Worth a DetourHeritageIslandsVictorian

Mackinac Island

Michigan

A car-free Victorian island in Lake Huron since 1898, with horse-drawn carriages, fudge and the Grand Hotel's 660-foot porch.

Photo: Hdeon1 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Reach it by ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, under the huge Mackinac Bridge. Rent a bike for the eight-mile road around the island and visit its 1780 fort.

Best Time
May to October
Time Needed
1–2 days
Cost Level
$$$$
Open
Year-round
Getting There
Ferries from Mackinaw City, about 4.5 hours from Detroit.

What to See

0 of 4 are free
1.5 hours

Grand Hotel

The world's longest porch, with a fee for non-guests.

1.5 hours

Fort Mackinac

A British and American fort above the harbor.

1.5 hours

M-185 loop

The only state highway without cars.

30 minutes

Fudge shops

Watch it being made on marble slabs.

Know Before You Go

  • No cars allowed: bikes, horses and walking only.
  • Many places close from November to April.

Where to Stay

Stay on the island.

Where to Eat

Our picks are on the way.

Editor's picks. Nobody paid to be on this list.

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Traveler Reviews

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Last checked 2026-11-01. Part of the Midwest list.