Location: Mackinaw City
Top Things to do in Mackinaw City
Top 10 Free Things to do in Mackinaw City, Michigan (MI)
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. Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers association
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 33 reviews
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.
2. JoAnn's Fudge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 60 reviews
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.
3. Alexander Henry Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By Steve5863 - Avon, United States
For good reason, most everyone that visits Mackinaw City also visits this free park at the very tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and at the southern end of the Mackinac Bridge, which offers excellent views of the bridge, the Straights of Mackinaw and Mackinac Island in the distance. In addition to the views, the park has a sandy beach, accessible walk along the shore, picnic tables, restrooms and free parking and provides access to the Old Mackinaw Point Lighthouse and Colonial Michilimackinac, both of which do require an entrance fee.
4. Murdick's Fudge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
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.
5. Mackinaw Bridge Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 195 reviews
Reviewed By Wicked2014 - Quincy, United States
Loved seeing all the interesting artifacts and newspaper articles on the construction of the bridge. They have a small theater where you can watch a video on how the idea for the bridge was born and the construction, This is a very informative place to pop in and learn a little bit about Michigan's past and it's all free, I would highly recommend taking the time to stop in.
6. McGulpin Point Lighthouse & Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 578 reviews
Emmet County owns the historic McGulpin Point Lighthouse, which protected shipping on the Straits of Mackinac against storms, fog and rocks between 1869 and 1906. It was purchased by the county in 2008, which reopened McGulpin to the public with a gala celebration on May 30, 2009. The site is approximately 10 acres and is a half mile north of the Headlands. It includes 336 feet of shoreline on the Straits with a commanding view of the Mackinac Bridge. Trail to the Straits includes new interpretive signage coming in Summer 2015! Beautifully maintained grounds and interior. There is always something new at McGulpin Point!
Reviewed By watweed
We had 6 women in our group trip to Mackinac. We arrived about 40 minutes prior to the lighthouse opening on Monday morning, before heading home afterwards. While we waited, we walked down to the lake and skipped stones, walked out into the chilly water, and read the history blocks around the lighthouse grounds. The young lady working in the lighthouse that morning was terrific. She was knowledgeable about the lighthouse, it's history, and graciously warned us of the couple "caution" areas during our self-guided tour of the lighthouse. The McGulpin Family history is so interesting. The view from atop the lighthouse is just breathtaking. We were all glad that we took the time to wait until it opened, and didn't just leave! Please visit this lighthouse. You won't be disappointed :)
7. Alice's Kandy and Korn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By V4227BJanthonyp
Who doesn't love Candy. When I stay in Mackinac City it is always at the Hamilton Inn Select and that's a short walk to Alice's Kandy and Korn. Alice's homemade caramel is the best, whether on their caramel corn or one of their caramel apples. Their fudge is the best in the area, creamy like my grandmother use to make, not grainy with granular suger. I recommend the peanut butter fudge and the pecan logs.
8. Headlands International Dark Sky Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 304 reviews
Reviewed By 7traveler777 - Chicago, United States
I had always wanted to go to a dark park and was thrilled when I saw there was one outside of Petoskey. It’s a lovely place to s t a r g a z e, but if you’re looking to see the northern lights I was told by the attendant that no one has ever seen them in this location even though the park is listed as a location to see aurora borealis. The park attendant advised our party that if we wanted to see the northern lights we should go 300 miles north into Canada for perfect viewing.
9. WaWatam Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By RICART75 - Peru, United States
The Park, and its namesake's history, were pointed out to us on the Mackinac City trolley tour. We stopped by later; to enjoy the views and relaxing atmosphere of the area; as well as the statue of WaWatam, and his story. This is well-maintained little park; providing a wonderful retreat for the citizens of and visitors to Mackinac City.
10. Keyhole Bar & Grill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 160 reviews
Reviewed By RyanOMuirhead - South Lyon, United States
This bar was recommended to us by our server from the Rusted spoke which was also great! We stopped by here after dinner and stayed all night. We ordered some breaded mushrooms and onion rings. They were great. Beer was cold. We would definately go back.
