Location: Mackinac Island
Top Things to do in Mackinac Island
Top 10 Outdoor Activities in Mackinac Island, Michigan (MI)
Charming Mackinac Island is a throwback to old-timey seaside leisure, from the candy-colored facades of downtown shops to the impressive (record-breaking, in fact) front porch of the Victorian-era Grand Hotel. Mackinac is world-famous for its homemade fudge, available in every flavor you can imagine. Work off your sugar high with a round of golf, a bike ride along a seaside trail, or exploring the limestone bluffs of Mackinac Island State Park.
Restaurants in Mackinac Island
1. Great Turtle Kayak Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 462 reviews
Kayak and stand up paddle board rentals with 2 locations: one on Mackinac Island, MI and one in Mackinaw City, MI. For beginners we offer basic instruction and guided tours in the calm waters of the marina, and for our more experienced paddlers, we lead tours to Arch Rock, Devil's Kitchen, the Mackinac Bridge, Round Island, and Bois Blanc Island, on the Straits of Mackinac in Lake Huron. Our summer tours are popular, and they book up fast, so reserve on our website now to secure your time!
2. Mackinac Revealed
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 56 reviews
Go beyond the beaten path with Mackinac Revealed. See what makes Mackinac so special, the Victorian cottages, neighborhoods, stables, trails, diverse community, local culture, summer & winter lifestyles. Hear about Island history, Great Lakes shipwrecks, Native People, and reliance on horses and carriages. Let us show you the "behind the scenes" excitement. Walking tours, seated presentations +/or bike excursions led by an authentic Islander. Experience Mackinac's fabulous, Victorian summer cottages & traditions, living without automobiles, the natural wonders- - geology, plants & animals. The only walking tour offered by genuine Islander who hails from original cottager family and reveals 6-generations of insights. Tour times show on webpage. Meet me at Mackinac!
3. Sip n' Sail Cruises
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 392 reviews
Enjoy 90 minutes of panoramic views aboard the Isle Royale Queen III, an 81' well-appointed vessel with multiple viewing areas, heated cabins, restrooms and a full service cash bar. Enjoy a beautiful evening cruise and view the sunset under the Mighty Mackinac Bridge. Ply the pristine waters of both big lakes, Huron and Michigan on this spectacular cruise. Take advantage of amazing photo opportunities as you skirt the shoreline of Mackinac Island and view the elegant Victorian and turn of the century homes. Enjoy Live Entertainment by a line-up of talented musicians and singer/songwriters. The Porthole Bar is stocked with your beverage of choice along with a few specialty cocktails that will add to your fun! This cruise will leave you talking about your unique adventure on Mackinac Island and longing to return. Whether you are by yourself, on a date or in a group you will have a memorable experience on a Sip n' Sail cruise with our friendly crew!
4. Mackinac Wheels
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By MackGirl148 - Fenton, United States
Greatest customer service on the island. Decided to get fenders installed on my bike. They had them in stock at a very reasonable price and were installed within about 30 minutes at a very low fee. I am very happy with them and will always choose Mackinac Wheels for my bike needs.
5. Cindy's Riding Stable Market Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 173 reviews
Reviewed By thosnjudy - Grand Rapids, United States
We went to Mackinac Island for our color tour weekend trip. I told my husband that I wanted to go horseback riding this time as it's a fun way to see the Island. Cindy's riding stable is the best. They match you perfectly with a horse depending on your riding experience. We used to own horses so we know how to ride and are not intimidated by horses. We were with friends who have little experience riding and Cindy's matched them perfectly with their mount. You can ride with or without a guide but we requested a guide because why not? Our group of 4 turned into a group of 8 or 9 as other riders were put in our group. I was given a horse who liked to lead and he ("Seven") was so good and did everything I asked of him. Our friendly guide Jackson checked in with us and we told him we were experienced riders so he was able to hang with the group in the back. It was just so much fun!! The horses know where to go as this is their job so getting lost is probably impossible lol. I called the stable when they opened at 9am to make a reservation but they take in-person reservations only. My husband quickly got in line and the earliest ride was for 4pm that day. Cindy's books up fast. Riding on Mackinac Island is definitely well worth the money. $50 per hour and $100 for two hour rides (per person). We will be doing this again when we return next year. Super fun and different than riding bikes (although we did that too!!).
6. Jack's Livery Stable
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 269 reviews
Reviewed By 63sting - Holland, United States
What a great place to rent a horse and buggy, staff is very knowledgeable, extremely friendly, and very very reasonably priced. They made sure we were able to get around the island, horse was great, his name was sky and very well mannered!!!! Many thanks to the entire staff !!!!!!!!!!!
7. The Jewel at the Grand Hotel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 95 reviews
The Jewel is one of the most unique courses in the United States. Enjoy unparalleled scenic beauty, lush landscaping and meticulously manicured tees, fairways and greens. The Grand nine is located across the street from the hotel, with views of Lake Huron and Round Island. The Woods nine is set in the interior of Mackinac Island, with views of the Mackinac Bridge and the Upper Peninsula.After completing the Grand nine, you and your clubs will be transported via horse-drawn carriage a mile and a half to the Woods nine. The leisurely 15-minute ride includes parts of the island unseen by many visitors.The Grand nine was built in 1901 and redesigned in 1987 by golf course architect Jerry Matthews. He also designed the Woods nine, added in 1994. Jason Horricks, a PGA Certified Instructor, is available for private lessons. The Jewel is open to the public. Rental clubs, golf carts and pull carts are available.
Reviewed By DrLiz - Farmington, United States
Thrilled doesn’t cut it when describing our mood entering the Grand Hotel for our reserved lunch at The Jewel— heightened anticipation does tend to build over 40 years. Reserved elegance ushered us up to the second floor where the grand dining room is located. Rich carpets/window dressings, elegant artifacts and smartly attired ever-present staff added to the ambience of our experience. We were escorted to our table by our waiter who warmly greeted us and laid out the offerings scattered about the room after taking our drink orders. We were then invited to make our way around to pick and choose the delectables available to us. The sheer amount of food was daunting and it was all presented so beautifully. Meats, seafood, cheeses and side dishes, salads and desserts were colorfully organized and cheerfully presented/served by efficient and polite staff members. As could be expected, we all had our fill and then some. It would be very hard for me to highlight the best dishes as absolutely everything was delicious, fresh and lovely to look at. Not a bad seat in the house Had me at “hello”
8. The Greens of Mackinac
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
The Greens of Mackinac is an 18 hole putting course located on the shores of Lake Huron on Mackinac Island. Next to Bistro on the Greens, this course offers a truly unique putting experience with 18 real bent grass greens that rivals conditions of any championship course! The fun and laid back atmosphere allows guests to visit the bar at Bistro on the Greens and carry their beverages with them during their round. At dusk, Glow Golf begins and the golf balls glow, the flags glow, the cups glow... and even the golfers glow! Glow Golf is a must for visitors of Mackinac Island.
9. Grand Hotel Stable
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Grand Hotel Stables is a working Museum, and working stable open to the public. It is free of charge and filled with antique horse drawn carriages and slieghs
10. Wawashkamo Golf Club
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By wcueb923 - Tampa, United States
What a great course!! We absolutely loved it! Grab yourself some Hickory Clubs and make your round a whole new experience! Or is it an Old Experience??? You decide! While you’re there you might catch a glimpse of Chewy the amazingly cute puppy!!! I recommend playing a round with your clubs and a round with hickories see how you play!! Personally I enjoyed with hickories because it felt like a blast from the past. My favorite hole was number 3 !!! I putted really well with the hickory putter and the 55* hickory wedge was my favorite of all
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