Ah, vacation on Mackinac Island! Time to relax and take a break from the routine, leaving behind the usual worries of life. Except that even in a magical place such as Mackinac Island, we all have to take care of our basic needs.
For sure, the fun part of planning a trip to Mackinac Island is exploring all the things to do and sights to see. But it’s also good to be prepared for any run-of-the-mill needs that arise.
So, as you plan your visit to Mackinac Island, here’s a handful of basic necessities to keep in mind:
Groceries on Mackinac Island
We’ve all gotta eat. And, fortunately, Mackinac Island features a wide variety of restaurants and cafes with a diversity of menus and price points. But if you’re looking for a little food to keep in your room, then Doud’s Market & Deli in downtown Mackinac Island is a great place to stop. Located right on Main Street, the grocery store dates to 1884 and has all the fixings for a picnic in neighboring Marquette Park and lots of food and drink to fill the fridge. Because the store stocks items requested by the many foreign workers who summer on Mackinac Island, you’re even likely to find some delicious foods you’ve never tasted before.
Doud’s Market is a fourth-generation family business on Mackinac Island
Medical Care on Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island Medical Center is located right downtown on Market Street. In addition to appointments in the office, the division of Mackinac Straits Health System provides 24-hour emergency response. And here’s a secret: Even though Mackinac Island is car free, there is an ambulance available for Mackinac Island emergencies.
Mackinac Island police car, fire truck and ambulance, oh my!
Bike Repair on Mackinac Island
Speaking of car free, Mackinac Island visitors either get around on foot, bicycle or horse-drawn carriage. Some visitors will take their own bicycles to Mackinac Island on the ferry boat from the mainland. If your bike happens to break down while on Mackinac Island, you can stop by either Mackinac Wheels or Mackinac Bike Barn for a quick fix. Of course, if you rent a bike from one of Mackinac Island’s many vendors and have any trouble with it, you can just bring it back and they’ll hook you up with another one.
Bring your own bike to Mackinac Island or rent one?
Shoes on Mackinac Island
Because Mackinac Island is car free, people tend to walk a lot more than normal during their visit. That’s why comfortable shoes are so important. If you forget your walking shoes, then you can pick out a new pair at any of several Mackinac Island shops that sell footwear. And if you want to do some serious hiking through the trails of Mackinac Island State Park, then pick out some new hiking boots.
Here’s the ultimate Mackinac Island shopping guide
Hardware Store on Mackinac Island
There are about 500 year-round residents living on Mackinac Island, not to mention thousands of other people who make the island their summer home. Sometimes, they need to pick something up at the hardware store. Rather than ferrying back to the mainland, they visit Island Hardware right in downtown Mackinac Island on the coal dock. In case you have any hardware needs during your visit, this place could be a lifesaver!
Downtown Mackinac Island: Something for Every Visitor
Restrooms on Mackinac Island
Last, but perhaps most important, there are many public restrooms on Mackinac Island. Accessible restrooms are generally open from May through October. Restrooms are located behind the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau office on Main Street and within Mackinac Island State Park at Arch Rock, British Landing, Huron Road Rest Area, Mackinac Island Airport, Fort Holmes and the Mackinac Island State Park Visitor’s Center.
Take a look at this map of where to find basic necessities on Mackinac Island.
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