FAQs
Question
Our Top 5 Tips for Your Trip to Mackinac
Answer
1. Walking is a great way to get around and see the island! The walk from downtown to Mission Point takes only 15 minutes. If you prefer not to walk, see the travel page for carriage information. 2. Have some cash on hand! Many vendors on the island, including carriage taxis, do not accept credit cards and must be paid in cash. 3. Plan ahead! A trip to Mackinac is definitely worth the extra planning, but it is important to be aware of the logistics of ferry trips and no motorized vehicles! 4. If you have time for only one activity on the island (other than our wedding, of course), bike around the island! It's the easiest and best way to see the island and a leisurely trip around M-185 takes only a couple of hours. It's also worth pedaling uphill to see the Grand Hotel and the West Bluff. You can even bring your own bike on the ferry! 5. Contact us! We want your trip to Mackinac to be amazing! If you have questions, let us know so we can help!
Question
How do I get to Mackinac Island?
Answer
Mackinac Island is a short ferry ride away from either St. Ignace, MI or Mackinaw City, MI. Please see our travel page for details and information on group ferry rates.
Question
How do I get around on the island?
Answer
There are no motorized vehicles on Mackinac. Transportation options on the island include walking, bicycle, or horse drawn carriage. The downtown Mackinac Island area stretches less than 0.5 miles. Mission Point Resort is located 0.7 miles from the downtown area. It is easily accessible by foot and carriage taxis can be requested 24 hours a day at (906) 847-3323. You can also bring your bike with you on the ferry and use it for transportation all weekend.
Question
Where can I stay on the island?
Answer
Blocks of rooms have been reserved at Mission Point Resort, the Chippewa Hotel, and the Lilac Tree Inn and Suites. See our travel page for details on how to make a reservation. There are multiple other hotels on the island to choose from. Visit https://www.mackinacisland.org/stay/ to see all the options!
Question
Do I have to stay on the island?
Answer
No! There are multiple hotels available in St. Ignace, MI in the Upper Peninsula (https://stignace.com/places-to-stay/) and Mackinaw City, MI in the Lower Peninsula (http://www.mackinaw-city.com/). When making hotel reservations please keep in mind the last Sheplers Ferry off the island to St. Ignace and Mackinaw City is at 10:00 pm.
Question
How do I pronounce "Mackinac"?
Answer
“MACK-in-awe Island” Native Americans named the island with a word meaning “great turtle” as it looks a bit like a turtle shell rising out of the water. The French adopted the word “Michilimackinac” when naming their military fort in the area, pronouncing it with an “aw”. Over time, Michilimackinac was shortened to Mackinac, but the pronunciation has remained “Mackinaw.” Mackinaw City, at the foot of the Mackinac Bridge, was controlled by the British in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, who spelled the word with a “w” as it sounds.
Question
Are kids welcome?
Answer
The ceremony and reception will be adults only. We would be happy to help you arrange a babysitter if you are traveling from out of town with children. Please contact us with questions.