Mackinac Island Vacation Ideas

Mackinac Island Carriage Tours - Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island Carriage Tours

There's no better way to see the unique and interesting scenery of Mackinac Island than by horse-drawn carriage.

Visitors to Mackinac Island find adventure, mystery, romance and fun in a soul-stirring setting among the Great Lakes. This quirky, quaint destination really has something for everyone.

Mackinac Island State Park

Disappear into the 1900's as you walk or bike around the island, most of which is now Mackinac Island State Park. The state has saved the area from harmful development. Cars aren't even allowed, though horse-drawn carriages, for hire or for tour, are available for elegant rides free of flashing lights and honking horns.

Mackinac Island Great Turtle Tales Walking Tour

Families will enjoy a trip around town with the Great Turtle Tales Walking Tour. Expert guide and historian, Lisa Craig Brisson, shows you the sites of Mackinac Island and explains how they've changed with time. Reenactments staged at sites across the island share the intriguing history and culture of the land the Straits Indians named "Great Turtle".

Mackinac Island Carriage Tours

Other families may prefer the Mackinac Island Carriage Tours, which stop not only at the Surrey Hills Carriage Museum, but also at Arch Rock, a spectacular natural limestone formation spanning 50 feet across and 149 feet in the air. A trip to the Avenue of Flags at Fort Mackinac is in order, along with a visit to the Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory, a botanical center boasting thousands of free-flying butterflies from Monarchs to Emerald Swallowtail varieties.

Mackinac Island Shipwreck Coast Museum

History lovers have much to explore on and off the island. The Shipwreck Coast Museum, cradled by Lake Superior and home to the country's oldest active light station, is located less than an hour away in Paradise, Michigan. Tour the museum and see artifacts from maritime living over the past centuries. Join guests in the Shipwreck Theater for a short film on the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Pop into the Lighthouse Keeper's Quarters, Coast Guard Lifesaving Crews Quarters and Boat House and get a glimpse of how things were really done.

Mackinac Island Baymont Inn & Suites

Baymont Inn & Suites in Mackinaw City has Nintendo gaming systems and two room suites available for large parties with children. After taking in your complimentary breakfast it's a short two-block walk to the ferry docks. The Ramada Inn offers a shuttle service, and amazing accommodations for children. Kids' suites - smaller rooms adjacent to adult rooms - host bunk beds, beanbag chairs and Nintendo consoles. Both hotels are pet friendly, and lodging is free for kids 16 and under.

Mackinac Island Chippewa Hotel Waterfront

Back on Mackinac Island, the impressively beautiful Chippewa Hotel Waterfront tempts you with spectacular views - of either Main Street or the sparkling harbor. The turn-of-the-century monument is saturated in history and style. To preserve the landmark, all suites are strictly nonsmoking.

Mackinac Island Island House Hotel

Even business travelers thirsty for a taste of island culture find their needs fulfilled. The grand Island House Hotel brings you the best of Mackinac panache with all the amenities needed for today's busy worker. The pool, whirlpool and steam room provide superb relaxation after a day of hard work, and the business services, childcare and high-speed Internet make your duties easier to manage.

Mackinac Island Lake View Hotel

Couples are beckoned to the charming island and its world of Victorian romance. The Lake View Hotel, located at the heart of Mackinac Island, was built in 1858 and resonates with dignified style. The Romantic Escape package at The Lake View provides you with a private whirlpool room. Chilled champagne and chocolates await your arrival, and complimentary breakfasts at the renowned Pilot House restaurant kick start your mornings. You'll enjoy a special discount at over 20 shops dotting the island too, and be treated to round-trip ferry tickets as well.

Whatever your reason for visiting the island, you can't escape Mackinac without a smile on your face. Perfect for families, romantic couples, adventurers or folks who just need a moment of peace, everyone will find something waiting for them at the Great Turtle.