What to do and see in Mackinac County, Upper Peninsula: The Best Things to do

March 11, 2022 Lean Nau

Discover the best top things to do in Mackinac County, United States including Mackinac Bridge, Museum of Ojibwa Culture, Arch Rock, The Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House & Insect World, Mackinac Island State Park, Bridge View Park, Castle Rock, Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry, Is It You Spot From Somewhere in Time Movie!, St Anne's Catholic Church.
Restaurants in Mackinac County

1. Mackinac Bridge

I-75, Saint Ignace, MI 49781 +1 906-643-7600 http://www.mackinacbridge.org/
Excellent
82%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,350 reviews

Mackinac Bridge

Linking Michigan's two peninsulas, this mighty bridge has a total length of five miles.

Reviewed By GoAlong2 - Seattle, United States

We went over the bridge once in the evening and then in the afternoon a few days later. The bridge towers high above the straits separating Lake Michigan from Lake Huron, and is several miles long. There are viewpoints along the shoreline at either end of the bridge. We stopped at on on the St Ignace side at a gift shop with a viewing platform. The speed limit on the bridge is 25 mph, so there is plenty of time to enjoy the view while driving over. The toll is $4 each way for a passenger car. There are two lanes in each direction with the center lanes made of steel grating which makes a humming sound as you drive. The outer lanes are paved. At night the bridge is lit with lights, for a good evening view. With its tall support towers and long suspension span (longest in North America) the bridge is an engineering marvel that connects the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan.

2. Museum of Ojibwa Culture

500 N State St, Saint Ignace, MI 49781-1429 +1 906-643-9161 [email protected] http://museumofOjibwaculture.net
Excellent
67%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 336 reviews

Museum of Ojibwa Culture

We are OPEN for the season. At this National Historic Landmark, visitors can learn about 17th century St. Ignace: the Ojibwa who formed the population, the Huron refugees and the French who established the area as the center of fur trade. Check out our award winning Clan Park, the fun kids area, our authentic Native store along with the beautiful new Sculpture Park and our Longhouse on our grounds. Also visit Father Marquette's burial site in our Marquette Mission Park. Admission is by donation. Must be seen to be believed! Amazing! Bus tours welcome..please call ahead.

Reviewed By bigspaniel - Arlington, United States

Pleasantly surprised by this small but rich museum which tells the interesting story of the Ojibwa people who live in Michigan. Very good introductory video and several interesting displays and artifacts. Don't miss the outdoor displays, which include a traditional long house. Well worth stopping for. Easy parking around the museum.

3. Arch Rock

Mackinac Island, MI
Excellent
69%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,662 reviews

Arch Rock

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

Reviewed By S60WIannal

We reached the arch rock at first by horse carriage tour and then returned to visit this beautiful site by bike and kayaking. You have to climbed up some stairs to reach it and take turns to do photos but it's worth it.

4. The Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House & Insect World

6750 McGulphin St, Mackinac Island, MI 49757-5159 +1 906-847-3972 [email protected] http://www.originalbutterflyhouse.com/
Excellent
59%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 673 reviews

The Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House & Insect World

The Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House is the 1st of its kind in Michigan, and the 3rd oldest LIVE butterfly exhibit in the United States. The world-renowned facility has 1800 sq ft of tropical garden filled with hundreds of live butterflies from four continents. After a relaxing visit with the butterflies, take some time to check out Insect World, where you will be amazed at the size of the insects that live in the tropical regions of the world. On display are 14″ walking sticks and 6″ centipedes, along with giant beetles and spiders. The current record setter for the world’s “heaviest bug” is also found here. Regular Season Hours: 10 am – 7 pm Prior to Memorial Day, After Labor Day: 10 am – 6 pm *Last admittance is 30 min prior to close

Reviewed By SherryG511 - Ann Arbor, United States

The butterfly house is always a fun activity for all ages. We never tire of visiting and seeing all of the beautiful butterflies.

5. Mackinac Island State Park

Mackinac Island, MI 49757-5155 +1 231-436-4100 [email protected] http://www.mackinacparks.com
Excellent
78%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,917 reviews

Mackinac Island State Park

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.

Reviewed By danjfrank25 - Chicago, United States

Such a beautiful place to spend a couple days. Weather riding the 8.5 miles on a bike around the perimeter of the island or taking a carriage ride up to Fort Holmes (highly recommend Sam if you can get him), It’s very easy to relax and have a good time here

6. Bridge View Park

Boulevard Drive, Saint Ignace, MI 49781 +1 906-643-6800 http://www.michigan.org/property/bridgeview-park
Excellent
74%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 499 reviews

Bridge View Park

Reviewed By RICART75 - Peru, United States

We stopped here twice; once ourselves, and once as part of the Mackinac City Trolley tour. When we came ourselves; we preceded our visit by purchasing some smoked whitefish from Manley's, and a burger, fries & malt from Clyde's drive-in. We then proceeded to have a delightful picnic at the Park; enjoying the views and feeding the seagulls (they seemed to enjoy the fish skin, as much as we did the meat). This Park is nicely designed; with excellent views, ample parking, clean restrooms and an enclosed structure if the outside weather is less inviting (as it was the day of our trolley tour). This Park is a great asset for the area's inhabitants and visitors.

7. Castle Rock

2811 Mackinac Trl, Saint Ignace, MI 49781-9755 +1 906-643-8268 http://www.castlerockmi.com
Excellent
49%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 618 reviews

Castle Rock

Reviewed By 531maryc531 - West Salem, United States

A fun and relatively easy climb for some great views, as well as a fun photo of with Paul Bunyan. Cute gift shop as well.

8. Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry

7271 Main Street, Mackinac Island, MI 49757 +1 800-638-9892 [email protected] http://www.MackinacFerry.com
Excellent
61%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,460 reviews

Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry

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.

Reviewed By bookoutb - Niles, United States

If you want a smooth ride and great service to Mackinac Island, take Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry.

9. Is It You Spot From Somewhere in Time Movie!

Lakeshore Drive, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Excellent
66%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 207 reviews

Is It You Spot From Somewhere in Time Movie!

Reviewed By KENNETHK301

This Great Hotel is 133 years old. It has been renovated over the decades and exudes the charm of Old South in spite of the fact that it is in the North! As promised, the front porch is unbelievably long, lined with dozens of rocking chairs. Live music is played each evening with a harpist in the lobby area, a dance band in a room made for dancing, and live music in the dining room. Food is plentiful -- from the buffet or the menu. Each guest room is uniquely decorated. Only "stuffy" part of staying there is that men must wear a coat and tie after 6:30 pm in the dining room and elsewhere, and that the dining room wait staff has very little diversity (reminds one of relegating low-paying positions to minorities). Magnificent views of lawns and flowers all around.

10. St Anne's Catholic Church

6836 Huron Rd, Mackinac Island, MI 49757-5155 +1 906-847-3507 http://www.steanneschurch.org
Excellent
70%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 386 reviews

St Anne's Catholic Church

Reviewed By jmpfamily - Michigan, United States

Be sure and attend mass if you are Catholic (or not!) at this church. It is beautiful, as is the location.

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