More than 1 million people come to Mackinac Island each year, most of them during the main visitor season from May through October. So, whenever you visit during that time, you won’t be alone.
Yet, some days on Mackinac Island are busier than others.
Whether you prefer to be part of the crowd in the peak of summer or you’d rather experience the Crown Jewel of the Great Lakes when things are a little quieter, keep these tips in mind about the busiest times for visiting Mackinac Island:
Spring And Fall Are Less Crowded On Mackinac Island
More than once Mackinac Island has been voted the USA’s Best Summer Travel Destination. As a result, July and August tend to be the busiest months of the year.
With delightful summer temperatures in the 70s, Mackinac Island attracts people from all over the country who seek an escape from oppressive heat in the 80s, 90s and even hotter. That’s why Mackinac Island is also known as America’s Coolcation Destination.
In the spring, especially before Memorial Day weekend, things are much quieter (although many school groups visit Mackinac Island on field trips that time of year). And in the fall, between Labor Day weekend and Mackinac Island’s annual Halloween Weekend, visitor traffic slows again. However, Mackinac Island also is the USA’s No. 2 Best Place to Visit for Fall, and more people are discovering the incredible beauty of September and October in the Straits of Mackinac.
If you want to be on Mackinac Island when things are really hopping, then book a summer stay in July or August – or during holiday weekends and the year’s most popular events including the Lilac Festival in June, the Fall Fudge Festival in early October and Halloween Weekend at the end of October.
Otherwise, book a trip for May or during Mackinac Island’s “Perfect Season” in September when crowds are lighter.
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- Why October is a great time to visit Mackinac Island
Weekends Almost Always Are Busier Than Weekdays
This holds true in spring, summer and fall: Monday through Thursday on Mackinac Island tends to be less busy than Friday through Sunday.
Of course, summer weekdays still can get crowded with many visitors on weeklong summer vacations and others taking day trips to Mackinac Island. But especially in spring and fall, weekday traffic is often slower. That’s why you can get the best deals on overnight lodging on weekdays either earlier or later in the visitor season.
- See what’s unique about each of the four seasons on Mackinac Island
- How far in advance to book your stay on Mackinac Island
Holiday Weekends On Mackinac Island Are Busy, But Here’s a Secret
From Memorial Day weekend to the Fourth of July to Labor Day weekend, the summer holidays tend to attract lots of visitors to Mackinac Island. But you might be surprised to learn that the weekends immediately before and after holidays sometimes aren’t quite so busy.
Here are a few summer windows when you might find more availability at places to stay on Mackinac Island:
- The time between Memorial Day weekend (ending on the last Monday in May) and the annual Mackinac Island Lilac Festival (starting on the first Friday in June)
- The week after the Fourth of July
- The weekend before Labor Day weekend (ending on the first Monday in September)
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