Jordan & Hunter
Things To Do
Bike the Island
There are no cars on Mackinac Island, so the best way to get around is by bike. M-185 is the paved path around the entire island. It is an 8.2 mile loop with stunning views of the Straits of Mackinac and Mackinac Bridge. Halfway into the loop, you will reach British Landing where you can stop for snacks or ice cream. Bike rentals are available at Mission Point Resort and downtown Mackinac.
Arch Rock
The most famous rock formation on Mackinac Island and some of the best views, 146 feet above the Lake Huron shoreline. It can be reached by foot, bike, taxi or carriage tour and is located approximately 1 mile from Mission Point Resort. If you are accessing Arch Rock via M-185 bike path, there are 207 stairs that lead up to the formation.
Horseback Riding
Both Jack's Livery Stable and Cindy's Riding Stable offer guided and unguided trail horseback riding. There are 70+ miles of riding trails through Mackinac Island State Park. Reservations are not accepted by phone and are run primarily on a first-come-first-serve basis, but same-day in-person reservations are accepted. If you have prior experience with driving horses and would like to rent and drive your own horse and buggy, rentals can be made through Jack's Livery Stable. Reservations are not necessary, but can be made 1 day in advance.
Golf
There are two golf courses located on Mackinac Island, The Jewel and Wawashkamo Golf Club. The Jewel is broken up into the Grand nine, located directly across from the Grand Hotel with views of Lake Huron and Round Island, and the Woods nine, on the interior island with views of the Mackinac Bridge and Upper Peninsula. A horse-drawn carriage transports you and your clubs a mile and a half from the Grand nine to the Woods nine. A tee time can be booked by calling the pro shop at 906-847-9218. Wawashkamo is the oldest continuously played golf course in Michigan. It is located on the grounds of the 1814 Battle of Mackinac Island, which is in the interior of the island. It is a short 18-hole links course. A tee time can be booked by calling 906-847-3871 and transportation to the course can be set up by your hotel.
Kayak or Paddle Board
Mission Point Resort partners with Great Turtle Kayak Tours which offers single kayak, tandem kayak, and stand up paddle board guided tours. There are multiple different tour options, some of which include a sunset and sunrise tour. Reservations can be made online in advance and may fill up quickly.
Tour Fort Mackinac
Fort Mackinac was founded during the American Revolution. It features the oldest building in Michigan and other historical exhibits that explain military training, battles, medical treatment, and family life in the fort. Different events take place daily, including firing of the canon and reenactments. Fort Mackinac is located right next to downtown Mackinac Island and tickets are required for entry. Tickets may be purchased in advance online (for a slight discount) or in person.
Explore Fort Holmes
Fort Holmes sits at the highest elevation point on Mackinac Island and represents the reconstruction of an early 19th-century wood and earthen fort. From here you can see magnificent views of the Straits of Mackinac. Fort Holmes is free to visit and located in the interior of the island, best reached by bike.
Shop Downtown
There are no chain restaurants, hotel franchises, or department stores on the island. Shopping consists of boutiques, unique gift shops, and art galleries. You can also find Mackinac Island's famous fudge shops downtown.
Grand Hotel
The Grand Hotel has been welcoming guests since 1887 and has been named the best historic hotel by USA Today. It features the world's longest porch, filled with rocking chairs and views of the Straits of Mackinac and Mackinac Bridge. To enter the hotel and explore the grounds, there is an admission fee. Explore the Grand Hotel's brand new pool deck, beautiful gardens & lawn, have a drink on the porch, grab some afternoon tea, or head up to the Cupola Bar at the very top of the hotel for panoramic views.
Carriage Tours
If you don't feel like exploring the island by foot or bike, then check out Mackinac Island Carriage Tours. The tour is narrated and approximately 1 hour & 45 minutes long. It consists of stops at Surrey Hills Carriage Museum, Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory, Arch Rock, Fort Mackinac Avenue of Flags (does not go inside of the fort), and the Grand Hotel. The ticket office is located downtown Mackinac Island on Main Street. Tickets are not sold in advance.
Woods Restaurant
Take a scenic taxi carriage ride into the wooded interior of Mackinac Island for dinner at a Tudor mansion with Bavarian charm. Before or after your meal, enjoy a drink, some freshly popped popcorn, and test your skill on America's oldest operating duckpin bowling alley. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling 906-847-3699. Let Mission Point know of your dinner reservation and they will arrange a taxi to take you.