Location: Mackinaw City
Top Things to do in Mackinaw City
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10 Things to do in Mackinaw City That You Shouldn't Miss
Mackinaw City, at the northern tip of the Michigan mitten, sits at one end of the Mackinac Bridge to Michigan's Upper Peninsula, as well as seriving as the docking place for ferries to Mackinac Island, a National Historic Landmark and State Park. Just a short boat ride from the mainland, Mackinac Island is a journey back in time, home to "Historic Downtown," a recreation of village life in 18th-century Michigan, and Fort Mackinac, first occuppied by the British during the Revolutionary War.
Restaurants in Mackinaw City
1. Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 353 reviews
Have an Adventure. Witness the power of the creek harnessed to cut timber into lumber at one of the oldest industrial sites on the Upper Great Lakes. On the Adventure Tour, explore the treetops on the Forest Canopy Bridge, soar like an eagle on the 425′ Eagle’s Flight Zip Line, and experience the layers of the forest on the five-story Treetop Discovery Tower. Afterward, take time to explore the natural beauty of Mill Creek State Park, which has more than three miles of groomed hiking trails. This is Mackinac.
Reviewed By chrislJ8174RS
We had a fantastic time at Mill Creek. The living history demonstrations at the mill were great, as was the nature hike in the woods. Our family loved the zip line, rock wall, and adventure bridge.... perfect, and low-key after a day on our beloved (but busy!) Mackinac Island. Don't forget Fort Michilimackinac while you're up here, too! The pass for all 3 places did save us money....
2. Colonial Michilimackinac
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 907 reviews
Michilimackinac 1778: Rumors of War. Treasures from the past come to life at this 18th-century fort and fur trading village, reconstructed based on historic maps and more than 60 years of archaeological excavations. As you walk through the site, you are stepping back in time to 1778, when rumors of war and peace swirled around Michilimackinac. Here, you will see and hear how soldiers, civilians, and Native people responded to threats real and imagined as they attempted to maintain their livelihood, the fur trade. Historical interpreters representing voyageurs, British soldiers, and French-Canadian merchant families are stationed throughout the fort to answer your questions and perform demonstrations.
3. Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum Inc.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 337 reviews
Reviewed By Steve5863 - Avon, United States
The self-guided tour of this massive vessel, complete with abundant signage and a number of videos explaining its operation and life onboard, is surprisingly interesting and well worth an hour or so of one’s time. While the engine room and bridge were certainly tour highlights, the best part was the opportunity to talk to a couple of volunteers along the way that actually served on board and to learn of their personal experiences. One note of caution, those with mobility issues are likely to find moving about the ship along the tour route difficult if not impossible.
4. Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 666 reviews
Made to be Seen. A point in the storm and a guiding beacon since 1889, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse helped passing ships navigate through the treacherous waters of the Straits of Mackinac. There's just as much to see from the top of the tower as inside the original buildings. Authentically restored quarters and exhibits, including the original lens and the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Museum, this "Castle of the Straits" is a true gem of the Great Lakes. This is Mackinac.
Reviewed By 357donalde - Helena, United States
This place was in a waterfront park, on a bike trail, and we took the tour. There were guides and a film, and a lot of info about the life of the lighthouse
5. Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,583 reviews
Reviewed By BackRoadsUSA
Solid Operation. Parking attendants kindly pointed out the Free parking lot available behind the brewery which offered safe, ample sized spaces for your car. Bathrooms available near the ticket office though staff unable to keep them clean on a busy Sunday, Ticket agent was short- did not offer us a brochure or map just quickly sold us tickets- never explained how to return or what times-- we were first time visitors. The boarding process was simple- masks were required and there was plenty of space on top to spread out. No one explained safety procedures though. We did take the ferry over that went under the bridge- stunning and staff did warn people on the upper decks they would get wet!
6. Shepler's Lighthouse Cruises
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 115 reviews
Sail the Straits of Mackinac! Sixteen historic lighthouses lie within easy cruising distance of Mackinaw City. Travel in comfort and safety on Shepler's spacious vessels during these fascinating tours. For close to three centuries, the Straits of Mackinac has been a vital nautical thoroughfare, providing passage between Lakes Huron and Michigan. But traveling its famed blue waters has not come without risk. Over the many decades, lighthouses were built to protect mariners from dangerous shoals and reefs. Each has a story to tell. Shepler's exclusive Lighthouse Cruises are voyages of discovery. Guests are treated to awe-inspiring views and the fascinating history surrounding these Great Lakes guardians.
Reviewed By Joefarmer17 - Bremen, United States
Sheplers eastern lighthouse cruise is one of the best attractions I have ever done in many years of visiting the straits of Mackinac. If you like history and taking a 3 hour ride on a fast ferry boat then this the event for you. They take you under the mackinac bridge and then out into Lake Huron to see many of the historic lighthouses in the area. The guide tells you all the history behind the lighthouse as well as many interesting historical facts of things and events that have taken place in the straits area over the years. This was a great experience for my wife and I. Cant wait to come back and take the western cruise the next time we visit Mackinaw City.
7. Mackinaw Bridge Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 195 reviews
Reviewed By Wicked2014 - Quincy, United States
Loved seeing all the interesting artifacts and newspaper articles on the construction of the bridge. They have a small theater where you can watch a video on how the idea for the bridge was born and the construction, This is a very informative place to pop in and learn a little bit about Michigan's past and it's all free, I would highly recommend taking the time to stop in.
8. McGulpin Point Lighthouse & Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 578 reviews
Emmet County owns the historic McGulpin Point Lighthouse, which protected shipping on the Straits of Mackinac against storms, fog and rocks between 1869 and 1906. It was purchased by the county in 2008, which reopened McGulpin to the public with a gala celebration on May 30, 2009. The site is approximately 10 acres and is a half mile north of the Headlands. It includes 336 feet of shoreline on the Straits with a commanding view of the Mackinac Bridge. Trail to the Straits includes new interpretive signage coming in Summer 2015! Beautifully maintained grounds and interior. There is always something new at McGulpin Point!
Reviewed By watweed
We had 6 women in our group trip to Mackinac. We arrived about 40 minutes prior to the lighthouse opening on Monday morning, before heading home afterwards. While we waited, we walked down to the lake and skipped stones, walked out into the chilly water, and read the history blocks around the lighthouse grounds. The young lady working in the lighthouse that morning was terrific. She was knowledgeable about the lighthouse, it's history, and graciously warned us of the couple "caution" areas during our self-guided tour of the lighthouse. The McGulpin Family history is so interesting. The view from atop the lighthouse is just breathtaking. We were all glad that we took the time to wait until it opened, and didn't just leave! Please visit this lighthouse. You won't be disappointed :)
9. Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,879 reviews
Shepler's offers 5 different Lighthouse Cruises through the Straits of Mackinac and Great lakes, each narrated by the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association. A portion of the proceeds from each cruise go to help with upkeep and restoration of these "Guardians of the Great Lakes". Complete cruise schedule and tickets available at sheplersferry.com.
Reviewed By MichaelK218 - Salt Lake City, United States
Shepler's has a terrific partnership with Grand Hotel to make your arrival on Mackinac Island and the Grand as seamless and painless as possible. They unload your luggage for you, and after you have checked into your room, your luggage is in your room. The reverse works as well. You put your luggage outside your room and it shows up in a shed on Shepler's property specifically for Grand Hotel. Parking is expensive at their premium site, but only $5 per day at their off site, where they provide excellent free shuttle service. The boat is fast and comfortable.
10. Headlands International Dark Sky Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 304 reviews
Reviewed By 7traveler777 - Chicago, United States
I had always wanted to go to a dark park and was thrilled when I saw there was one outside of Petoskey. It’s a lovely place to s t a r g a z e, but if you’re looking to see the northern lights I was told by the attendant that no one has ever seen them in this location even though the park is listed as a location to see aurora borealis. The park attendant advised our party that if we wanted to see the northern lights we should go 300 miles north into Canada for perfect viewing.
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