Things To Do
Grand Hotel
A trip to Mackinac Island is not complete without spending some time at the iconic Grand Hotel. If you are not a guest of the hotel we recommended purchasing admission for a self-guided tour of the hotel so you can experience the hotel and grounds. Relax on the world's longest porch with a cocktail, visit the secret garden, or check out the many bars and restaurants. Please keep the dress code in mind when visiting the hotel.
The Inn at Stonecliffe
Originally opened in 1904, The Inn at Stonecliffe is a luxury hotel profoundly connected to the island’s natural beauty, breathtaking views, and cultural history, and far from the touristy bustle of downtown. Venture outside of downtown to enjoy the lawn overlooking the straits of Mackinac or visit one of their restaurants on the property.
Jewel Golf Course
The Jewel is the Grand Hotel's 18-hole golf course. The nines are separated by a mile-and-a-half horse-drawn carriage ride that shows parts of the Island unseen by many visitors. Golf Club rentals are also available at the Jewel if you wish to leave your clubs at home!
Mackinac Island Carriage Tours
Spend part of your weekend exploring and learning about the history of the island by carriage. Check out the options for public or private carriage tours linked below:
Woodlands Activity Center
Located near the Grand Hotel gardens, Woodlands Activity Center offers an 18-hole miniature golf course, bike rentals, pickleball, bocce ball, shuffleboard, a nature center and a 400 foot family friendly bike track.
The Greens Of Mackinac
Located just down from Mission Point Resort and next to Bistro on the Greens Restaurant the Greens of Mackinac is waterfront 18-hole putting course with 18 real bent grass greens.
Arch Rock
We recommend visiting the most famous of the rock formations on the island! This can be reached by foot, taxi carriage, or bike and is only 0.6 miles from Mission Point Resort. It can also be viewed from below, on the perimeter tour of the island.
Fort Mackinac
Fort Mackinac is a former British and American military outpost built by the British during the American Revolutionary War to control the strategic Straits of Mackinac between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Find out more about the history of the Fort and things to do when visiting at the link below:
Wings of Mackinac
Wings of Mackinac is a beautiful all glassed in Butterfly Conservatory. You can walk among hundreds of free-flying tropical and native butterflies. All ages are thrilled to see these beautiful insects flying all around you as if you were out in nature.
Pink Pony
If you are looking for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or late night food in downtown check out the iconic Pink Pony! This restaurant is known for their Waterview dining room and bar, outdoor upper-deck and waterfront patio and bar with Lake Huron views. Open daily from 8:00am-2:00am.
Mary's Bistro Draught House
If you are looking for a bite to eat when you arrive we recommend checking out the waterfront patio at Mary's Bistro and Draught house just down from the dock. They have a great selection of draft beer, cocktails, pizza, burgers, and appetizers.
Round Island Kitchen
Round Island Kitchen is located at Mission Point Resort and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and reservations are recommended and can be made on OpenTable. Kids under 12 eat free with the purchase of an adult entree. Round Island Kitchen is open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., 7 days a week. Breakfast is available Monday - Saturday // 7:00 am - 11:00 am | Sundays // 7:00 am - 12:00 noon Happy Hour from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. The bar is open until midnight!
1852 Grill Room
Casual fine dining restaurant with stunning harbor views inside of the Island House Hotel.
Woods Restaurant and Bobby's Bar
Woods Restaurant offers a unique Mackinac Island dining experience located in the island's wooded interior. A great way to explore the island on the way to dinner!
Ice House BBQ
Outdoor dining behind Island House hotel with wood fired pizza and classic BBQ.
Island Slice Pizzeria
Perfect spot in downtown for a late night slice!
Watercolor Cafe
Just outside of downtown you can find a locally owned cafe, specializing in fresh coffee, sandwiches, baked goods, fresh fruit smoothies, and healthy snacks. After the cafe closes the cafe becomes a fun and relaxed art studio in the evening.
Other Dining Options
The list of restaurants above includes our personal favorites and ones we have had the opportunity to try on the island. See the link below for even more downtown dining options!
Other Activities on Mackinac Island
To learn about more activities around the island visit the link below!