Mackinac Tours and More

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.

Mackinaw Island is a vacation spot unlike any other. So, here are a few activity suggestions to be sure your Mackinaw vacation is unforgettable.

Mackinaw Island Carriage Tours

Get a good look at all the amazing scenery that Mackinaw has to offer, by a ride on a horse-drawn carriage. A horse drawn carriage is the best, and only way, to tour Mackinaw Island, other than on foot. This is because there are no motor vehicles allowed on the Island. This tour begins at the Surrey Hills Carriage Museum where visitors can see and learn about carriages. Visitors have no need to feel rushed, they can take as long as they want to explore. Then, if they so desire, visitors can be whisked away to the Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory located adjacent to the museum. In the Conservatory visitors will experience the magical flight of thousands of free-flying butterflies in a lush garden paradise. Then, when they're ready to move on, visitors can just hop aboard a carriage and trot on over to see Arch Rock. Visitors can see this natural limestone formation that spans 50 feet and rises 149 feet above the clear blue water of the Straits of Mackinac. As the carriage ride continues, visitors will stop next at Avenue of the Flags in front of Fort Mackinac. This is where visitors can choose to tour the Fort (for an additional fee), or they can leave the tour and explore on your own. When they're ready to head back, they can just hitch a ride on another horse-drawn carriage.

Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry

 Shepler's offers more departures from Mackinaw City than any other ferry service going to the island. It's only a short 16 minute ride on the comfortable Shepler's passenger ferries. Passengers can choose to stay up on deck to catch some fresh air, or relax in the plush main deck lounge. Arrive at Mackinac Island in style. Offering customers additional services, such as valet parking, free shuttle service to and from hotels in the city, and free overnight parking, Shepler's is anything but your average ferry service.

Grand Hotel Grand Luncheon Buffet and Self-Guided Tour

 Spend a few hours touring the beautiful and historic Grand Hotel on scenic Mackinaw Island. Established in 1887, this hotel is known for having the longest front porch in the world, which has become a popular spot for sweethearts and honeymooners. It is also a favorite Hollywood filming location: "Somewhere in Time" and "This Time For Keeps" were filmed on the property. Notable visitors include Mark Twain and five US presidents -- Harry S. Truman, John F. Kennedy, Gerald Ford, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. With this exciting self guided tour, you'll get to visit all the public areas of the hotel, including the porch, the gardens and the stables.
You'll also dine on a sumptuous buffet served in the elegant Main Dining Room -- with a lush assortment of seafood, hot entrees, cheeses, salads and more than 20 desserts, it's guaranteed that you'll never leave hungry! Visit the Grand Hotel for a glimpse into the elegant Old World atmosphere of Mackinac Island.

Shipwreck Coast Museum

Surrounded by the Lake Superior shoreline and located approximately one hour from Mackinac Island, the Shipwreck Coast Museum is the only attraction of its kind, dedicated to the perils and heroism of maritime transport on the Great Lakes. The museum sits adjacent to the oldest active light station, built some 150 years ago upon order by President Abraham Lincoln.

During your visit, tour the museum gallery filled with artifacts and exhibits about sailors, ships, history, and human drama of our maritime heritage, along with the popular Edmund Fitzgerald memorial. Visit the Lighthouse Keeper's Quarters, the Coast Guard Lifesaving Crews Quarters, and the Boat House - all completely restored to their turn-of-the-century appearance. Stop at the Shipwreck Theater and watch a 15-minute video which includes a special tour down into the depths of Lake Superior to see the wreck site of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Finally, venture outdoors where you can access the Lake Superior shoreline via a boardwalk so that you can walk along the rocky beach to enjoy the sites and sounds of the area.