The 9 Best Things to do Good for Big Groups in Mackinac Island, Michigan (MI)

Kayak and stand up paddle board rentals with 2 locations: one on Mackinac Island, MI and one in Mackinaw City, MI. For beginners we offer basic instruction and guided tours in the calm waters of the marina, and for our more experienced paddlers, we lead tours to Arch Rock, Devil's Kitchen, the Mackinac Bridge, Round Island, and Bois Blanc Island, on the Straits of Mackinac in Lake Huron. Our summer tours are popular, and they book up fast, so reserve on our website now to secure your time!

Enjoy 90 minutes of panoramic views aboard the Isle Royale Queen III, an 81' well-appointed vessel with multiple viewing areas, heated cabins, restrooms and a full service cash bar. Enjoy a beautiful evening cruise and view the sunset under the Mighty Mackinac Bridge. Ply the pristine waters of both big lakes, Huron and Michigan on this spectacular cruise. Take advantage of amazing photo opportunities as you skirt the shoreline of Mackinac Island and view the elegant Victorian and turn of the century homes. Enjoy Live Entertainment by a line-up of talented musicians and singer/songwriters. The Porthole Bar is stocked with your beverage of choice along with a few specialty cocktails that will add to your fun! This cruise will leave you talking about your unique adventure on Mackinac Island and longing to return. Whether you are by yourself, on a date or in a group you will have a memorable experience on a Sip n' Sail cruise with our friendly crew!

Step into this blacksmith shop and forge your own knife! Chad Osborne, two-time Forged in Fire competitor will guide you through the process. There are 4 sizes of knives to choose and the price ranges from $25-100 depending on the knife you forge. All knives come with a sheath. This activity is perfect for visitors that would like to Forge a Memory while visiting Mackinac Island.

Iconic. The cannon blasts, the rifles fire, the soldiers march and history comes alive. The oldest building in Michigan and 13 other historical structures boast exhibits explaining everything from military training and battles to medical treatments to family life within the fort. More than just a military outpost, Fort Mackinac served as a home for soldiers and their families and eventually the headquarters for Mackinac National Park, where tourists to the island visited the great fortress on the bluff, much like they do today. This is Mackinac.

Narrated tours of this island that doesn't allow cars.

Natural rock bridge soaring 149 feet above the Straits of Mackinac appears to be suspended in midair.

Michigan's first state park. This is Mackinac Island State Park, a landscape characterized by high limestone bluffs, beautiful vistas of sparkling water, vibrant forests, and mystical geological formations. With automobiles banned since 1898, here exists a quieter way of life away from interstate noise of cities. Over 80 percent of Mackinac Island is within Mackinac Island State Park—free of charge and open year round—where you’ll discover the true natural gems of Mackinac. Whether visiting this island parkland by foot, bike, horseback, or carriage, these many majestic geological wonders and unique historical monuments are visual treasures found only here—on the island sacred to the Ojibwa and Odawa Great Lakes Indian tribes. According to them, this is where life began. You’re invited to discover why. This is Mackinac.

Arnold Mackinac Island Ferry offers the best ferry prices in town! Enjoy the breathtaking view of the Straits of Mackinac, the Mackinac Bridge, Round Island Lighthouse, Mackinac Island & the shoreline of Michigan's great peninsulas aboard a classic ferry. A 30-minute cruise from St. Ignace or a 40-minute cruise from Mackinaw City is just the right amount of time to enjoy panoramic views from covered, wide-open decks. Travel comfortably aboard the only ferries with on-board restrooms, handicapped-friendly indoor seating & the largest USCG certified passenger capacities. All guests receive complimentary day & overnight parking, luggage handling & hotel/campground shuttle service. Additional parking services, directions, departure times, Sip n' Sail cruises & staying overnight tips are listed on our website. Your next adventure begins on Arnold, Mackinac Island's most historic ferry line, transporting visitors, explorers & adventurers since 1878.