Attractions
Mackinac is as storied as it is beautiful, and there is also an adventure to be found for those who are looking. From historic forts to Indigenous culture, our staff will help you find the experience of a lifetime.
Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry
All guests are welcome to meet shore-side at dusk for our nightly bonfire and marshmallow roast. Each evening is different: some nights people talk about the stars or the lights of passing ships, while other nights, someone has a story to tell. There may even be a sing-along.
Mackinac Island Carriage Tours
Travel through time with the world’s oldest Horse and Buggy Service! Operating since 1869, these beautiful horse-drawn carriages are the best way to see historic Mackinac Island. Need to arrive in style? They even offer a taxi service!
Fort Mackinac
This historic fort has been under both British and American rule, changing hands under dramatic battles during the War of 1812. The fort is still home to cannon blasts and rifle fire, but rest assured knowing that these weapons are only in the hands of capable costumed interpreters who are more than happy to tell you about military training, life within the fort, and Michigan’s oldest building.
The Grand Luncheon Buffet
Dine in the exquisite main dining room of the Grand Hotel, where you’ll feast on an endless buffet of hot and cold entrees, seafood, salad, fresh fruit, cheeses, meats, and incredible desserts (and yes, you can eat as much dessert as you like!) Indulge at this multiple-year winner of the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence—just be sure to bring a bigger belt!
The Original Butterfly House
Step into a tropical jungle in the middle of Mackinac! Hundreds of butterflies will be your companion as you tour the gardens with your camera in hand. See the butterflies feed, and keep your eye out for the unmistakable Monarch butterfly.
The Deer Ranch
This is your chance to photograph, feed, and pet new animal friends at the oldest whitetail exhibit in North America, including whitetails, white whitetails, and albino deer. Call ahead and you may even be able to help bottle-feed the new fawns!
Mystery Spot
It’s no mystery where to go for family fun: Mystery Spot has mini-golf, a forest maze, ziplines, and a guided tour of the world-famous mystery spot itself. Over a million visitors!
Castle Rock
One of the oldest lookout points in the area, this 200-foot pillar was historically used by the Ojibwa Tribe. Views from the rock stretch for up to 20 miles, making the must-see Castle Rock the “high point” of any trip!
Colonial Michilimackinac
This 18th-century fort and fur trading village has been immaculately recreated based on historic maps and over 60 years of archaeological excavations. Experience the birth of America in this Revolution-era village, complete with costumed interpreters, demonstrations, and incredible views of the surrounding area.
Mill Creek Discovery Park
One of the oldest industrial sites of the Upper Great Lakes, Mill Creek still hosts sawmill demonstrations. Visitors can also experience the trees from high with a Forest Canopy Bridge, zip line, and Treetop Discovery Tower.
Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
This lighthouse has shown sailors the way since 1889; now, the spotlight is on the “Castle of the Straits” itself, where visitors can see authentically restored quarters and exhibits as well as the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Museum.
Soo Locks Boat Tours
A top-5 Michigan attraction, this company has given tours of the Soo Locks for almost 90 years. The tour includes the four US Locks, St Mary’s Rapids, giant hydro-electric plants, and the historic Canadian lock.
Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum – Whitefish Point Light Station
Housed in the Whitefish Point Light Station, the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Michigan. Visitors can enjoy the oldest operating lighthouse on Lake Superior, and explore the haunting world of shipwrecks in the museum.
Tahquamenon Falls
Housed in the majestic Tahquamenon Falls State Park, this pair of waterfalls are magnificent to behold. The upper falls falling almost 50 feet and measuring over 200 feet across, and can even be seen by rowboat.
Oswald’s Bear Ranch
The largest bear-only ranch in the US, Oswald’s is home to 40 bears, all of which have been rescued. Oswald’s family has worked with these bears for over 3 decades, and the 240-acre ranch is sure to delight adults and children alike.
Cut River Bridge
This remarkably picturesque steel bridge cantilevers out over the Cut River. There’s even a wooden staircase down to the valley floor—can you find the home of Mr. T. Troll below?
Agawa Canyon Tour Train
Head up to Canada to see the pristine natural landscape that inspired the Group of Seven. This one-day expedition into the historic wilderness is complete with a GPS-triggered commentary and a 90-minute stop offering scenic walks to waterfalls and even a climb to a breathtaking lookout.