Top 10 Activities in Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac Island is full of historical places, natural marvels, and exotic points. One of the unique features of Mackinac Island is that there are no cars. This car-free island will take you back in time when there’s no pollution or noise. Whether you are a historian or a lively tourist, you will love to explore this island. Here are the top 10 things you can do in Mackinac Island to elevate your trip.
- Sainte Anne’s Church Visit:
A Roman Catholic church in Mackinac Island, U.S., is world famous as Sainte Anne’s Church. In 1670, the church was inaugurated by Jesuit missionary Claude Dablon. Mackinac Island has four islands in total but Sainte Anne is the most famous of all. This church is a perfect blend of religious peace and historical vibes. In 1874, the building was again renovated with a new peaceful interior and stained-glass windows.
2. Exploring the Skull Cave:
In the Algonquin post-glacial period, the waters of Lake Algonquin formed the cave, named Skull Cave. It is a small, shallow cave located on Mackinac Island’s central heights in Michigan, USA. The primary attraction of Skull Cave is its historical significance. It is thought that in the eighteenth century, Native Americans living around the Straits of Mackinac used it as a place for inhumation. The cave where English fur trader Alexander Henry took refuge during the 1763 Indian revolt is said to have done so. He said that human bones—possibly those of Native Americans or Indians—covered the cave’s floor.
3. Visiting the Mackinac Island Art Museum:
The Mackinac Island Art Museum is housed in the historic Indian Dormitory. In 1838, an Indian dormitory was constructed to house native Americans who visited the place to receive their payments. But it is a monument to be visited. Island has a huge collection of versatile art that portrays history, paintings, native art, and photographs. You can praise the local artistic taste and explore more about art.
Infrastructure and Features:
The Art Museum is a four-story rectangular building. There are two main entrances on the west and east. The museum has many galleries with a versatile collection of art from regional and local artists. It also facilitates their visitors with personal requirements like facilitation centers and restrooms. The outdoor spaces in the building provide you with a blend of outside beauty and inner art. The museum is designed to ensure mobility and easy access.
4. Taking a Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour:
These tours in Mackinac are highly guided and dive deep into the charm of Mackinac Island. The experience is highly exotic and a relaxing way to explore more. You can explore the beauty of Mackinac Island and the essence of the Victorian era. This place has a profound culture and unique architecture. It’s always best to take horse-drawn carriage tours when you are with family.
5. Taking a Ghost Tour:
Discover the darker side of the island’s past and the rumored ghosts. It’s an exciting way to get an unusual viewpoint of the island and hear some terrifying tales along the way. You are going to go on an unhurried tour into the unexplored regions as a guest of Haunted History Tours. You will be informed and entertained on all of their tours. There are nightly tours, pet-friendly tours, group rates, and complimentary admission for children under seven. The Lilac Tree Hotel’s courtyard is where tours begin.
Ghost Sighting:
You can hear ghost stories from tour guides for hours. Numerous people have reported seeing ghosts in Fort Holmes, while others have said they saw three soldiers talking before they abruptly vanished, seemingly from shock. Another ghost story is “Lucy,” a little child with curly hair and a light-colored sundress who has been spotted looking out of windows at Pine Cottage B&B, following people on the Crow’s Nest Trail by Anne’s Tablet, and showing up on multiple Haunts of Mackinac tours.
6. Indulging in Famous Fudge:
Mackinac Island is named the Fudge Capital of the World. Fudge is the most renowned product from Mackinac Island; it may be found on the island in seven different locations. More than a century ago, ambitious entrepreneurs transformed Mackinac Island’s nascent confectionery sector into a multibillion-dollar worldwide sensation. Visitors’ favorite pastime is still sampling Mackinac Island fudge, with chocolate being the favorite flavor. June is the best time of the year, to visit Mackinac Island for its famous fudge. Murdick’s Fudge has been making fudge since 1887, so it is a must-try on Mackinac Island.
7. Discovering the Grand Hotel:
Since around 1887, Fabulous Lodging has welcomed guests and families to Mackinac Island every year. Here, bikes and horse-drawn carriages are the favored types of transportation, as vehicles are restricted. The Grand Hotel offers exceptional lodging with unique guest suites. Here, the food is also very exceptional, with 13 restaurants having different ambiances. Explore the world’s biggest patio with rockers neglecting the Waterways of Mackinac, free youngster amicable exercises, swimming, open-air games, trekking, carriage rides, general stores, Sadie’s Frozen Yogurt Shop, and that’s only the tip of the iceberg. It’s an encounter you will probably remember forever.
8. Visiting the Butterfly House
The Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House is the third-oldest LIVE butterfly exhibit in the US and the first of its type in Michigan. The 1800 square foot tropical garden at this renowned facility is home to hundreds of living butterflies from across four continents. Take some time to visit Insect World after spending some time relaxing with the butterflies. You’ll be astounded by how big the insects that inhabit the world’s tropical regions are. There are huge beetles, spiders, and walking sticks measuring 14 inches and 6 centipedes. Here is also where the world record holder for the “heaviest bug” now stands.
9. Enjoying Water Activities:
Mackinac Island is the ideal place for the best water activities. It is located at Lake Huron. You can explore the Island and its beauty at your pace while paddling in the lake. Alternatively, for a more organized experience, sign up for a guided tour. Fishermen will likewise find that there are numerous areas to toss a line. If you’re looking to loosen up, ponder going on a nightfall voyage to see the stunning sky tints as the sun sets.
Water Activities:
- Rent a fishing boat
- Go kayaking
- Join a Sip ‘n cruise trip
- Cruise the Straits
- Take in a Yacht Race
- Go on a Boat Tour
10. Take a Celestial Tour:
Visit the Mackinac Island Observatory for an adventure with the stars. This observatory provides amazing stargazing chances because it is situated far from the island’s lights. Planets, constellations, and even far-off galaxies can be seen on clear nights. Families and astronomers will love the observatory’s frequent guided celestial tours and educational events.
Conclusion:
Travelers may get everything they need on Mackinac Island. The island’s attractions, from its delectable fudge and energizing occasions to its stunning regular excellence and rich history, give a particular encounter to each visitor. Mackinac Island offers the ideal setting for an astonishing excursion, whether you will likely investigate, loosen up, or enjoy. So prepare to make lifelong memories on this charming island in Michigan by packing your bags, boarding a ferry, and getting ready.