We’re back from our trip to Mackinac Island! In case you didn’t see on Instagram, we took a little getaway to Mackinac Island for our anniversary last week. I can’t begin to tell you how amazing it felt to pack a suitcase again. Cory and I have traveled to Mackinac Island a few times, and we always have fun discovering new things to do. I’ve had many of you reach out asking for a list of things to do on the island. So without further ado, here’s a recap of our recent trip and my favorite things to do on Mackinac Island.
With COVID-19 going on right now we didn’t know what to expect on our first vacation. We packed plenty of masks, hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes for our trip. Masks were definitely enforced (which we appreciated), and we found it pretty easy to social distance while we were there. Please check this travel advisory from Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau for more information before planning your trip.
Where We Stayed
For our anniversary on Mackinac Island we chose to stay at The Mackinac House. This boutique inn has a great location (one block from Main St.), and was recently built in 2019. I really enjoyed how comfortable the room was, and the coastal island style of the decor. It was great having breakfast in our room each morning, and snacks delivered in the afternoon. We honestly loved the location of this inn, how clean everything was, and would definitely stay here again.
If you’re looking for more suggestions for places to stay check out Mission Point. I stayed here for a press trip, and Cory and I still talk about how amazing this hotel is. You can read all about Mission Point in this blog post.
We’ve also spent a night at the Grand Hotel and Pine Cottage on Mackinac Island. I would also suggest checking Hotel Iroquois.
Things To Do
A bike around the island is must when you’re on Mackinac Island. We rented bikes from Island House Bikes and loved the single speed option. You really can’t go wrong renting from any of the bike rentals on the island. We’ve also rented from Mackinac Island Bike Shop. Biking around the island is 8.2 miles and takes around 60 minutes (depending on if you stop along the way). I suggest stopping at Arch Rock and packing a snack to enjoy by the water.
Cory and I love putt-putt golfing at Mission Point’s The Greens of Mackinac. We don’t keep score because we’re so competitive, but we always have a great time. The views while you golf are incredible, and it’s a fun activity with kids.
Take a walk and explore Sunset Rock near the Inn at Stonecliffe. Cory and I walked to the Mackinac Island Food Truck & Beer Garden and noticed the sign for Sunset Rock. We quickly ran to catch the sunset and it was incredible.
Need more ideas for things to do on Mackinac Island? Check out the horseback riding at Cindy’s Riding Stable, enjoy a Sip n’ Sail Cruise, explore The Fort, sit on the front porch of the Grand Hotel, or try kayaking.
Our Favorite Places to Eat & Drink
Lunch
Our favorite lunch spot on Mackinac Island is The Jockey Club. You’ll find great sandwiches, salads and awesome views of the golf course at this restaurant. Cory and I biked up here after we rode around the island, and didn’t need a reservation for lunch.
More lunch spots we love: The Gate House and Bistro on the Greens (great for lunch after putt-putt golf).
Dinner
We tried some different spots for dinner while we celebrated our anniversary. The first night we enjoyed dinner at Carriage House located in Hotel Iroquois. We loved the view of the water on the patio while we enjoyed dinner. I would highly recommend making a reservation for dinner before you visit Mackinac Island.
We also dined at the 1852 Grill Room at Island House Hotel while we were on Mackinac Island. I LOVED my salmon and Cory really enjoyed the walleye. Since it had just stopped raining we didn’t sit on the patio, but the patio would be a great option. Again, I would suggest making a reservation for dinner.
Dessert
You can’t go to Mackinac Island and not have some fudge. There are lots of fudge shops to choose from, and everyone has their favorite. We grabbed some fudge from Ryba’s Fudge Shop while we visited the island.
Cory and I also love grabbing ice cream from Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor located at the Grand Hotel.
Drinks
We loved the Mackinac Island Food Truck and Beer Garden at Inn at Stonecliffe. The view was incredible to enjoy with a glass of wine.
Cory and I also enjoyed a drink at Carriage House at Hotel Iroquois. Since the bar was pretty full we grabbed a drink and enjoyed it on the veranda.
More of our favorite spots to grab a drink: You can’t miss the views from Cupola Bar in the Grand Hotel. Everyone loves Pink Pony for a drink on Mackinac Island. We’ve been here multiple times and enjoyed the music and drinks.
What are some of your favorite things to do on Mackinac Island?
I LOVED reading both articles about Glen Arbor and Mackinaw Island. It’s always nice hearing about other people’s adventures and suggestions of places to go.
I worked for Delta Airlines for over 30 years and have traveled Worldwide. However, two of my absolute Favorite vacation spots are Mackinaw Island and Glen Arbor! I always look forward to a yearly visit both in the Summer and Fall.
My favorite bike ride on the island is going toward mission point, turning into the island on British Landing road, and it is absolutely breathtaking to go up and down gently, and see the awesome views on Leslie Trail, which ends at the top of Arch Rock.
Other favorites are sitting on the back porch of the Library, to see the bridge and water, taking in the sunset on the Boardwalk, Peach-French-Toast dessert at Bay View Inn, and other stuff that will remain a secret. 😉
My favorite bike ride on the island is going toward mission point, turning into the island on British Landing road, and it is absolutely breathtaking to go up and down gently, and see the awesome views on Leslie Trail, which ends at the top of Arch Rock.
Other favorites are sitting on the back porch of the Library, to see the bridge and water, taking in the sunset on the Boardwalk, Peach-French-Toast dessert at Bay View Inn (I don’t like peaches but loved it!), and other stuff that will remain a secret. 😉