12 Things to Do Mackinac Island | What to Expect + Where to Stay

[@shirleybalinski4535]

The Island is NOT DISNEY LAND. The Island iis a real home/ town for local folks. The prices are rather high. Do not expect to get a hotel room by walk in. The Island is great for a day trip. If you enjoy history, you will definitely enjoy the Island. In fact the fur trade & exploration of the West started here!! Enjoy some fudge, pack a hamper of food, take a stroll, enjoy the scenery, soak of history. A must for any Summer bucket list!!

[@walterwhite1]

Hahaha yes it is 🤡

[@dannytallmage2971]

Nah it’s a theme park.

[@Snappy650]

Ooof must suck to be broke

[@landry.styles]

I’ve gone to Mackinac island 7 times with my family and highly recommend going! Staying on the island is always so fun and cool to see all the places on the island. It feels like you are disconnected from the current world and is always super interesting and never gets old. :)

[@AdamandMadalyn]

It really is! Thanks for sharing!

[@monikdarcy1614]

Please I need help I live in Baltimore I need to know what city i need to fly to get there

[@md.ashfaqsayeed4384]

How about the hotels? What's the minimum hotel rent per day? Is there any camp ground on the island?

[@TuyenPham-bk2mn]

Can you please let me know the hotel to stay in the island. My first time. Any suggestions thanks

[@ericputtkammer151]

​@@monikdarcy1614Pelston is the nearest airport to Mackinac island.you would have to fly to Detroit or Chicago. There is a shuttle that takes you to Mackinaw city to the ferry boats.

[@mskulagal]

My husband, who is a native Michigander, and I visited in 2019 for 4th of July for 4 nights. We stayed at the Island House Hotel and was surprised you didn’t mention it. It’s a great place to stay, good location, and offers a great porch to sit and read. We had a nice dinner at the Grand Hotel, toured the grounds, and remembered it was the place featured in the film, “Somewhere in Time”. I loved spending 4th of July on Mackinac Island - real Americana at its best! We hope to return this summer 2023. Mandy from Tucson🌵

[@AdamandMadalyn]

Thanks Mandy, hope you get back!

[@kjones7966]

We have visited several times. Beautiful ! Our grown boys talk of it often. The bike rides, the weather, the water, the food, the fun ! Good memories

[@AdamandMadalyn]

It truly is a special place!

[@PublicEnemy-kf1bu]

You forgot the FUDGE!

[@nicolebryant1153]

I went with my sister in laws and we stayed at the Grand Hotel ..( they had a special package weekend).. it was awesome .. the hotel decor is definitely old elegance style.. dress up dinners and it was great… the in hotel boutiques are pricey… we brought our own bikes we biked around the island ..the shops and little cafes and restaurants are great… I have been to the island many a time..just love it…

[@AdamandMadalyn]

We hear that Nicole!

[@billdoty6438]

One of my favorite places on earth, thanks for sharing!

[@AdamandMadalyn]

Thanks Bob!

[@IgnoretheButter]

The last time I went on the island, I biked on a tandem with my brother around the island 3 times. It was fun

[@AdamandMadalyn]

Sounds fun!

[@jeffdetrick]

One of my favorite places to visit. I'm a native Michigander and I absolutely love northern Michigan and the U.P. Took my wife there on our honeymoon and then went back the following year. Some additional things I would recommend.... 1) Go horseback riding; or drive your own horse drawn carriage. Both are available for a small fee; and 2) Visit the cemetary on the island; it's really cool if you enjoy that kind of thing. Another commenter also mentioned Drummond Island and it's a fantastic place as well. It's an off-roaders paradise so either bring a Jeep Wrangler, quads, or a side-by-side, and hit the trails.

[@raymond-x8d]

Cause you didn't listen to PBD podcast sex trafficking children mc island is just like epstine islandoh yes

[@zoltonthemagnificent88]

Thanks for a no nonsense review very well done!

[@AdamandMadalyn]

Thanks Zolton!

[@miragexl007]

After years of going. We finally stayed at the grand hotel, surprise the kids. Beautiful, the room was about as plain and old as you can get. So it was just the experience.. Being able to go in, and sitting on the porch.

[@AdamandMadalyn]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@draco4540]

i've been going to makinac island for the last 20 + years. i enjoy the slower pace of life on the island with no motorized vehicles. in 1978 or 1980, a movie "somewhere in time" with christopher reeves was filmed on the island.

[@AdamandMadalyn]

We would love to visit again soon!

[@EdwardsNH]

And Jane Seymour! Don't forget Jane Seymour! Christopher Reeve fell in love with her while filming and was leaving his wife for her, but when he found out his wife was pregnant, they called it off

[@fitfrog65]

We visited this August and stayed at the Grand Hotel for two nights. I grew up in Ohio and had not had Waleye since childhood. The Grand is a must do, as is walking the many trails on the island. We will do it again!

[@AdamandMadalyn]

Thanks for sharing!

[@llovelliveddream]

Great, to the point video. This is so helpful.

[@keithhuotari2571]

Great video, thanks for sharing! Me & my family have been to the Island many times over the years, to the point that day trips just don't cut it for us anymore. One thing you mentioned was biking around the Island--thats pretty much a given, but I take it one step further and run around it as I'm a long distance runner. Its something I look forward to everytime we are on the Island. Also, if you stay at night, you need to walk along the boardwalk and take it the lights of the Mackinac Bridge at dusk. Of course I guess you can do that from the porch of the Grand Hotel too, if you decide to stay there...:) (Steve Orchard, Kingsford, Michigan--in the U.P.!)

[@AdamandMadalyn]

Great advice Steve, would love to see the bridge at night, that’s something we’ll definitely do next time!

[@colleenleroy4595]

Thank you for this video! I was debating where to do a close getaway with my husband after our recent court house wedding and this was one of the locations i had in mind, we’re from Chicago. pretty much copying your itinerary and suggestions in your video. I’m pretty much leading him on this vacation blind.. can’t wait!

[@AdamandMadalyn]

Congrats on your marriage! Mackinac Island is a great getaway from Chicago for that kind of celebration trip!

[@stacytadlock7666]

The island is a magical place 😊

[@AdamandMadalyn]

It really is!! We would love to go back!

[@Life.w.Charli]

I’m sure it is, I’ve heard so many good things about it!! I’m going for my first time this week for the 4th of July, it’s a nice easy trip for us, because I happen to live in Michigan, Michigan is a wonderful place whether it’s up north or not, it’s really beautiful, so much wildlife!!

[@mkpoptic5790]

Great overview. So helpful as we plan a trip thank you.

[@AdamandMadalyn]

Glad you found the video helpful! Hope you have a great trip!

[@daisypeony66]

Went last August for our 30th anniversary. Great vid explaining all the info. We stayed at Mission Point. Grounds were gorgeous, our room was very old. Would recommend staying at the newer section. I am a HUGE Somewhere In Time fan and stopping at sites on the island where scenes were shot was amazing! The small room with the movie memorabilia at the Grand Hotel was so cool. One scene was filmed at the theater at MP. They were showing the movie when we were there in the theater and I sat in the seat where Christopher Reeve sat in the movie ❤️. The gardens on Mackinac are incredible and designed by Jack Barnwell. There is a “hidden garden” at the Grand below by the tennis courts. It’s spectacular! They have a Mackinac Garden Show for the island every August. I would stay at Hotel Iroquois next time.

[@AdamandMadalyn]

Kristine, congrats on 30 years, what a place to celebrate! Thanks for the insights! Next time we go back we’ll definitely stay at the Grand Hotel and check out the garden!

[@loffy742]

Thinking of doing it for our 35th. How many days would you recommend?

[@AdamandMadalyn]

That’s a tough one, it’s definitely great for a long weekend, how far are you traveling from?

[@luvnbball25]

Thanks for sharing! Very informative video 😊

[@AdamandMadalyn]

Glad it was helpful!

[@as48507]

Go to St. Ignace to board the fairy… it’s way more quaint and beautiful than Mackinaw City… less hectic!

[@PublicEnemy-kf1bu]

Gotta get on the bike to enjoy if fully!

[@AdamandMadalyn]

Next time we go back!

[@SusanM-ez7ky]

Do they plenty of bikes? Do they get taken up quickly?

[@PublicEnemy-kf1bu]

@@SusanM-ez7ky I didn't have a problem. My wife and I got a tandem, but she only wanted to ride on the flat trail that straddles the shore all around the island. Then when we got back, I got a regular mountain bike to ride up the hills into the interior for myself. Didn't have a problem with either one. Of course it was late September. There might be more demand during the heart of summer.

[@majorlagg9321]

The Grand Hotel is where the movie Somewhere in Time, starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour, was filmed.

[@raj4558]

Great moment to me to watch this video

[@gloriaruiz2332]

Thank you for all the info 😊

[@AdamandMadalyn]

👏🏼

[@bettyvisser6787]

Love the Island and we took own bikes and use them alot. Stayed 3 days so bikes came in handy. Covered the whole Island.

[@AdamandMadalyn]

We wish we could have biked while we were visiting! Really seems like the best way to get around the island.

[@WC3isBetterThanReforged]

Always use the st. Ignace ferry terminal. It's way less busy than the mackinaw city terminal.

[@campinwiththeconfers]

Thanks for the video, this was helpful. Do you think you can see everything in one day? We will be in Mackinaw City for 5 days and are trying to plan an itinerary. This will be our first time to Michigan.

[@AdamandMadalyn]

Yes you can do a day trip there. Lots of walking but you’ll get a pretty full experience

[@shirleybalinski4535]

5 days? Definitely 1 long day would pretty cover the Island & do a bike trip around the Island, see the Fort, walk down town, soak up the scenery. Plan on 1st boat over & last boat back. Your other days can be spent exploring Mackinaw City..the Fort, the Mill, the Bridge museum, the scenery, soaking up anything else that suits your fancy. Sault Ste.Marie is only 60 miles up the road for viewing Great Lake freighters & other historical attractions there. Even visit Taquamanon Falls could be on your itinerary if you folks are go getters!!

[@StephanieMT]

Have a grocery store that had peanutbutter fudge from this place it was delicious

[@AdamandMadalyn]

Mmm

[@oviliatam7540]

謝謝~🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@AdamandMadalyn]

👏🏼

[@jenniferfuller8026]

Very helpful thanks! 🎉 Do you need to reserve ferry tickets and bike rentals in advance or is it okay to purchase on the day of?

[@AdamandMadalyn]

If you know with certainty when you’re going there is little harm in booking ahead

[@EricHultgren29]

You will be fine with both day of but might need to have patience with the bikes as they can get busy. But you could also walk to Mission Point and rent there to get out of the fray

[@chaskitchell3974]

It is a beautiful place to visit. Prices on everything has gone up tremendously over the past few years (all goods and services transported by Diesel powered boats, fuel prices go up so does everything). Also, don’t expect any free transport for handicapped individuals even if you have a reservation at a hotel. You Will Pay to get there and back.

[@NealFry]

" Welcome to Pure Michigan "

[@andreaarias2085]

Could you visit Drummond Island? It's the gem of the Huron!

[@AdamandMadalyn]

We’ll look into it!

[@gummadiakhil3818]

Hi mam...Nice Video I am Indian... Fantastic Video..🥰

[@AdamandMadalyn]

Awesome thanks

[@KevinMaes-u5c]

Came back from a visit last week. They wouldn't even let us walk up up the steps to see the porch. Please update to let others know.

[@beammeupscotty6516]

What do you recommend for teens or if teens would like this?

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

Really good video guys! I am researching a trip and nearly choked when I saw how much the Grand Hotel was per night. I guess we're going to stay at a different hotel and pay $10 to tour the Grand.

[@AdamandMadalyn]

Thank you! Also it’s $10 a person but if you go one at a time we were able to “switch.” They just handed us some guide pamphlet and we flashed that to get back in

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

@@AdamandMadalyn Thanks, we would just go in together. Gotta do our channel intro! LOL

[@kathyharmon2093]

@@AdamandMadalynwe just stay in Mackinaw city and take the ferry over

[@pequenioedgarito3067]

Hello . I see you took your dog with you. Where did you leave your dog while you at at restaurants?

[@AdamandMadalyn]

We stayed at the Mission Point Resort and they had a dog sitter you could hire 👍

[@goldenflower5134]

Do they still show the movie “ Somewhere in Time” at the Grand Hotel?

[@patriciaariley5810]

What are the Holidays like there

[@richardtrudeau7363]

Mission Point usedm to be a Oral Roberts University campus.

[@sasharabasca3357]

What's the safest type clothing to pack? Especially for evenings?

[@AdamandMadalyn]

We were there in early Summer and it did cool off significantly in the evenings. I was comfortable in sundresses and shorts, but I would definitely pack a jacket or sweater just in case. Enjoy your trip!

[@sasharabasca3357]

@@AdamandMadalyn thank you for this. 😁

[@Aprilwind69]

Is okay bring dog to visit the Grand hotel?

[@tg_ny]

No mention of the gardens?

[@bksaun]

The island has a small airport with a 3500 ft runway, another way to get there, so be nice your friends who may be pilots.

[@stuartwhite7128]

Thanks, definitely not going there!

[@GaryGarciaWINNER]

Just curious. You are pronouncing it as MACKINAW but ut is spelled MACKINAC... Which is correct? Thanks for all the good info. Considering taking my wife there to explore...

[@AdamandMadalyn]

Mack-in-awe is how is it pronounced

[@a.alonso2457]

You say you took your dog with you, where did you stay because I cannot find pet friendly accommodations ON the island. I do not want to stay in Macinaw City, I have always stayed on the island, only this time a have a small dog !

[@AdamandMadalyn]

Mission Point Resort - www.missionpoint.com/our-resort/frequently-asked-questions Just contact them to make sure that’s still the case and you book a dog friendly room. They even set us up with a dog sitter so we could explore the Grand Hotel and dine inside.

[@a.alonso2457]

Thank you. And your videos are so lovely to watch !

[@tashmoobabe8704]

You don't have to climb those 200 steps to see Arch Rock. It's usually approached from the back and is on the carriage tour. Although eating at the Grand Hotel is reportedly overpriced and overrated, the Grand operates the "tea room" on the terrace at the fort, where the food is decent though a little pricey. The view alone is worth it. Don't stay at the Grand. It's not worth the price. Mission Point is beautiful and a better value, but I have always loved the Windermere Hotel with its grand scale, shabby chic, amazing porch and family ownership. Drinks at Mission Point at night with the breeze coming through the open windows is dreamy until the bats have you diving under the bar! The porch at the Grand never gets old; find a way to hang out there, even if it costs the price of an expensive drink at the Cupola Bar (an adventure in itself) or the admission price. Once you are in, you can explore all the public areas, including an art gallery, the ballroom, and the lovely lobby. It's like a cruise ship. Try to view the sunset from the porch or the Cupola Bar. Riding bikes around the base of the island is kind of a thing to check off the bucket list, but it is long. If you can walk a bike up the steep road next to the Grand, you can try the trails up top through the woods, emerging at Arch Rock and the East Bluff. The West Bluff is super rich and fun to bike through, and the area below it has a boardwalk and beaches perfect for bonfires and sunsets. Yes, you can afford to eat there if every meal isn't a big production. There are delis and burger joints. Planked whitefish at the Village Inn is a tradition and of course not cheap - but not ridiculous. Prepare to be shoved into a crowded and busy dining room. The meal is incredible. Staying on the mainland or just doing a day trip saves money but is kind of disappointing because of the time and hassle of making the ferry at the end of the day. Plan to spend at least one night on the island if you can, to relax without so many limits and logistics. Staying in the off season, particularly the fall, saves on prices and can be lovely while less crowded. Going in May or early June is disappointing because spring is pretty cold up there.

[@scottysblog7317]

Be prepared to spend money. Everything is quite expensive. My recommendation is to pack a picnic.

[@miragexl007]

A voice had a hard time looking At accommodations on island paradise especially for 4. Only stayed twice Of the last 10 or 15 years of going. St ignace is the best place to stay I think. Hotels on the beach, less Congestion. Maybe funner, funner places to see in Magnolia city. Brighter appearing atmosphere

[@AdamandMadalyn]

Good advice!

[@DiscGolfHunter]

What about DISC GOLF!!??

[@rjiggy07]

is there any place I can leave my dog while I'm at my convention/meetings?

[@AdamandMadalyn]

We stayed at the Mission Point resort because they were dog friendly and they had staff/contacts that could dog sit

[@rjiggy07]

@@AdamandMadalyn Thank you! I wonder how common that is among the hotels. I need the week days right before Memorial Day weekend...

[@AdamandMadalyn]

@rjiggy07 I think Memorial Day is the unofficial start of their high season. Dog friendly hotels are not the norm, so I'd make arrangements now.

[@CityofHabs]

I’m there rn

[@AdamandMadalyn]

Cool have fun

[@jimbill9913]

Given your name you should probably visit Madeline Island

[@heatherpaar1980]

Mackinac Island

[@ALMABAZAN-g6t]

Excuse me, where is exactly located?😁

[@AdamandMadalyn]

It's an Island in Northern Michigan

[@ALMABAZAN-g6t]

@@AdamandMadalyn Thanks!

[@Carriesue1982]

There are dog friendly bike rentals btw just fyi to anyone else finding this 😁

[@MikeMunson]

You didn't say anything about the airport

[@AdamandMadalyn]

It’s not the most frequented way to access the island

[@walterwhite1]

I AM FROM CALIFORNIA IS THIS PLACE COOL?

[@patrickwoods2213]

YES! I’ve been there.

[@verabauman3017]

Sorry can’t watch this, the video moves to quickly! I have been to Mackinac Island several times and loved it!

[@AdamandMadalyn]

Sorry Vera

[@kathyharmon2093]

Maybe see an ENT for this problem ( as the video is not fast) best wishes

[@SirRommy]

@@AdamandMadalyn Yeah, I was going to comment on this myself, but I'll just echo this person's comment. I DID enjoy the info but not "every" shot needs to be panning, zooming, moving all the time; a stationary video shot is fine. If you do pan, just a point A to B shot is good, not quickly wandering around like a teenager with their first camera.😜 The eyes tend to get tired after a bit. My family is planning a possible trip (2024 in Aug), so I did enjoy the information. By the way, I at least watched the whole video.

[@gregbrooks4450]

Biggest tourist trap in Michigan

[@patrickwoods2213]

I’ve been there. That’s kind of the point. It’s a touristy place, but also a great place.

[@gregbrooks4450]

@patrickwoods2213 - it's touristy and it sucks

[@patrickwoods2213]

@@gregbrooks4450 Only your opinion. And thankfully, your opinion doesn’t translate into fact.

[@gregbrooks4450]

@patrickwoods2213 - my opinion is fact.

[@patrickwoods2213]

@@gregbrooks4450 “my opinion is fact” That’s a big contradiction in terms. I wouldn’t trust someone like you for advice.

[@richardtrudeau7363]

Bring a Bag of Money with you.

[@chrismurrell1102]

You are saying Mackinaw. Isn’t is Mackinac?

[@AdamandMadalyn]

It's spelled Mackinac but is pronounced Mackinaw

[@djrudog1158]

Rich history 1887 hotel 😂😂😂😂

[@joliettraveler]

Eating at the Grand Hotel is way way overrated. Waste of money.

[@lynnetteperryman-kent9431]

I'm black can my family go to Mackinac! Just keeping it real IJS

[@patrickwoods2213]

Why would that be a problem?

[@roysmemorylane]

Sixteen hundred dollars a night? RU kidding me? I'll stay home.

[@JanineR-up1mr]

Stop moving your camera so fast! Its making me dizzy.

[@katemccarty1420]

Stays in the 70s a big fat lie😂

[@albafernandez5630]

🙏😇🙎‍♀🙏QUIERO UNA CASA A SI PARA RECIBIR A MI FAMILIA Y AMISTADES TENGO DERECHO SOY HIJA DEL DUEÑO🙏😄Y YO FELIZ DE DISFRUTAR CON MI PADRE CELESTIAL JEHOVA DIOS VERDADERO EL QUE ES POR TODA LA ETERNIDAD❤MI CORAZÓN MI VIDA TODO PERTENECE A MI REY MI PADRE MI TODO MI CREADOR Y FORMADOR YA SOY INSTRUIDA POR MI PADRE

[@AdamandMadalyn]

🤷🏻‍♂️

[@indianbill3123]

nope… liberal left tourist trap

[@patrickwoods2213]

What the hell is that supposed to mean? Why are you trying to drag political crap into this? Denizens like you, are some of the most annoying people.

[@jerryfazi2091]

The narrator of this video sounds like a nervous high school girl, reading from a script, and she has no expression, nor gives anyone cause to listen the entire thing. Sorry.....

[@AdamandMadalyn]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@jerryfazi2091]

I guess my former experience as a high school speech teacher caused me to comment. The information Madalyn gave was interesting, but one long string of narration with no real pauses was noticeable to me. I am a former Michigander and very familiar with the island, and you covered that well.

[@joavkof]

If you love cheesy touristy things to do. Go to this island. You couldn’t pay me to go there again

[@AdamandMadalyn]

Sure there are some touristy things but a lot of fun to be had. Why watch this video then? 🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏼‍♀️

[@r.mariano8118]

Do you think it’s fun to just bike around it?

[@alisonflaxman1566]

Good stay away if you hate beautiful scenery and historical buildings.

[@patrickwoods2213]

What the hell is your problem?

[@noproblempool6696]

You don't understand that your estimate for a nightly stay at Grand Hotel is underestimated. Try more like $800-$3500+

[@AdamandMadalyn]

Depends on the time of year you go and the room you book but I literally just checked their website and it is $299 a night.