Mackinac Island

The story of the Mackinac Island State Park is the story of Mackinac Island – more than 80 percent of the island is part of the park. Since the park was established in 1895, most of the land has been kept in its natural condition, to be explored and enjoyed as nature intended. The park is covered by a mixed coniferous and hardwood forest which is home to wonderfully fragrant spruce, cedar, paper birch and balsam fir growing on the moist soil, while hardwoods like sugar maple, red oak, hemlock, beech and white pine thrive in better-draining soil.

There are no large animals on the island, but there is a profusion of birds such as ducks, gulls, finches, warblers and sparrows. Squirrels, bats, hares and chipmunks are common and hikers can occasionally spot a red fox, muskrat or a raccoon. Camping and hunting are forbidden on the island, but hiking is highly recommended as there are 70.5 miles of roads and trails. There are no cars in the park, or anywhere on the island, so hiking, biking, horseback riding or horse-drawn carriages are the only way to get around.

7029 Huron Rd, Mackinac Island, MI 49757, Phone: 906-847-3328, Map

Founded in 1870, Fort Mackinac once protected Mackinac Island from unfriendly visitors and served as a home for soldiers and their families. It is now a tourist attraction filled with informative exhibits and unique weaponry.

There are 14 historical buildings at the site, one of which is the oldest building in Michigan. Guests can listen to stories from interpreters that detail Mackinac Island's past and the lives of people who lived at the fort. There is also a portion of the museum with interactive exhibits for children. Fort Mackinac is open seven days a week from May to October.

7127 Huron Rd, Mackinac Island, MI 49757, Phone: 231-436-4100, Map

Located near the coastline on the east side of the island, Arch Rock is a natural rock formation with a fifty foot span at the widest point. Water and wind took thousands of years to work on the soft limestone rock, slowly dissolving it to leave only harder breccia rock in the form of an arch.

Arch Rock stands 146 feet above the water level and can be reached by taking the Arch Rock Bicycle Trail, Arch Rock Road or Lake Shore Road. Native Americans believe that the arch has many super powers and have many legends about it, but tourists should not be daunted by these myths and are encouraged to come see one of the most important attractions of Mackinac Island.

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

The Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House and Insect World is one of the oldest museums of its kind in the United States and the first in Michigan. The lush tropical garden is full of hundreds of colorful butterflies from all over the world and occupies 1800 square feet of the grounds. The Education Room provides information about the butterfly industry and has about 500 chrysalis cases where visitors can observe the emergence of butterflies from the chrysalis stage.

Butterfly Garden is a spacious, airy room full of tropical blooms where butterflies of all sizes and colors fly freely, dancing to the sound of falling water and music. Insect World features hundreds of species of bugs from all corners of the world, including 16" walking sticks, the heaviest bugs in the world.

6750 McGulpin St, Mackinac Island, MI 49757, Phone: 906-847-3972, Map

Downtown Mackinac is home to a range of historic attractions. Guests can stop by the McGulpin House to learn about William McGulpin, a Mackinac Island resident who worked for the American Fur Company. At the American Fur Company Store and the Dr. Beaumont Museum, visitors can discover the story of Alex St. Martin, a Canadian explorer whose injured stomach was used as a testing ground for medical experiments.

The nearby Biddle House is a good spot for learning about domestic life on Mackinac Island, and the adjoining Benjamin Blacksmith Shop is used to teach visitors about blacksmithing techniques. Historic Downtown Map

Fort Holmes, originally named Fort George after King George III of Britain, is a small fort 890 feet above sea level. The fort is made of earth and wood, squatting on the top of the highest hill on Mackinac Island. The fort that is here today is a replica, the original fort was built by the British in 1814 to protect Fort Mackinac from the attack by the United States Army. The fort ended up not being involved in the attack and American soldiers reoccupied the island peacefully for a few years.

After the end of the War of 1812, Americans renamed the fort to Fort Holmes in honor of American Major Andrew Hunter Holmes who was killed in battle. At the time when the Mackinac National Park was established in 1875 and Mackinac Island State Park in 1895, what was left of the fort were two viewing towers offering magnificent views of the Straits of Mackinac. The fort was reconstructed in the 1930s and then again in 2015 and today its walls and blockhouse are made of earth and logs. The site attracts many visitors and can even be rented out for special occasions.

Fort Holmes, Fort Holmes Road, Mackinac Island, MI 49757

There is more to Mackinac Island than just spectacular natural beauty. The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum offers visitors a glimpse of the art inspired by Mackinac through the centuries. The museum's diverse collection covers a range of art styles and expressions such as hand-beaded clothes made by Native American garments, 17th and 18th century Great Lakes maps, rare and unique decorative pieces from the heyday of the Victorian period and original photos of the island from the 19th and 20th century.

Among the most significant are the works of William H. Gardiner, such as his hand-tinted early-20th century photos. There are four collections that cover Native American Art, historic maps, photos and early 19th century views of the island. The Museum also organizes popular temporary exhibits, contemporary art shows and a kids' art studio.

Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum, 7070 Main S, Mackinac Island, MI 49757, Phone: 906-847-3328

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory is a beautiful tropical greenhouse in Surrey Hills on Mackinac Island that provides a home to hundreds of butterflies that roam free between colorful tropical blooms. Stone fountains provide soothing humidity and a pleasant sound of falling water, making the environment as delightful for the butterflies as it is to visitors.

The Conservatory opened its doors in 1997 and moved to its current location in 2002. Their partnership with Carriage Tours makes a stop at the Conservatory a wonderful option for the tourist of Mackinac Island. Over the years, butterflies in the conservatory have been joined by finches, a box turtle called Gennie, a Scarlet McCaw aptly called “Mackie J” or The Mackinac Jewel, Cammie the chameleon, goats Pierre and Surrey and tree frogs.

7528 Carriage Rd, Mackinac Island, MI 49757, Phone: 906-847-9464, Map

Traveling on Mackinac Island by horse-drawn carriage is a favorite past time among tourists and locals alike. The Grand Hotel Stables offers narrated carriage tours that stop by some of the most well-known historic sites on the island.

Adventurous visitors can opt for a horseback riding tour. With more than 40 miles of marked bridle paths, Mackinac Island is the perfect spot for equestrian enthusiasts to explore. Lastly, the Grand Hotel stable offers private carriage tours with a guide for guests who want to create their own itinerary.

Grand Hotel Stables - Horses & Carriage Tours, 286 Grand Avenue, Mackinac Island, MI 49757, Phone: 906-847-3331

There is no better way of exploring beautiful Mackinac Island than slowly gliding in a single or double kayak or paddleboard along the rugged coast, watching the beautiful historic lighthouses, spotting the birds or turtles or just enjoying a quiet time on the water. Great Turtle Kayak Tours offers several different tours such as the Sunrise & Sunset Cruise, Arch Rock Excursion, Devil's Kitchen Adventure as well as many other incredible tours around the Haldimand Bay and Mackinac Island.

Each tour is accompanied by a trained and experienced Red Cross-certified guide, so guests can feel safe with the knowledgeable guides. There are tours for all ages and skill levels, so those who are new to kayaking and paddleboarding will feel at ease. A trip on the quiet waters of Lake Huron with the experienced guides and magnificent scenery is sure to be an unforgettable adventure.

Great Turtle Kayak Tours, 7395 Main St, Mackinac Island, MI 49757, Phone: 231-715-2925