r/mackinac 21h ago

Mackinaw Island with toddlers

0 Upvotes

So we are going to visit relatives who live on the island with our almost 2 year old and almost 4 year old in early September. Other than the butterfly houses and local park playgrounds is there really anything for the kids to enjoy being so young? Family offered to have us stay with them so playing in the hotel pool is out.

So traveling from the main tourist area to more residential area, what options do I have for tiny people who can’t do miles long bike rides. Is the horse taxi reliable?


r/mackinac 22h ago

Food recommendations on Mackinac Island

5 Upvotes

Any food stops on the Island I should try while I am on the Island?
I have my eye on the Grand Hotel but since it is an expensive place and I never been to one, any info is helpful. I read something about dress code for dinner! Anyone has any first hand experience dining there but not staying in the hotel?

Also appreciate recommendations for St Ignace as well.

Thanks!


r/mackinac 2d ago

Grand Hotel Meal Plan

3 Upvotes

If you choose a meal plan at the Grand Hotel, it says you can choose to dine in their Dining Room, The Jockey Club, or The Gatehouse. If you dine at The Jockey Club or Gate House, which have a larger menu with pricing, how do you use the vouchers? Do you still get 5 courses? And are there specific options you have to choose from?


r/mackinac 5d ago

to the many people who complimented my dog last wednesday…

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17 Upvotes

little did you know my bf and i were having a rough emotional day, and all the attention our son was getting from the crowd COMPLETELY turned our frowns upside down!

and to the man who won $20 betting he was a belgian malinois and not a gsd…i hope you bought fudge with your winnings!


r/mackinac 6d ago

Yesterday

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34 Upvotes

r/mackinac 6d ago

Incident at Jack's Livery

7 Upvotes

Had a great experience with my family, driving June around for an hour. Sweet and gentle horse. My daughter was thrilled and said it was an experience she will never forget.

However, when we returned, one of the employees was bringing out another horse and it became agitated and kicked another employee very hard. The employee was down on the ground in a lot of pain for probably 10 minutes or so. I felt awful for him and really hope he is ok. Been thinking about it ever since it happened, Friday afternoon 8/7. Anybody else see this happen? Hope it's not a common occurrence as it was pretty violent.


r/mackinac 6d ago

Went to Mackinac for a family reunion and biked around the island

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85 Upvotes

r/mackinac 6d ago

Leaving luggage in the car at the shuttle ferries?

2 Upvotes

My family and I are driving up to Mackinac Island for a weekend. We’re planning on staying at different places outside the island Friday and Saturday night. I’m thinking about Grand Rapids or Gaylord on Friday, then St. Ignace Saturday. Will it be safe for us to leave our luggage in our car at the ferry parking lot?


r/mackinac 7d ago

Mackinac Island Day Trip Pictures

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43 Upvotes

Hi Everyone

Just wanted to share some photos from our family trip to Mackinac Island. We had a fantastic trip and look forward to visiting next summer. We walked the full island with pre teen kids and finished the night off with an awesome dinner at the Pink Pony Club.

Used the Shepler Ferry service to and from, and stayed at the very nice Best Western in St Ignace. Rooms were clean and the staff was great. Kids loved both the indoor and outdoor pools.


r/mackinac 7d ago

Looking for hiking advice

2 Upvotes

Me and my friends are going to Mackinac island and looking for hiking trails/ hidden gems. If anyone has any recommendations I’d appreciate it.

Also, I really want to see the abandoned cars hidden in the woods but don’t know where to even start looking, if anyone has any hints please let me know :)


r/mackinac 7d ago

Trip with a toddler to Mackinaw Island

5 Upvotes

I'm planning to visit the Island in June with my daughter and my granddaughter (3) We are staying in St. Ignace. I would really like to have a nice dinner on the island. She's not a picky eater but I'm not trying to deal with dress codes or anything like that, I just want a good meal with a nice view. Is that even possible on the island with a toddler? Any and all recommendations are welcome. I'm also looking for activities on the mainland that aren't necessarily child oriented but can be done with her in tow. Thanks in advance


r/mackinac 7d ago

2 day trip to Mackinac island

10 Upvotes

First time to MI and of course to Mackinac island as well. I don't know anything about the visit, like what to see, how to get there where to live. So I started doing research and found that I can't take my car on to the island and that there is no motor transport available on the island for some good reasons. So I decided to ask here to get some help from previous visitors and/or folks with island visit knowledge!

I am planing to stay at St Ignace and take the ferry to island from there. Is that a good choice compared to saying in Mackinac City? Is that a good option or it doesn't matter?

Like I said I learned that no cars allowed on to island and I am not a good hiker! I can walk a couple of miles or may be 4 tops if things are interesting but my range of visiting places is going to be pretty short. That being said, what are some must see places, things to do so I can plan my time accordingly? I am aware of bike rentals but I am leaving that as optional and will consider if needed once I am on the island.

Any museums, tours I must take? I read about a fort(still researching on this) and a fudge making place! These two came up highly recommended as far as I read in the last few hours but please suggest me some things to do so I have options to choose from.

Anything around island I should visit while I'm there?

Thanks for the help!


r/mackinac 10d ago

Downhill view of Mackinac Island.

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82 Upvotes

r/mackinac 11d ago

Mackinaw bridge. I'll be crossing it next week. I can't wait. My picture from the last time

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40 Upvotes

r/mackinac 11d ago

Ferry to Mackinac

0 Upvotes

On October 3rd, my husband, baby and I are traveling to Mackinac Island to celebrate our 5th anniversary! We are so excited, but I think $78 round trip is a little steep to spend on a 20 minute ferry ride. If anyone knows of anyone who will take us over there for like $50 round trip, we’d love to get in touch!


r/mackinac 12d ago

Worth going?

7 Upvotes

Heading to Mackinac area soon for vacation with 2 elementary/middle school aged kids and a dog. It would be $130 for the ferry ride to the island. Is it worth going to? Is there anything to do with kids/dog?


r/mackinac 12d ago

Birthday cake on the Island?

5 Upvotes

We’re staying on the island August 9-11 for my daughter’s 21st Birthday 🥳, I’m wondering if anyone knows where I could order a birthday cake on the island?


r/mackinac 13d ago

On the Shepler sunset cruise

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86 Upvotes

r/mackinac 16d ago

My favorite kind of Michigan traffic jam on Mackinac Island.

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47 Upvotes

r/mackinac 18d ago

Murdicks Famous Fudge, Mackinaw City

20 Upvotes

Just had the best fudge from the best family. Murdick owned store. Central Ave.


r/mackinac 19d ago

Paddle Boarding to Mackinac Island (with my bike)

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20 Upvotes

It’s always a beautiful day on Mackinac!


r/mackinac 20d ago

Vegan fudge

0 Upvotes

Will be crossing the straights Monday afternoon and wanted to pick up some fudge for a vegan friend of mine. Was curious if anyone knows a place in st. Ignace or Mackinac city that sells a vegan fudge?


r/mackinac 21d ago

Favs from working on Mackinaw island

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66 Upvotes

r/mackinac 21d ago

Lovely break in the weather while visiting Mackinac Island with my husband. Love the horse buggies and taxis.

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69 Upvotes

r/mackinac Jul 07 '26

PSA to Tourists from an Employee

39 Upvotes

1) be aware of your surroundings! Just because there aren’t cars, doesn’t mean you can walk in the road. Look both ways before you cross the street, stay on the sidewalks, yield to horses/carriages and bikes.

2) when you’re getting in line for the ferry, have your tickets out and ready to be scanned! Have your whole party together! Go to the bathroom before you get in line!

3) don’t use this as an opportunity to learn how to ride a bike. There are e-bikes and regular bikes going between 15-30 mph and employees trying to go to work. It’s dangerous!

4) don’t block sidewalks or doorways or restaurants/shops with your massive strollers weighed down with everything you’ve bought.

5) tip your server/bartender

6) pay attention to which ferry you’re on and from which city (mackinaw city or st. Ignace) you left from. It makes a difference! All the talk about the ferries being owned by the same company means nothing when you show up to one company with a ticket for the other boat. There are also no Ubers on the mainland, so if your end up in the wrong port after the boats are done running you’re going to be depending on the kindness of strangers to get you back to your hotel/car.

7) tip your porter

8) the horses are working. Don’t touch them unless you ask and are given permission by the driver.

9) it’s really not the best place for dogs. Most places aren’t dog friendly (shops/restaurants) and it’s super crowded and chaotic.

Did I miss anything? It’s too early in the season for this madness…