With over 70 miles of trails and 80% of the Island being State Park, it’s safe to say Mackinac Island is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. From hiking and biking to water excursions and horseback riding, Mackinac Island is full of adventure and just waiting to be explored.
The best part about being on Mackinac Island is slowing down and enjoying the sights and sounds. But if you’re looking for more, listed below are some ideas for an outdoor-based trip to Mackinac Island. Be sure to visit our Tourism Booth on Main Street and grab yourself a Mackinac Island map and Mackinac Island Visitor’s Guide and get all the information you need to venture off for a day (or multiple days!) of fun!
Biking on Mackinac Island
Grab a Mackinac Island map, a cold bottle of water, and snacks for the road as you set out on a journey. Explore interior trails along the bluffs and venture to Fort Holmes, the highest point on Mackinac Island. Or ride the 8.2-mile road around the perimeter of Mackinac Island on M-185, the only car-free highway in the country. Be sure to check out significant landmarks and rock formations along the way. You can rent from Mackinac Island bike shops including multi-speed bikes, tandems, tag-alongs and buggies.
Mackinac Island: A Bicyclist’s Dream
Mackinac Island Water Excursions
Enjoy an adventure on the water with a unique water sport activity on Mackinac Island. Choose from kayaking with the sunrise, snorkeling to rock caves, parasailing above the Straits of Mackinac, enjoying the Straits of Mackinac on a charter boat tour, taking a sunset cruise to the Mackinac Bridge, or riding on a Pirate Ship in Lake Huron.
6 extraordinary boat tours around Mackinac Island
Native American Cultural Trail on Mackinac Island
Run, walk or bike Mackinac Island’s perimeter road and stop along the Native American Cultural History Trail to read about Mackinac Island history. There are six panels along M-185, the car-free road that circles the island.
Explore the Biddle House Mackinac Island Native American Museum
Carriage Tours & Horseback Riding on Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island Carriage Tours and Gough Livery offer private horse-drawn tours of the island. This charge-by-the-hour tour is narrated by a knowledgeable driver who will share the sites and tell the history of Mackinac Island. Try your hand at Mackinac Island’s Drive-Your-Own Carriages at Jack’s Livery. Here, horses know the route and you hold the reins. Or take a saddle ride with Cindy’s and Jack’s Riding Stables and horseback tours into the state park. Go on a guided tour through wooded trails and enjoy seeing Mackinac Island from your saddle.
Mackinac Island: A Horse Lover’s Fantasy
Mackinac Island Botanical Nature Trail
Weaving along the Arch Rock Bicycle Trail, the Mackinac Island Botanical Trail features seven turnouts with plantings and interpretive signs about the floral life on Mackinac Island. Benches are also scattered along the trail to allow visitors to sit and reflect on the natural beauty around them.
Tips for finding spring wildflowers on Mackinac Island
Rock Formations and Landmarks on Mackinac Island
Bike and hike to Mackinac Island’s unique rock formations. Visit natural features such as Arch Rock, Sugar Loaf, Crack-in-the Island, and multiple caves. Or explore historic landmarks like British Landing, Fort Holmes, and Wawashkamo Golf Course.
10 amazing rock formations and landmarks in Mackinac Island State Park
British Landing Nature Center on Mackinac Island
At the opposite end of Mackinac Island sits British Landing. This is the original place that the British landed and climbed to what is now known as Fort Holmes and overtook Fort Mackinac. It’s about the halfway point around the perimeter of Mackinac Island and features historical markers, food and drinks from Cannonball Oasis, and the British Landing Nature Center. Here you can learn about the plants and animals that call Mackinac Island home.
6 things to do at Mackinac Island’s British Landing
Birding on Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island is home to an abundance of birds and a bird migration hotspot. Whether you are new to birding or a seasoned birder, you’ll have a great time looking for feathered friends. You can find more information on our Mackinac Island birding blog!
Sports on Mackinac Island
From baseball and golf to stone-skipping and croquet, there’s a wide variety of sports to enjoy on Mackinac Island. Explore the local park and baseball diamond, try your shot at the country’s oldest operating duckpin bowling alley, or putt-putt golf along Lake Huron.
16 sports and games to play on Mackinac Island
Geocaching on Mackinac Island
Exercise your mind and your body and geocache on Mackinac Island! With more than 100 geocaches on Mackinac Island, it’s one of the most concentrated areas for caches in Michigan. Explore trails and places you’ve never been to and discover the treasures hidden all around you!
See Mackinac Island like never before with geocaching
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