The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Mackinaw City, Michigan (MI)

April 26, 2022 Darwin Bolte

Mackinaw City, at the northern tip of the Michigan mitten, sits at one end of the Mackinac Bridge to Michigan's Upper Peninsula, as well as seriving as the docking place for ferries to Mackinac Island, a National Historic Landmark and State Park. Just a short boat ride from the mainland, Mackinac Island is a journey back in time, home to "Historic Downtown," a recreation of village life in 18th-century Michigan, and Fort Mackinac, first occuppied by the British during the Revolutionary War.
Restaurants in Mackinaw City

1. Jack Pine Lumberjack Show

Us-23, Mackinaw City, MI +1 231-436-5225 http://www.jackpinelumberjackshows.com/
Excellent
84%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 340 reviews

Jack Pine Lumberjack Show

Experience World Champion Lumberjacks in a fast paced action packed lumberjack competition, a Mackinaw City MUST SEE! Shows at Jack Pine Lumberjack Shows are approximately an hour long, delivered in a competition format, in which the audience is divided up into two rival logging camps, each camp cheering for their lumberjack. It demostrates the turn of the century skills of the lumberjack including chopping, sawing, axe throwing, cross-cut sawing, speed climbing and logrolling. In addition to the competition, there is also a chain saw carving demonstration. The show educates the audience in the rich history of Michigan's logging past. It is fast paced, up-beat and keeps the audience involved. A fun show for the entire family, children under the age of 5 are free!

Reviewed By sjander87 - Columbus, United States

This was a favorite of our boys out of all the things we did in the area! They made the show entertaining for everyone, and got the audience involved with cheering for your lumberjack (or booing the “opposing” lumberjack ????). Dakota and Mitchell did an awesome job! Family friendly and wholesome entertainment! Definitely a must see!

2. Ugly Anne Boat Cruises

Excellent
88%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 390 reviews

Ugly Anne Boat Cruises

Come take a ride on Ugly Anne and experience the Straits of Mackinac and Mackinac Bridge like never before. Learn the about the over 80 shipwrecks, about the building of the Mackinac Bridge and the islands that are scattered throughout the Straits of Mackinac while enjoying beer, wine and N/A beverages. On board is a tour guide that can answer any questions you have. Ugly Anne will start cruises for the season on Memorial Day weekend. We will have a daily 5pm history cruise and sunset cruise both going under the the magnificent Mackinac Bridge and departing from Mackinaw City through mid- October. We do not have public cruises on Tuesdays. Tours from Mackinac Island will be scheduled by charter only.

3. Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers association

707 S Huron Ave, Mackinaw City, MI 49701-9664 +1 231-436-5580 http://Www.gllka.com
Excellent
88%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 33 reviews

Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers association

Reviewed By michaelbJ5983XW

If you care about the Great Lakes and the lighthouses in the State of Michigan the organization is a must for you and deserves your support.

4. JoAnn's Fudge

303 E Central Ave, Mackinaw City, MI 49701-9801 +1 231-436-5611 http://www.joannsfudge.com/fudge.htm
Excellent
87%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 60 reviews

JoAnn's Fudge

Reviewed By SteveMatthewP - Davidson, United States

We found this to be the friendliest shop in town. They also had the best selection. Additionally they offer shipping to all parts of the United States. My wife was able to send off a five pack to her mother and friends down in Florida. Good service. Good selection. Shipping options available. We recommend Joanns.

5. Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park

9001 South US 23, Mackinaw City, MI 49701 +1 231-436-4100 [email protected] https://www.mackinacparks.com/parks-and-attractions/historic-mill-creek-discovery-park/
Excellent
68%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 353 reviews

Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park

Have an Adventure. Witness the power of the creek harnessed to cut timber into lumber at one of the oldest industrial sites on the Upper Great Lakes. On the Adventure Tour, explore the treetops on the Forest Canopy Bridge, soar like an eagle on the 425′ Eagle’s Flight Zip Line, and experience the layers of the forest on the five-story Treetop Discovery Tower. Afterward, take time to explore the natural beauty of Mill Creek State Park, which has more than three miles of groomed hiking trails. This is Mackinac.

Reviewed By chrislJ8174RS

We had a fantastic time at Mill Creek. The living history demonstrations at the mill were great, as was the nature hike in the woods. Our family loved the zip line, rock wall, and adventure bridge.... perfect, and low-key after a day on our beloved (but busy!) Mackinac Island. Don't forget Fort Michilimackinac while you're up here, too! The pass for all 3 places did save us money....

6. Colonial Michilimackinac

Excellent
73%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 907 reviews

Colonial Michilimackinac

Michilimackinac 1778: Rumors of War. Treasures from the past come to life at this 18th-century fort and fur trading village, reconstructed based on historic maps and more than 60 years of archaeological excavations. As you walk through the site, you are stepping back in time to 1778, when rumors of war and peace swirled around Michilimackinac. Here, you will see and hear how soldiers, civilians, and Native people responded to threats real and imagined as they attempted to maintain their livelihood, the fur trade. Historical interpreters representing voyageurs, British soldiers, and French-Canadian merchant families are stationed throughout the fort to answer your questions and perform demonstrations.

7. Murdick's Fudge

219 E Central Ave, Mackinaw City, MI 49701-9666 +1 888-436-5415 [email protected] http://www.aaronmurdicksfudge.com/
Excellent
72%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
4%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 50 reviews

Murdick's Fudge

Aaron Murdick's Fudge is located on Central Avenue across from Subway in Mackinaw City. WE have a blue and white striped awning. We are not affiliated with any other Murdick Fudge store. All Murdick Fudge stores are independently owned. We cannot vouch for other "Murdick" stores including those located: on Mackinac Island, Petoskey, St. Ignace, or in the Crossings Mall in Mackinaw City.

Reviewed By RICART75 - Peru, United States

We're not fudge connoisseurs enough to judge what may be the best fudge (of the numerous area options), so we'll take the word of those more knowledgeable. What we do find especially interesting, is the history of this shop and its owners (and their lineage). The 8-11-19 TA review being our reference, we stopped in to checkout the shop, and see the home of fifth generation fudge making. The staff were friendly and informative. The shop has a tempting selection of options from which to choose. One can come for the history, and leave with a treat.

8. Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum Inc.

131 S Huron Ave, Mackinaw City, MI 49701-9677 +1 231-420-1407 [email protected] http://www.themackinaw.org
Excellent
72%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 337 reviews

Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum Inc.

Reviewed By Steve5863 - Avon, United States

The self-guided tour of this massive vessel, complete with abundant signage and a number of videos explaining its operation and life onboard, is surprisingly interesting and well worth an hour or so of one’s time. While the engine room and bridge were certainly tour highlights, the best part was the opportunity to talk to a couple of volunteers along the way that actually served on board and to learn of their personal experiences. One note of caution, those with mobility issues are likely to find moving about the ship along the tour route difficult if not impossible.

9. Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse

526 N Huron Ave Mackinaw City, MI 49701, Mackinaw City, MI 49701-9727 +1 231-436-4100 [email protected] http://www.mackinacparks.com/parks-and-attractions/old-mackinac-point-lighthouse/
Excellent
60%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 666 reviews

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse

Made to be Seen. A point in the storm and a guiding beacon since 1889, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse helped passing ships navigate through the treacherous waters of the Straits of Mackinac. There's just as much to see from the top of the tower as inside the original buildings. Authentically restored quarters and exhibits, including the original lens and the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Museum, this "Castle of the Straits" is a true gem of the Great Lakes. This is Mackinac.

Reviewed By 357donalde - Helena, United States

This place was in a waterfront park, on a bike trail, and we took the tour. There were guides and a film, and a lot of info about the life of the lighthouse

10. Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry

801 S Huron Ave, Mackinaw City, MI 49701-9664 +1 800-638-9892 http://www.mackinacferry.com/
Excellent
67%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,583 reviews

Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry

Reviewed By BackRoadsUSA

Solid Operation. Parking attendants kindly pointed out the Free parking lot available behind the brewery which offered safe, ample sized spaces for your car. Bathrooms available near the ticket office though staff unable to keep them clean on a busy Sunday, Ticket agent was short- did not offer us a brochure or map just quickly sold us tickets- never explained how to return or what times-- we were first time visitors. The boarding process was simple- masks were required and there was plenty of space on top to spread out. No one explained safety procedures though. We did take the ferry over that went under the bridge- stunning and staff did warn people on the upper decks they would get wet!

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