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Photo by Todd and Brad Reed Photography
Get off the ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace to Mackinac Island and it is like stepping back in time. The first sounds are those of horses clip clopping down the street. Horse-drawn taxis await ferry passengers.
Mackinac Island has a downtown district like no other in Michigan and perhaps the Midwest or U.S. There are no cars, only bikes and horses. No cookie cutter stores. No enclosed mall shopping. Just unique shops, one after the other, lining Main Street and Market Street, in a gorgeous and historic setting on Lake Huron in the Straits of Mackinac.
Once a bustling fur trading center and nearly half a century long- downtown Mackinac Island is a National Historic Landmark, Historic Downtown accredited by the American Association of Museums. Shopping, dining, and lodging blend with five historic buildings including the Dr. Beaumont Museum/1820 American Fur Company Store, Biddle House, the Blacksmith Shop, McGulpin House, and Mission Church that were part of the early 19th century fur trade on Mackinac Island.
What can you find on Mackinac Island? Spa items, clothing, jewelry, t-shirts, scrimshaw, books, art, glass, flowers, and garden supplies just to name a few. And, of course, fudge! Downtown Mackinac Island is also a place to rent a bike, hop on a carriage tour, hail a horse-drawn taxi, or just walk.
Downtown Mackinac Island is a Northern Michigan gem filled with great places to eat from tiny bistros to fine dining. Grab a cup of coffee or pack a lunch from the grocery store. It’s here and more.
And don’t worry about carrying your purchases around Mackinac Island or back across on the ferry: Mackinac Island shopkeepers will ship your purchases directly to your home.
So start your day on Mackinac Island downtown and then head around the Island on a bike, or take a carriage tour, or catch a taxi to your hotel, or rent a horse for a leisurely ride on beautiful wooded trails.
Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau
7274 Main St., Mackinac Island, MI, 49757
(906) 847-3783
Mackinaw and Mackinac are pronounced the same way. Why? It’s the area’s rich history with the Native Americans, French, and British.
The majestic and historic Grand Hotel is one of the first sights visitors see as they head into the harbor on Mackinac Island.
Referred to as the “Jewel of the Great Lakes”, Mackinac Island has many special festivals and events that go on during their prime season.
Arch Rock is a geologic wonder on Mackinac Island and stands 146′ over the Lake Huron shoreline- nearly 15 stories tall.
Mackinac Island is rich in history and is also filled with beauty and lots of activities and attractions to explore.
Fort Mackinac is open from May-October and includes buildings restored their original look after the fort’s occupation by the British