If you’re joining us on one of our Great Lakes cruises, chances are you’ll get to spend some time on Mackinac Island. This scenic island on the northern tip of Michigan has been a popular tourist destination for more than 100 years. It’s known for its world-famous fudge and fascinating historical landmarks, making it the perfect destination for candy lovers, history buffs, and everyone in between.
While Mackinac Island might be small, there is no shortage of Mackinac Island excursions to enjoy during your visit. In fact, it may even be difficult for you to choose just one! So, to help you plan your visit, we’ve rounded up ten of the most popular Mackinac Island tours.
1. Carriage Ride Tours
What better way to explore this historic island than by horse-drawn carriage? Mackinac Island has been car-free since the dawn of time, which is part of the allure. That makes these carriage rides some of the most popular ways to explore.
During your Mackinac Island tour by carriage, you’ll experience a narrated journey through some of the main points of interest. Check out the bustling downtown area, Trinity Church, Fort Mackinac, the Grand Hotel, Marquette Park, Arch Rock, and more. There are a ton of carriage tour operators, so you can easily find a buggy driver that will take you to your preferred spots.
2. Fort Mackinac Tours and Live Programs
Before the island became well known in the tourism industry, it had military and economic significance. In 1780, Fort Mackinac was founded by the British during the American Revolution. Since then, the fort has had a very interesting history, but we’ll leave the details for your tour!
Tours and live programs at Fort Mackinac do a brilliant job educating visitors with entertaining costumed interpreters. In addition, cannon and firing demonstrations, drill programs, and many other events occur throughout the year.
3. Boat Charters
As an island, it only makes sense that some of the most popular tours on Mackinac Island are on the water. Chartering a private boat for your family or group is a great way to have a personalized day out on the lake. While this is not an American Queen Voyages excursion, it’s certainly an option for those who are looking to venture out on their own.
From fishing the Straits of Mackinac to catching the winds and setting sail to private powerboat excursions – there’s a perfect charter available for all interests. Regardless of the type of boat or activity you choose, you’ll be able to take in the island’s beauty from the water through these Mackinac Island excursions.
4. Kayak Tours
If you’re looking to get out on the water and get up close and personal with nature, a Mackinac tour by kayak is perfect for you. There are trips available for everyone from beginners to more advanced kayakers!
Options include visiting Arch Rock, snorkeling Lake Huron, or exploring nearby Round Island. Kayak tours will come with a guide that will share folklore stories and historical facts about the island while you paddle.
5. Hiking Tours
Many visitors to Mackinac Island focus on the main sights in town, but there’s a whole rugged interior to the island that calls to outdoor enthusiasts. There are more than 70 miles of trails throughout Mackinac Island State Park that you can tackle on your own or with a friendly guide.
Inside Out Tours of Mackinac offers a two-hour hiking tour to some of the best hidden gems on the island. Hikers will visit Crow’s Nest, Lover’s Leap, Sugar Loaf, Skull Cave, and many other interesting, photo-worthy locales.
6. Biking Tours
Feel the wind in your hair by exploring the island on two wheels. With no cars on the island, you won’t have to deal with dangerous traffic, and you can cover much more ground than walking.
There are a few options for bicycle tours on Mackinac Island. You can rent a bike and follow along with a self-guided map along the main attractions or around the island’s perimeter. Or, join a guided tour with the folks at Inside Out Tours. Their excursions visit many of the same sights as their hiking tour, plus many more on the far north end.
7. Fudge Tours
Mackinac Island became known for its delectable fudge shops as it evolved into a summer resort destination all the way back in the late 1800s. The Murdick family operated the first candy shop on Mackinac that started the trend of making fudge in front of their guests.
Nowadays, you can choose between thirteen different incredible fudge shops around the island. One of the best things you can do while you’re visiting Mackinac is to make your own fudge tour, hopping from one to the next and sampling as much fudge as you can! Most shops will give you a quick tour of their fudge-making process while you’re there.
8. Haunts of Mackinac Tour
Looking for a history lesson with a side of paranormal activity? This late-night Mackinac Island tour focuses on the island’s past through ghost stories and legends. If you like all things freaky, you’ll be excited to know that Mission Point Resort is one of the stops of the tour. The Ghost Hunters team investigated the hotel due to reports it was haunted by a ghost or two.
The island’s history is prime for hauntings. There are stories of accused witches being drowned, Native American burial grounds, and evil entities. But we won’t spoil it for you!
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