Top Things to do in Mackinac County
Top Hotels in Mackinac County
- 1. Island House Hotel
- 2. Best Western Harbour Pointe Lakefront
- 3. Mission Point Resort
- 4. Grand Hotel
- 5. Bicycle Street Inn & Suites and Waterfront Collection
- 6. Holiday Inn Express St. Ignace-Lake Front, an IHG Hotel
- 7. Inn on Mackinac
- 8. Super 8 by Wyndham St. Ignace
- 9. Breakers Resort and Beach Bar
- 10. Bear Cove Inn
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Mackinac County, Upper Peninsula
Discover the best top things to do in Mackinac County, United States including Gustafson's Smoked Fish, Caddywampus, Little Luxuries of Mackinac Island, Manley’s Fish Market, Threads of Mackinac, Museum of Ojibwa Culture, Arch Rock, Mackinac Island State Park, Bridge View Park, Fort Holmes.
Restaurants in Mackinac County
1. Gustafson's Smoked Fish
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 85 reviews
Reviewed By msm5286
This is shop inside a gas station, not the most promising of locations. It has, though, wonderful smoked fish. (A friend who really knows smoked fish said it was the best she'd ever had.) It also has jerky (which we didn't try) and other items. Among the many items in the shop are bags with a variety of trenary toast flavors. I loaded up on the cardamom flavored, and wish I'd picked up more! (If you haven't tried it--trenary toast is a twice-baked bread imported by the Finns who settled in the U.P. It's a local specialty, and wonderful!) Unfortunately, unless the store has changed policies recently, it ships only the jerky, not the smoked fish. The shop/gas station is on highway 2 (the road that skirts Lake Michigan), roughly halfway between St. Ignace and Naubinway. Going west, you will pass Little Brevoort Lake on the right. Approx.2 miles further, watch for Wildwood Lane going off to the left. The gas station will be the next thing you see on the south (left) side of the highway. If you come to Ozark Road on the right, you've gone too far. There is a largish sign for the store.
2. Caddywampus
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By RICART75 - Peru, United States
The turtle outside of the shop, indicates this place might be a little out of the ordinary. This is a fun and unique place to explore; filled with interesting and engaging items among which one can browse and enjoy. Set back, by the entrance to the Main Street Inn; it's well worth a visit (and, likely to bring one a smile or two).
3. Little Luxuries of Mackinac Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By 589angiem
Every time I am back this store is a MUST! I always find a little treasure to bring back home! There is something for everyone!
4. Manley’s Fish Market
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By RICART75 - Peru, United States
This is a wonderful little local, smoked fish store. Its ramshackle, rustic ambiance adds to the experience. After picking up some smoked whitefish, and then a burger, fries, and malt from Clyde's Drive-in; we went to Bridgeview Park and had a wonderful picnic (with the seagulls enjoying the fish skin, almost as much as we did the meat). This was one of the best meals we had during our trip. The fish was so good, one could even forgive the Packers' orientation to the fish market (being Bears & Colts fans ourselves). We look forward to a return visit to Manley's, on our next trip to the area. We would definitely like trying the smoked salmon and trout (both being sold out when we stopped in).
5. Threads of Mackinac
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Memories, stories, and experiences woven together make the fabric of our lives, bring a piece home with you from Threads of Mackinac. Our island apparel was stitched for your enjoyment with cozy t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and items for the entire family —while paying homage to the threads of the island, the stories, and memories that give the secluded destination its charm.
Reviewed By shopgal65 - Syracuse, United States
This was the first year in 15 years that we were not able to go to Mackinac Island. I wanted to get my husband a new t-shirt for his birthday as a surprise. I ordered (via website) a blue/gold short sleeve t-shirt with the simple Macinac (M) logo. I was contacted ny the owner and told that they did not have the shirt I ordered in stock due to a vendor issue. I was given the offer to choose anything I wanted for my husband and they would expedite shipping. How awesome is that!! I chose the same t-shirt that I originally ordered, but in gold/blue. Micah shipped me the gold/blue t-shirt AND a long sleeve blue/white t-shirt with the Mackinac Island (with horses) logo!! The package came within a day or so and I was so surprised to see TWO shirts. The quality of the t-shirts is great! I can't wait to shop at Threads of Mackinac next year in person and to thank Micah in person. My husband loves his new shirts!
6. Museum of Ojibwa Culture
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 336 reviews
We are OPEN for the season. At this National Historic Landmark, visitors can learn about 17th century St. Ignace: the Ojibwa who formed the population, the Huron refugees and the French who established the area as the center of fur trade. Check out our award winning Clan Park, the fun kids area, our authentic Native store along with the beautiful new Sculpture Park and our Longhouse on our grounds. Also visit Father Marquette's burial site in our Marquette Mission Park. Admission is by donation. Must be seen to be believed! Amazing! Bus tours welcome..please call ahead.
Reviewed By bigspaniel - Arlington, United States
Pleasantly surprised by this small but rich museum which tells the interesting story of the Ojibwa people who live in Michigan. Very good introductory video and several interesting displays and artifacts. Don't miss the outdoor displays, which include a traditional long house. Well worth stopping for. Easy parking around the museum.
7. Arch Rock
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,662 reviews
Natural rock bridge soaring 149 feet above the Straits of Mackinac appears to be suspended in midair.
Reviewed By S60WIannal
We reached the arch rock at first by horse carriage tour and then returned to visit this beautiful site by bike and kayaking. You have to climbed up some stairs to reach it and take turns to do photos but it's worth it.
8. Mackinac Island State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,917 reviews
Michigan's first state park. This is Mackinac Island State Park, a landscape characterized by high limestone bluffs, beautiful vistas of sparkling water, vibrant forests, and mystical geological formations. With automobiles banned since 1898, here exists a quieter way of life away from interstate noise of cities. Over 80 percent of Mackinac Island is within Mackinac Island State Park—free of charge and open year round—where you’ll discover the true natural gems of Mackinac. Whether visiting this island parkland by foot, bike, horseback, or carriage, these many majestic geological wonders and unique historical monuments are visual treasures found only here—on the island sacred to the Ojibwa and Odawa Great Lakes Indian tribes. According to them, this is where life began. You’re invited to discover why. This is Mackinac.
Reviewed By danjfrank25 - Chicago, United States
Such a beautiful place to spend a couple days. Weather riding the 8.5 miles on a bike around the perimeter of the island or taking a carriage ride up to Fort Holmes (highly recommend Sam if you can get him), It’s very easy to relax and have a good time here
9. Bridge View Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 499 reviews
Reviewed By RICART75 - Peru, United States
We stopped here twice; once ourselves, and once as part of the Mackinac City Trolley tour. When we came ourselves; we preceded our visit by purchasing some smoked whitefish from Manley's, and a burger, fries & malt from Clyde's drive-in. We then proceeded to have a delightful picnic at the Park; enjoying the views and feeding the seagulls (they seemed to enjoy the fish skin, as much as we did the meat). This Park is nicely designed; with excellent views, ample parking, clean restrooms and an enclosed structure if the outside weather is less inviting (as it was the day of our trolley tour). This Park is a great asset for the area's inhabitants and visitors.
10. Fort Holmes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 275 reviews
During the War of 1812, the British constructed a small fort on the highest point of the island, to better protect Fort Mackinac. Originally named Fort George, it was renamed by the Americans, following their return in 1815. The Americans continued to man the outpost for a few years, but eventually abandoned it. In 1934 a reconstruction, carried out by the Works Progress Administration and based on original plans, was completed. It was replaced by the current version in 2015.
Reviewed By Phliz - Naperville, United States
It's really up there but the view is stunning! The highest point on the Island. Also easy to combine with a walk to sugar loaf, skull cave and the arch.
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