Mackinac Island: No Cars since 1898
- May 20
- 6 min read
Get ready to be blown away by Mackinac Island, one of the coolest island spots where there's been no cars since way back in 1898! Tucked away in the peaceful waters of Lake Huron, this beautiful island is the perfect escape with its historic vibes, stunning natural beauty, and a wonderfully old-school pace of life. Without any cars around, you can check out the island's wonders by bike, horse-drawn carriage, or just by walking, making it the ultimate getaway if you're wanting to unplug and soak up some nature and history. Dive into this 3-day guide and find out all the best stuff Mackinac Island has to offer!
Day 1:
Kick off your adventure by grabbing a bike at the island dock. You can rent bikes for a full day, or check with your hotel to see if they provide bikes. The 8.2-mile loop around the island, runs clockwise, starting downtown and taking you past several must-see spots:
Mission Point Resort: Bike joyfully through vibrant tulips, embrace the beauty of towering trees, and revel in breathtaking waterfront views. This 18-acre, family-owned lakefront resort is perfectly nestled on the stunning Michigan shoreline.
Arch Rock: Experience the awe of a 146-foot limestone arch, delivering breathtaking views that will leave you speechless! Pedal your way along the smooth, flat perimeter road, and park your bike at the convenient racks near the arch to get an up-close look at this natural wonder.
British Landing: Your must-visit destination, where history comes alive with a historic cannon to thrill your inner history enthusiast. Nestled on a rocky shoreline, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Huron and the iconic Mackinac Bridge!
Devilās Kitchen: Legend has it that this cave was the ultimate hangout spot for a clan of giants who had a taste for well, travelers. These giants allegedly loved nothing more than dragging unsuspecting visitors into their cave for a little cookout. The walls still bear the marks of their culinary exploits, or so the story goes. Carved out by waves over a millennium ago, this famous natural cave is a must-see, even if you might become the main course for a giantās dinner party!
Once you finish the loop, swing back downtown for lunch at Maryās Bistro Draught House. It's a top-rated spot by the water, known for having the biggest beer selection on the island, plus their famous bourbon slush. You can enjoy some pub-style grub on their lakeside patio with a view of the harbor.
In the afternoon, check out Fort Mackinac. It's a cool old military outpost with exhibits and reenactments. Tickets cost $17.50, letting you explore 14 of the oldest buildings on Mackinac Island. Plus, there are fun demos and tours with staff in costume happening all day that really bring the history to life.
As the day wraps up, why not throw on something fancy and head over to the Grand Hotel porch to catch the sunset? It's got the world's longest porch at 660 feet, with rocking chairs and amazing views of the Straits of Mackinac. There's often live music to set the mood, making it a night to remember. There's a $15 fee for non-guests to hang out on the porch, and you can only get tickets until 7pm, so don't miss out. Keep in mind, the Grand Hotel has a strict dress code in their main areas every evening starting at 6:30 pm.
Men: Need to wear a suit coat or sport jacket, a collared shirt, and a tie. No denim, sweatpants, or athletic wear allowed.
Women: Need to wear a dress, skirt and blouse, or a professional pantsuit.
Day 2:
Since cars are off the menu, hop on a horse-drawn carriage, the island's charming taxis! Make your way to 7278 Main Street and in the morning, embark on a delightful 1-hour and 45-minute public carriage tour for just $46. It's the most authentic way to soak in the island's beauty!
After the tour, head over to Doudās Marketāthe oldest family-operated grocery store in America, right here on Mackinac Island! It's the ultimate destination to grab some mouthwatering sandwiches and chat with the friendly locals. Take your scrumptious lunch and savor a delightful picnic at Marquette Park, often thought of as Mackinac's front lawn. Recognized by Reader's Digest as the top picnic spot in Michigan, it's the perfect place to take in the breathtaking views of the fort and harbor.
In the afternoon, we're ready to hit the water with Great Turtle Kayak Tours for a 2-hour paddle along the shore by Arch Rock, as long as the weather's nice. It's $100 but an awesome opportunity to relax on the water and check out the island's stunning underwater caves and rock formations up close. The currents in the strait can be strong and its highly recommended to have a guide.
For dinner lets go to Millieās on Main, conveniently located in the center of downtown Mackinac. A highly rated family owned pub, know for its cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Its a favorite spot for both locals and tourist seeking comfort food.
After dinner, let's hop onboard the Mackinaw City Sunset Cruise! This thrilling one-hour cruise is $38 and sets sail just before dusk every day. It's the ultimate spot to witness the breathtaking sunset over Lake Michigan. Enjoy unparalleled views of the radiant sky, charming local lighthouses, and the iconic Mackinac Bridge.
After dark, let's embark on an exciting stargazing adventure at British Landing Beach! This serene, low-elevation spot is perfect for spotting shooting stars and admiring the breathtaking Milky Way. Grab a cozy hoodie, lie back, and enjoy one of the clearest night skies you'll ever experience!
Day 3:
Kick off your last day with a morning horseback ride at Cindy's Stable. This hour-long ride costs about $75 per person. They open at 9am and just a heads up, they only accept same-day, in-person reservations. We've explored the island by bike and carriage, now it's time to enjoy it on horseback!
Afterward, enjoy breakfast/brunch at Chuckwagon, a local favorite known for hearty, classic breakfasts and famous for being the smallest restaurant on the island, measuring just 11.5 feet wide by 30 feet longāit is widely celebrated by both locals and tourists for serving some of the best, most budget-friendly food on the island.
Hop on a bike or grab a horse taxi and head up to the island's highest spot at Fort Holmes for an amazing 360-degree view. Even if history isn't your thing, you'll be blown away by the stunning scenery and panoramic views from up there.
Take a walk down Main Street and watch the famous candy makers as they toss and hand-paddle fresh fudge on big marble slabs at the historic shops. At these Downtown Shops, youāll also discover toys for both kids and dogs, kites to fly at Windermere Point, and an antique portrait studio where you can dress up and really dive into the Islandās history.
Get ready to be amazed at the Butterfly House! Discover over a thousand vibrant butterflies from four different continents as they flutter around a stunning tropical garden complete with a mesmerizing cascading waterfall. For just $15, you'll receive admission and a free wristband. Experience the magic of butterflies flying freely and don't miss the daily public butterfly releases happening at 10:30 AM and 4:30 PM.
Grab dinner at The Woods Restaurant, which was named the "Best Resort Restaurant" by USA Today. It's set in a historic Tudor mansion from 1905, giving off serious lodge vibes with its taxidermy and stone fireplaces. The menu is a delightful celebration of European hunting traditions combined with robust Midwestern flavors.
In the evening, dive into the thrilling adventure of Hauntings at Mackinac! Embark on an exhilarating 90-minute journey through the historic streets of Mackinac Island. As you stroll, your guide will captivate you with spine-tingling tales of ghosts, legends, and the darker side of the Islandās āburiedā history.
If you've still got some pep in your step, hop on your bike for a nighttime cruise down Main Street! It's your last chance to soak up the island's peaceful vibes under the stars and marvel at the miracle of car-free streets before you head back home.
Final Thoughts
Pack smart: Since there are no cars, you'll either be lugging your own bags from the ferry or getting help from a hotel porter. A rolling suitcase is your best bet.
Water: Don't forget to fill up your water bottles! There are fountains at the public restrooms where you can top them off.
Bike or walk: The Island is 8.2 miles all the way around, but the downtown area is just 5 blocks. Walk when you're downtown and bike for the scenic loop.
If you bring your bikes on the ferry, you have tons of options for the day without worrying about returning rented bikes on time.
Best times to visit:
June: Enjoy the lilacs and the Lilac Festival in mid-June, fewer people, but watch out for bugs.
July/Aug: It's the warmest and busiest time, so make sure to book everything in advance.
Sept: Warm days, no bugs, fewer kids around, and the best hotel deals after Labor Day.
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