where to catch the ferry to Mackinac Island
Personal Boat to Mackinac Island
Bring your personal boat to Mackinac Island. Docking is available at the Mackinac Island State Park Harbor through October 15th or a private dock such as East Dock or the Coal Dock.
Where to dock your boat for overnight stay on Mackinac Island
Flying to Mackinac Island
Flying to Mackinac Island isn’t what one might have in mind when flying to a destination. There are three options when it comes to flying to Mackinac Island; take a 7-minute air taxi, order a charter flight to pick you up from a different airport, or fly your own plane to Mackinac.
- Fresh Air Aviation operates out of the St. Ignace Airport and flies directly to the Mackinac Island Airport. It is about $45 for a one-way adult ticket and a 7-minute flight. Call ahead to schedule a flight at 906-285-6727.
- North Country Aviation is another way to get to Mackinac Island and offers chartered flights from nearby airports and around the country. Visit their websitefor more information.
- You can also fly a private plane to Mackinac Island. Click here for more information about Mackinac Island Airport prices, rules, and contacts.
If you are flying into the Mackinac Island Airport, it is recommended to arrange a horse-drawn taxi ahead of time 906-847-3323. The Mackinac Island Airport is about 2 miles from the downtown area.
What is the nearest airport to Mackinac Island?
WHAT’S OPEN ON MACKINAC ISLAND IN OCTOBER
The simple answer is, “it just depends.” October is the month when businesses begin to shut down. Many outdoor and water attractions such as outdoor eating establishments, kayaking, parasailing and the butterfly houses close late September into early October.
Most places to stay, restaurants, and attractions stay open through the island’s Halloween Weekend, which is different than the typical October 31st date and changes every year.
- Historic Mackinac Island Sites: Fort Mackinac generally stays open through the last weekend of the season. However, historical buildings including the Fort Holmes blockhouse, the Richard and Jane Manoogian Art Museum, and the Biddle House and Native American Museum close in the middle of October.
- Outdoor Activities on Mackinac Island: With the right gear, October is a great month to enjoy outdoor adventure on Mackinac Island such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, and golf. Bring layers and the right footwear in case it rains.
- Horse-drawn carriage tours: Mackinac Island carriage tours continue through October but begin to have limited hours for both public tours and private tours. Get your carriage tickets early in the afternoon to secure your spot at this beloved attraction.
- Shopping: Mackinac Island shops offer a variety of gifts, clothing, souvenirs, fudge, and more! Shops generally open around 9 a.m. and stay open through the last ferry of the day.
- Restaurants: A handful of outdoor-only restaurants close in September or have limited hours into October. The majority of restaurants on Mackinac Island stay open through October with live music and a late night menu at 3 or 4 restaurants and bars.
- Places to Stay: Lodging on Mackinac Island begins to close at the end of October with some hotels, inns, and bed-and-breakfasts closing mid-October. October generally features more hotel discounts and budget friendly rates. Since it’s outside of the peak season window, there is generally more availability for booking a last minute stay.
Yes! October is a great time to visit Mackinac Island
ACTIVITIES & EVENTS ON MACKINAC ISLAND IN OCTOBER
The big events on Mackinac Island in October are Halloween Weekend and the Great Turtle Half Marathon & 5.7 mile run/walk hosted by Run Mackinac. Halloween Weekend is different than the typical October 31st weekend so check on the dates for that year. It features the run and walk in the morning, trick or treating for kids in the afternoon, and costume parties for adults in the evening.
Daily events such as live music, walking tours, and cruises continue throughout October. The daily events schedule can be viewed online or in the Tourism Bureau booth window located at 7274 Main Street, downtown Mackinac Island.
Running events on Mackinac Island: 4 of the world’s most beautiful road races
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT MACKINAC ISLAND IN OCTOBER
- It can get very cool on Mackinac Island. Pack layers and prepare for cool temperatures in the morning and evenings.
- Most businesses begin to close in October. Check the Mackinac Island closing dates page for more information.
- October is a great month to visit for lodging discounts and retail sales.
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