Mackinac Island State Park

Mackinac Island State Park takes up 80% of the Mackinac Island. Completely car-free since 1898, the island is small enough that you can explore on foot, self-guided cycle tours, on horseback, or by carriage. From the entrance, a series of trails meander to historic Fort Mackinac, a Revolutionary War fort; wild, forested landmarks such as Skull Cave and Devil’s Kitchen; and the scenic viewpoint of Arch Rock, where volcanic remnants spill into the blue vastness of the Great Lakes.

• Entrance to the park is free of charge.

• Many visitors consider exploring the island via bike the way to go; you can rent by the hour, half-day, or more.

• If you’re staying overnight, start exploring early before the first ferry arrives and the crowds descend.

• Public restrooms dot the island, including at the visitor center and Arch Rock.

To reach Mackinac Island State Park, take a ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace on Michigan's mainland. Cars aren’t allowed, but horses and carriages are available. Bike shops dot the island and they typically offer e-bikes and e-scooters, too.

Mackinac Island State Park is open year-round. The best time to visit is during the warmer months (May–October) when the weather is mild and conducive to hiking, biking, and staying outdoors. During peak tourist season (June–August) expect large crowds; if you opt for a shoulder-season visit, you’ll avoid the worst crowds and be rewarded with vibrant fall foliage.

Lake Shore Boulevard wraps around the entire island, coming in at 8.2 miles (13.1 kilometers). If you’ve got the means (good shoes, good snacks, and good knees), join one of the island walkers and see it all. You’ll catch all the park’s odds and ends, from Anne’s Tablet, a memorial to writer Constance Fenimore Woolson, to the Bark Chapel, which recreates a church from 1670.