Mackinac Island, MI, is one of my favorite places. It’s so breathtaking every season; no matter how many times we visit or how long our visits last, we never get enough. It’s my most extensive photography gallery and one of the places I’ve written about the most because over the decade my husband and I have been together, we’ve stayed at Grand Hotel more than 25 times and visited the island even more than that. That’s why I want to share the perfect week we recently spent on the island with you so that you’ll have the ultimate itinerary and know exactly how to spend a week on Mackinac Island, MI.
This itinerary assumes you’ll be staying at Grand Hotel, BUT you can modify the GH guest bits if you stay elsewhere. The rest applies to anyone, PLUS non-Grand Hotel guests can enjoy many of the resort’s amenities for an additional fee. Also, remember that there are no cars on Mackinac Island, nor are e-bikes or other motorized vehicles permitted. Bring your own bike or rent one to get around, or use horse-drawn carriages if you have lots of luggage.
All photos are my own. Images with a watermark are simply from a time when I used to watermark all of my imagery.
Day 1 [Arrival]
Ferry to the Island from Mackinac City or St. Ignace in the Upper Peninsula
Take a Shepler ferry boat to the island early in the morning to enjoy a Mighty Mac Tour. These tour times are indicated on their website in blue-green and take guests beneath the Mackinac Bridge for unique views. Getting to the island takes a little longer, but the incredible views are well worth it!
Taxi or Walk to Grand Hotel
Taxis must be scheduled at least an hour in advance. A horse-drawn carriage will meet you at the docks to bring you and your things to the hotel. Walking is also great fun if you’re able and the weather is nice. If this is your first visit, this is a great way to get acquainted with the island.
Check-In
Check-in begins at 4:00 pm, but sometimes we can check in a bit earlier. If not, Grand Hotel will hold your luggage for you and deliver it to your room once it becomes available, then call you to let you know all is ready. Whether or not your room is ready now doesn’t matter because next, we’re grabbing lunch! You didn’t think I’d guide you to Mackinac Island, one of America’s most exquisite places, to hang out inside a pretty hotel room, did you? There will be plenty of time for that later, so pack your sunscreen, a hat, water, and some walking shoes and let’s go! If you brought a bike, bring that too if you’d like!
Lunch at Gate House
This is one of my favorite places to eat on the island. It’s just down the hill from Grand Hotel, right beside the newly-opened Mackinac Island Pizza Company. My favorite thing on their menu is their nachos (made vegetarian) because it’s delicious, a great shareable size, and always so flavorful. They have other things like warm crab dip, burgers, poke bowls, salads, and plenty of other great food. I’ve never had a bad meal here. Explore their menu here.
Walk Main Street
Walking down Main Street Mackinac Island, where fudge shops, souvenir shops, and beautiful views abound, is a quintessential part of the Mackinac Island experience. Sure, it smells a bit like horses, particularly in the summer heat, but the island’s employees regularly clean, and I promise by the end of the day, you won’t even notice. Did you know all that horse manure the street cleaners collect is used in the island’s sustainable composting operation? It’s part of why the island is so colorful and full of bright, gorgeous flowers! So, enjoy knowing that you’re visiting one of the world’s most eco-friendly islands where you won’t have to breathe in car exhaust or worry about finding parking!
Some of my favorite shops on Main Street are Decked Out, Little Luxuries of Mackinac Island, Nephew’s, Pointe of View Art Gallery, and Doud’s Market. Doud’s is the United States’ oldest grocery store and is a great place to grab snacks, water, pre-made foods, or whatever else you might need for a picnic on the island. They even sell kombucha, and as a pescatarian with a gluten allergy, I’ve found plenty of great things to eat here!
As you pass Doud’s, you’ll find yourself in Fort Mackinac Park. You’ll see the unmissable fort up on the hill. Enjoy watching the clouds above or sailboats in the marina across the street, or head up to the fort for our first adventure!
Explore Fort Mackinac
Visiting the island without learning about Fort Mackinac and its 243-year history is unconscionable. The oldest building in Michigan, Fort Mackinac, has changed hands from the United States, French, British and Native American ownership. Learning about the fort’s importance to the island’s religious, political, military, and economic history will help visitors understand why it exists as it does today. Tours happen every twenty minutes, and guests of Grand Hotel get discounted admission to the fort. Check to see if your hotel offers the same discount.
When exploring the island and learning about its history, remember that the island’s original occupants, the Anishinaabek people (Odawa, Ojibway, and Potawatomi), still have a deep connection to the island. It’s been a sacred place for them for centuries. Always respect this fact and remember that learning about history prevents us from repeating it.
Walk or Dinner
If you’ve arrived early on the island, dinner may still be too early. Now is a great time to take a lap around the island on a bike or walk around the island to explore different vantage points until you work up an appetite. There are plenty of hiking routes you can explore here.
Dinner in Main Dining Room
Guests of Grand Hotel can enjoy dinner as part of their stay every evening inside the main dining room or Jockey Club. I love to dive in and see what new and exciting dishes the chefs cook for us in the main dining room on my first evening. Remember the resort’s dress code, and bring your dining card to gain entrance. Dinner includes an appetizer, soup, salad, main course, dessert, and a selection of non-alcoholic drinks. Plan for the meal to take 1.5 – 2 hours.
Guests of other hotels may also dine for an additional fee.
Enjoy Sunset on the World’s Longest Porch
Grand Hotel has the world’s longest porch at 660 feet, and it’s the perfect place to watch the sunset over the Straits of Mackinac. For several hours after dinner, the porch’s Geranium Bar is open, serving cocktails and mocktails, so grab a drink if you like, pick a rocking chair, and enjoy the show!
(Nightly Activity)
Demitasse in the Parlor
Small cups of coffee are available in the parlor in the evenings, where guests can listen to live music, usually harp music or other classical instruments. It’s a great opportunity to relax, unwind, reflect on the day, and look forward to tomorrow with friends and family.
(Nightly Activity)
Dancing in the Terrace Room
Dance the night away to live music in the Terrace Room on the ground floor of Grand Hotel. This is something we do at least once per visit! It’s excellent exercise and practicing our dance moves is always a good idea! This is such a fun way to end the day and kick off the first great day on Mackinac Island!
(Nightly Activity)
Day 2
Breakfast in Main Dining Room
Both breakfast and dinner are included for guests of Grand Hotel. Of course, you can eat anywhere, but the selection of the breakfast buffet and the menu (you can order from either or both!) means there’s always something new and delicious to eat just steps from your room! Did you know the food Grand Hotel uses is either locally grown on the island or in Northern Michigan, or it’s flown in daily from Detroit’s markets?
Bike the Island
Mackinac Island is the ultimate biking destination. The entire loop around the island is 8.2 miles, which goes quickly on a bike. Either bring your own bike or rent one from Grand Hotel’s Woodlands Activity Center or downtown on Main Street from Mackinac Island Bike Shop. Head in either direction and follow the road out, and you’ll end up where you started. Grab a map from your bike rental shop, hotel concierge, or Mackinac Island Visitor Center to explore paths and trails off the beaten path! The views are unmatched, and I promise it’s well worth the effort!
Did you know? Mackinac Island’s M-185 highway, the road that circles the island, is the United States’ only highway that doesn’t allow cars or motor vehicles.
Lunch at Mackinac Island Pizza Company or Fort Mackinac Tea Room
Great food, great views. What’s not to love? If you have a gluten allergy like I do, skip the pizza and head to the fort’s restaurant. They have yet to offer a gluten-free option, but Fort Mackinac Tea Room has plenty of options for those with food allergies. Check their menus ahead of time.
Bike or Hike
You didn’t think you’d see the entire island in one day, did you? Grab a map, plan your route, and roll out!
Dinner in Main Dining Room
The menu changes frequently so that you won’t get bored! Just remember the dress code and leave yourself time to freshen up before dinner.
Stargazing (Weather Permitting)
Mackinac City is one of the world’s only internationally recognized dark sky parks. There’s minimal light pollution on Mackinac Island, so on clear nights, it’s one of the best places in the world to see constellations and watch shooting stars. Whenever it’s a clear night, and we’re on the island, we drop everything and stargaze. It’s truly unbelievable! Bring a blanket or towel, a flashlight if you need one to find the perfect spot and warm clothes. The last time we were on the island in June 2023, we counted more than fifty shooting stars streaking across the sky before we stopped counting!
Day 3
Breakfast in Main Dining Room
Make sure to get plenty of protein today. It’ll be another fun-packed day!
Morning Workout
Head to the resort’s gym and get your sweat on! Be sure to stretch before and after, and check out my favorite free 10-minute ab workout here.
Morning Swim in Esther Williams Swimming Pool
Shower off and swim in Grand Hotel’s Esther Williams Swimming Pool (registered guests only). Everyone else can swim at the beach, weather permitting.
Play Garden Games in Grand Hotel’s Garden
After swimming, I love playing garden games beside the pool deck, like croquet. It’s an excellent way to spend time with loved ones while admiring the flowers!
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea is such a lovely tradition. You can read all about it here, and expect an updated post about this soon! This is something else non-hotel guests can do as well. They even have a gluten-free option, shown below on the left!
Shopping in Town
Explore the island’s wonderful shops and do some souvenir shopping. This is also a great time to pick up postcards and send them via Mackinac Island’s darling little post office. Don’t forget to send yourself one too!
Taxi Transport or Walk to Woods Restaurant
Schedule this at least a day in advance. Meet outside Grand Hotel for pick-up 15 minutes before departure and enjoy the ride along the water and through the woods. You can also walk if you’d like, assuming you have the correct footwear. Plan about 35 minutes to walk there if you so desire.
Dinner at Woods
Woods is a Bavarian-style restaurant with a charmingly rustic cabin theme. Enjoy live music, fine dining, and a beautiful journey through the culinary world here. Expect the meal to take around two hours.
Day 4
Breakfast in Main Dining Room
Putt-Putt Golf at “The Gem” Woodlands Activity Center
This is the prettiest putt-putt golf course I’ve ever played. It’s set back into the forest and perfect for all skill levels.
Coffee from Lucky Bean Coffee House
Please don’t give Starbucks your $$$. Support a locally-owned coffee shop instead! The couple who owns this place is so sweet and kind, and they will notice if you enter the door. If you visit more than once and introduce yourself the way we did, they’re likely to remember your name, whereas, at Starbucks, you’re just another number on a spreadsheet!) in addition to coffee, they also have smoothies, tea, and endless variations of hot or cold coffee!
Visit the Butterfly House
The Butterfly House is a great way to learn more about nature and admire beautiful butterflies while learning about their roles and habitats.
Lunch at The Pink Pony
This iconic restaurant downtown has lots of great food and lake views.
Bike or Hike the Island
Explore more of the island!
Dinner at Jockey Club
Across the road from Grand Hotel, Jockey Club’s emblematic red gates sit alongside The Jewel golf course. I have always loved eating here because the food is consistently good, the staff are always so funny and entertaining, and the views are beautiful. Guests of Grand Hotel may receive dining discounts here depending on their meal plan, so ask when making your reservation.
Watch Sunset Along the Water
Walk down to the water, find a comfortable spot, and watch the sunset over the Straits of Mackinac. This is a great time to practice photography, painting, writing, read your favorite novel, or decompress and enjoy the view.
Day 5
Golf at The Jewel Golf Course
The Jewel is one of my favorite golf courses I’ve ever played. I’m not a good golfer, but every visit is an opportunity to improve, and the views are unmatched! How often do you get to golf on one of the world’s most beautiful islands?
Breakfast in Main Dining Room
Tennis at Grand Hotel’s Tennis Courts
Grand Hotel has private tennis courts, or there are some inside Mackinac Island State Park. Both are fun to play, but I recommend the courts in the forest if it’s hot out because they’re shadier and cooler!
Massage at Lakeside Spa & Salon
This is the best place to get a great massage on the island. Located inside Mission Point Resort, this is one of the best massages I’ve had anywhere in Michigan. Pamper yourself – you’re on vacation! Read my full review here.
Dinner in Main Dining Room or Chianti (Inside Mission Point Resort)
Sunset Sip N’ Sail Cruise
90-minute cruise at sunset takes guests out onto the lake to admire the island from a new vantage point and see the Mackinac Bridge at sunset. I don’t drink alcohol, but those who do can enjoy live entertainment and a cash bar. This is great for photographers, anyone who loves sailing, and anyone looking for a new adventure. Find the details and reserve your spot here.
Day 6
Breakfast in Bed (Room Service)
You can go ahead and order this the day before. Fill out the in-room dining form and leave it on your door. The directions are on the form.
Hike Island, Bike, or Take a Taxi Tour
Explore Arch Rock, Skull Cave, and Sugarloaf Rock, and visit Fort Holmes (the tallest point on the island) and Grand Hotel stables. Check off all the other great destinations on the island on your itinerary. Today will be another very active day, so keep yourself hydrated and remember to stretch!
Lunch at Carriage House Restaurant at Hotel Iroqoius
Kayak Tour
This is such a fun thing to do. No matter your experience level with kayaks, they can help. See the island from a new perspective and try something new if you’ve never kayaked.
Dinner at Seabiscuit Café or Bistro on the Greens
This restaurant is a great place for a fun night. The food is excellent!
Stargazing, Night Hiking, or Reading on the Porch
If the weather is nice and clear out, get out and see the island at night! It’s very safe, and there are plenty of well-lit paths. Did you know there are no natural predators on Mackinac Island?
Day 7 [Departure]
It may be your last day on the island, but don’t despair! You’ve seen and done so much, and though there’s still so much to see and do, you can begin planning your next visit before you leave if you note what you’d like to do next time.
Breakfast in Main Dining Room
Swim or Walk the Beach
Pack Up and Check Out
Remember to check drawers, closets, and under the bed! Grand Hotel will keep your luggage safe (and accessible to you should you need it with a luggage claim ticket) during your remaining time on the island. Let them know which ferry you’re taking back, and they’ll ensure it’s there waiting for you in the green and white Grand Hotel tent on the mainland.
Picnic in Grand Hotel Garden or Fort Mackinac Park
I always have at least one picnic on Mackinac Island. It’s a lovely way to enjoy the great outdoors. Doud’s Market is a good place to stock up, as is Grand Provisions inside Grand Hotel or Mission Point Resort’s café and mini-grocery.
Hit Up Something New
Before you leave the island, try something new! If you want to try a new activity, hike to a new spot, eat something new, or go on a new tour, now’s your chance.
Ferry Back to Main Land
Take the ferry back to the mainland and enjoy the splendor of Mackinac Island as it races away behind you, waiting for you to return and explore more of it.
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