Mackinac Island
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Mackinac Island isn't just a place near a really long bridge. It's not even just "the cool island" in the movie "Somewhere in Time" that starred Christopher Reeve. It's a charming locale that's steeped in tradition and history. You also can't drive motor vehicles on the island. It's been that way for more than 100 years. So, you'll have to leave your RV on the mainland. The story goes that, in 1898, someone drove a horseless carriage onto the island. Someone else, who happened to be riding a horse at that time, had a disagreeable encounter with the horseless carriage. Shortly thereafter, the ban went into effect.
The island is world-renowned for its wonderful fudge. The island is small at only a little more than 4 square miles, so the lack of motor vehicles is not really an issue. Besides, riding in horse-drawn buggies is fun.
How to Get There
Mackinac Island Airport is a small airport that's mostly for charters and private pilots with their own small planes. The runway is only 3,500 feet. You can't get fuel at Mackinac Island Airport, and there is no fixed-base operator. The closest one is Chippewa International Airport in Kincheloe. As of September 1, 2023, it costs about $40 to fly to Mackinac Island from this airport. The schedule is not regular, so check the applicable websites for more details. If you visit during the winter and the lake and Straits of Mackinac freeze, then flying is the only way to get to Mackinac Island.
Rent an RV For Your Visit to Mackinac Island
Visit Mackinac Island
Remember, there are no motorized vehicles allowed, so the RV has to stay behind. Still, when you get to the island, either by ferry or by plane, there is more to do than just eat fudge and ride in horse-drawn carriages. Riding bikes along the roads and paths is a good family outing. You can even play golf or visit the spa for a massage or other treatment. There are historic tours that crisscross the island, and one of them is even done by kayak. A "Sip 'n' Sail" cruise lasts about 90 minutes and cruises all around the island, including under the famous Mackinac Bridge.
Ticket Information
It doesn't cost anything to step onto Mackinac Island. The cost is in either the plane or the ferry. For priority ferry tickets, it's $46 for adults and $34 for children 5 years of age and up. Children 4 years and under are free. These prices are the same in both St. Ignace and Mackinaw City. Going on the available "pirate ship" costs $2 less. There are standard rates for the ferries that apply June through August. Check the applicable website in 2024 and beyond.
Family-Friendly Options
The entire island provides family-friendly opportunities. Making fudge, of course, is a favorite! There are museums to tour, butterfly emporiums to see, and a haunted theater. There's even a fun house of mirrors. When the weather's nice, you can tour the whole island in a horse-drawn carriage. The coasts of the island are mercifully flat, too, so walking along them, even with young children, is also a good activity.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Book the ferry ticket and your hotels early. Park your rig near your chosen ferry dock or near Chippewa International Airport, and travel to the island. It's a laid-back place, so you won't need to plan too much ahead of time once you're settled into your room. The only exceptions to this are the fishing charters or boat rentals, both of which are extremely popular. Bring your sweet tooth, and make some fudge to take home with you!
Mackinac Island Accommodations
On Site Accommodations
You won't find any branded hotels on Mackinac Island, but there are more than 1,600 rooms available in 17 hotels, 13 bed-and-breakfasts, six condominiums, two resorts, and three cottages. Even with that many rooms available, it's still a good idea to plan ahead and book a month or two early.
Campgrounds Nearby
The park is a great halfway point between rustic camping and a hotel. Wi-Fi, showers and a convenience store are all available, and numerous fire rings can be used for outdoor cooking and campfire conversations. The site also has astounding satellite reception for those whose RVs have satellite TV antennas.
Loon’s Point is an excellent location for those who want to really experience what the Great Lakes has to offer. Built around a large beach and surrounded by boating facilities, it is ideal for those who want to get out on the water for any reason. All sites are near the water, and some are practically on the water, making it easy to move watercraft into the lake.
Experience "million-dollar" sunsets and hunting for famous Petoskey stones during your Northern Michigan vacation at Jellystone Park™ Petoskey, formerly Petoskey KOA. You'll also get to spend time with YOGI BEAR™ and his friends at our family-friendly resort, one of the highest-ranking RV parks in North America.
Activities Near Mackinac Island
Things to Do
Boating
You can rent boats of all kinds on Mackinac Island. If you have your own boat, then you can put it in the water on the mainland, park the RV, and either sail or power across the lake. The marina on Mackinac Island can accommodate boats up to 74 feet in length. If you sail, and you intend to visit during the summer, then you have a unique opportunity. You can enter the Port Huron to Mackinac Island race, which goes from Port Huron, Michigan, to Mackinac Island. Check the race's website for further details.
Fishing
Mackinac Island was once a booming commercial fishery. The big companies have moved on, but the carp, lake trout, salmon, and whitefish remain. On rare occasions, you might even catch a sturgeon or muskellunge. You can fish off the shore in designated areas, charter a boat, or even fish off your own boat if you have one. All people 16 years of age and older need a license to fish in Michigan, particularly for sturgeon and muskellunge. You can buy them online at the Department of Natural Resources website.
Swimming
If you like to swim, you can do so at quite a few beaches on Mackinac Island. You have to remember two things, however. First, the beaches are rocky, so you'll need stiff-soled water or pool shoes to protect your feet. Second, the water of both the Straits of Mackinac and Lake Huron is cold. The average is 64 degrees Fahrenheit. Once you get used to it, though, it becomes a wonderful relief of a hot day. There are no lifeguards, so it's best to stay close to shore, especially if you have young children.
National Sites
Weather, Safety & Accessibility
Weather & Packing
Summers are hot. Winters are cool to cold. It seldom goes above 90 degrees Fahrenheit or below freezing, but there are days when extremes are possible. Dress for the season you visit. That means bringing sun protection during the summer and warm clothing for the winter. Sunglasses are a good idea all year because the reflection off the water is quite bright. Bring comfortable shoes. Mackinac Island is small enough that the entire island is one big hiking opportunity. Since this is Northern Michigan, mosquitoes are a threat. Check the Mackinac Island website for news about mosquito activity. Bring insect repellent that contains DEET.
Safety & Accessibility
The ferries are wheelchair-accessible, and so is one of the horse-drawn carriages for touring the island. That one is called the Mackinac Island Taxi. You can rent electric scooters at three of the island's bike shops. Most of the accessible public restrooms are only open May through October. The ones inside buildings, such as in the visitors center at the state park and in the tourism office downtown, are usually open all year. It would be wise, however, to call ahead about this if you plan to visit outside the May-to-October time frame.
Conclusion
Mackinac Island sits nearly in the middle of North America, and traveling from Northern Michigan to other regions of the United States is on many people's itineraries. It's cozy, relaxed, and fun on the island, a perfect family-friendly getaway.
FAQ
There are no nearby camping options because camping is disallowed on Mackinac Island. The mainland has quite a few, however.
Vehicles are disallowed on the island, too.
Although the coast of the island is flat, there are hills in the middle of the island. So, if you plan to hike through the middle of the island, be prepared with good, sturdy shoes, plenty of water, and a map of the island.
Yes, the entire island is good for families. There are plenty of activities for your children to do.
Yes, pets are allowed on the island. Just three places will let you rent rooms with pets, though: Mission Point Resort, Park Place Suites, and Sunset Condos. Cats are only allowed in certain places, too, so it's best to call ahead. Watch for "dog-friendly" stickers on shops and restaurants.