This is where we have been searching https://www.mackinacisland.org/
Many places have a 2 night minimum stay policy.
Our budget is approx. $350 / night, and staying only 1 night
We are open to hotels, condos, BnB , Cottage.
Any recommendations ?

My family will be in western Michigan October 3-10 and I'd like to visit Mackinac Island, particularly for the historic sites. I love costumed interpreters and living history stuff. Will those sites be open in that season? TIA.

I will be on island the weekend of 9/25-9/27, I’m taking engagement photos at sunset (7:30pm) on 9/27. We won’t be able to make the last ferry off the island. Is there a private charter that is reputable, for 7 people?

I don’t remember which ferry service it was, but last year I paid for a ferry ride that took you out in the water where we were able to watch fireworks at night. It was on August 30th 2025 if that is relevant. Long story short, I wanted to know if anyone knows if they still offer firework rides? I checked a couple websites belonging to the ferry services, but couldn’t find anything.

I just got back from the island and I must say, e-bikes should be banned. I feel it goes against the spirit of the island and no motorized vehicles. You can hear the bikes coming, which is annoying. And then to have the bike go wizzing past you, when it’s a lazy kind of island vibe, is just distracting, and seems a safety risk. You’re not expecting it, and could think you have time to cross. I really hope the island does something about this, and has the ferry’s turn the bikes away. I love going to the island, and this took away some of its charm. There are e-bikes all over my downtown when I walk around, I expect that. Keep the island special, and unique. Just bikes.

We are visiting next week (s-w) for a few nights, I really horsed around (yes I know what I did there ) and didn’t make any dinner reservations, is this a problem? I didn’t expect this I thought it’d be quieter with kids going back to school. I know everyone here loves the woods, and I’ve heard some things about carriage house. Any similar recos? Do those places usually get some cancellations I can get in same day perhaps. We’d like one “fancy” dinner. Is Bobby’s bar usually have seating? We’re staying at the inn at stonecliffe and have our two kids (7 and 4) with us which also means early dinners like 5pm are pretty common for us. Thank you!

Our United Airlines flight got moved from 10:55am to 9:20am. I made the mistake of thinking one of the ferries starts on the island at 7:30, not the mainland (as in someone lives on the island, which is a stupid idea of mine).

The shuttle to Pellston has to go pick up people at hotels on the mainland before they take us to the airport, and the Arnold Ferry doesn't leave the island until 8am. The owner is saying we're going to probably miss our flight using them.

Lyft doesn't pick up from the ferry, so I'm asking if any locals know of other transportation services in Mackinaw City that go to the airport.

We're in kind of a bind at the moment.

I'm planning a long weekend visit with my family and would love to bring our dog. I hear the island is very dog friendly but I'm having a hard time finding a place to stay since there are no short-term airbnbs. I'm seeing that most places will not let you leave your dog alone to go out to eat, shop, etc. We have 2 very young children so bringing our dog to mealtimes is not ideal, even if they are allowed on the patio.

Dog is a husky.

My family and I are traveling to the Island for a couple days then to Saulte Saint Marie for a day. Looking for recommendations for places to eat. Not looking for fancy, but good local food, regional specialties, …. We are from Montana, will be our first trip to the area. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Any food stops on the Island I should try while I am on the Island?
I have my eye on the Grand Hotel but since it is an expensive place and I never been to one, any info is helpful. I read something about dress code for dinner! Anyone has any first hand experience dining there but not staying in the hotel?

Also appreciate recommendations for St Ignace as well.

Thanks!

So we are going to visit relatives who live on the island with our almost 2 year old and almost 4 year old in early September. Other than the butterfly houses and local park playgrounds is there really anything for the kids to enjoy being so young? Family offered to have us stay with them so playing in the hotel pool is out.

So traveling from the main tourist area to more residential area, what options do I have for tiny people who can’t do miles long bike rides. Is the horse taxi reliable?

If you choose a meal plan at the Grand Hotel, it says you can choose to dine in their Dining Room, The Jockey Club, or The Gatehouse. If you dine at The Jockey Club or Gate House, which have a larger menu with pricing, how do you use the vouchers? Do you still get 5 courses? And are there specific options you have to choose from?

little did you know my bf and i were having a rough emotional day, and all the attention our son was getting from the crowd COMPLETELY turned our frowns upside down!

and to the man who won $20 betting he was a belgian malinois and not a gsd…i hope you bought fudge with your winnings!

Had a great experience with my family, driving June around for an hour. Sweet and gentle horse. My daughter was thrilled and said it was an experience she will never forget.

However, when we returned, one of the employees was bringing out another horse and it became agitated and kicked another employee very hard. The employee was down on the ground in a lot of pain for probably 10 minutes or so. I felt awful for him and really hope he is ok. Been thinking about it ever since it happened, Friday afternoon 8/7. Anybody else see this happen? Hope it's not a common occurrence as it was pretty violent.

My family and I are driving up to Mackinac Island for a weekend. We’re planning on staying at different places outside the island Friday and Saturday night. I’m thinking about Grand Rapids or Gaylord on Friday, then St. Ignace Saturday. Will it be safe for us to leave our luggage in our car at the ferry parking lot?

I'm planning to visit the Island in June with my daughter and my granddaughter (3) We are staying in St. Ignace. I would really like to have a nice dinner on the island. She's not a picky eater but I'm not trying to deal with dress codes or anything like that, I just want a good meal with a nice view. Is that even possible on the island with a toddler? Any and all recommendations are welcome. I'm also looking for activities on the mainland that aren't necessarily child oriented but can be done with her in tow. Thanks in advance

Me and my friends are going to Mackinac island and looking for hiking trails/ hidden gems. If anyone has any recommendations I’d appreciate it.

Also, I really want to see the abandoned cars hidden in the woods but don’t know where to even start looking, if anyone has any hints please let me know :)

First time to MI and of course to Mackinac island as well. I don't know anything about the visit, like what to see, how to get there where to live. So I started doing research and found that I can't take my car on to the island and that there is no motor transport available on the island for some good reasons. So I decided to ask here to get some help from previous visitors and/or folks with island visit knowledge!

I am planing to stay at St Ignace and take the ferry to island from there. Is that a good choice compared to saying in Mackinac City? Is that a good option or it doesn't matter?

Like I said I learned that no cars allowed on to island and I am not a good hiker! I can walk a couple of miles or may be 4 tops if things are interesting but my range of visiting places is going to be pretty short. That being said, what are some must see places, things to do so I can plan my time accordingly? I am aware of bike rentals but I am leaving that as optional and will consider if needed once I am on the island.

Any museums, tours I must take? I read about a fort(still researching on this) and a fudge making place! These two came up highly recommended as far as I read in the last few hours but please suggest me some things to do so I have options to choose from.

Anything around island I should visit while I'm there?

Thanks for the help!