Mackinac Island
🏙️3 attractions

Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island, Michigan

The Jewel of the Great Lakes

About this city

Also known as: The Jewel of the Great Lakes

Mackinac Island is an exceptionally elegant, world-famous historic island resort community floating gracefully in the Straits of Mackinac between Michigan's Upper and Lower peninsulas. Historically protecting early colonial fur trades through massive hillside stone ramparts, the island implemented a legendary, permanent ban on all motorized vehicles in 1898. Today, this entire National Historic Landmark represents an unmatched Victorian time capsule, where transportation is conducted exclusively via horse-drawn carriages, bicycles, and historic wooden boardwalks.

Location & Administrative

County
Mackinac County
Time Zone
EST
State Code
MI

Transportation & Accessibility

Nearest Airports
PLNCIU
Getting Around
FerryWalkableBike-Friendly

Weather & Timing

Best Months
MayJunJulAugSepOct
Average Temperature
Peak Season
SummerFall Foliage Season
Off Season
Seasonal ClosureDeep Winter

Economics & Local Vibe

Population
City proper 583
Sales Tax
6%
Key Industries
Premium Historic Island Hospitality and Resort TourismArtisan Confectionery and Food Production

Practical Tourism Metadata

Suggested stay: 1–3 days

Stroll the world's longest wooden porch at the opulent Grand Hotel, watch costumed historical soldiers fire real cannons at Fort Mackinac, and bike the pristine 8.2-mile scenic loop around the island circumference.

Must-See