Despite its name, Mackinaw City is actually a village of around 1,000 inhabitants. Its population increases dramatically, however, in the summer months when visitors come to enjoy historical re-enactments, sample local wine and enjoy water sports such as parasailing, yachting and fishing.Start your visit with a trip to Historic Mill Creek. Watch as actors dressed in period costumes work a water-powered mill to cut lumber. More history is on offer at Colonial Michilimackinac, a reconstructed 18th-century fort and fur trading village. Step into an old-style fort, meet redcoats and watch as muskets are fired by British soldiers. The Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum is housed in the ship of the same name, and here visitors can explore the mess deck and engine room.Mackinaw City also offers plenty of modern entertainment, much of it outdoors. The city is located on the banks of Lake Huron and is an excellent destination for water sports, such as parasailing and yachting. Fishing is another popular pastime. Take your pick from many angling spots, including French Farm Lake and Bois Blanc Island. Seafood is a specialty of the area and many establishments offer the local produce in buffets and seasonal meals. Wine fans should visit Garden Bay Winery, while those with a sweet tooth will love the town’s range of fudge shops. Getting around Mackinaw City is easy as most sites in the village can be reached on foot. Because Mackinaw City is quite small, it’s often a good idea to include side excursions with your visit to the village. Mackinac Island is a quick ride away and is common day trip for visitors, although you might want to stay there for a night or two. Ferries operate regularly during the summer. Wilderness rail trips to Agawa Canyon also make a popular one-day excursion.
Mackinaw City, MI
Reviewed on 4 Jun 2024
Reviewed on 3 Jun 2024
Reviewed on 5 Jun 2024
Reviewed on 20 May 2024
Reviewed on 18 May 2024
Reviewed on 30 Sep 2023
Popular places to visit
Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
You can find out about the history of Mackinaw City when you stop by Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse. Wander the lakeside and beautiful beaches in the area.
Colonial Michilimackinac Park
You can spend time exploring the galleries in Colonial Michilimackinac Park in Mackinaw City. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or seek out the biking trails.
Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal
Explore the waterfront in Mackinaw City with a trip to Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the shops in the area.
Headlands International Dark Sky Park
Explore the great outdoors at Headlands International Dark Sky Park, a lovely green space in Mackinaw City. Wander the lakeside and beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area.
Mackinaw City Dock
Explore the waterfront in Mackinaw City with a trip to Mackinaw City Dock. Amble around this family-friendly area's lakeside and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
Mackinaw Bridge Museum
You can enjoy some culture when you stop by Mackinaw Bridge Museum in Mackinaw City. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the shops in this family-friendly area.
Reviews of Mackinaw City
3/5 - Okay
Overpriced for nothing to do. To many fudge and tshirts shops.
3/5 - Okay
The funniest thing was when my wife & I looked at each other like, "Did we really pay $145 a night for this dump?" we heard the mother of the family in the room next to us exclaim, "Wow, compared to the pictures online - this room SUCKS!" Golden.
5/5 - Excellent
Been through Mackinaw City numerous times. Usually stay there as an over night stop on my way to and from the UP.
5/5 - Excellent
Whoever set up these questions is apparently unaware that many of the attractions asked about are not open in winter. Some we did not visit - but might have in warmer weather - were closed.
4/5 - Good
It’s winter so many facilities are closed. Not a problem for us as we were traveling through.
2/5 - Disappointing
Is nothing to do in Mackinaw City in December. Mackinaw City need business adviser manager ,who can make this city more attractive in December for visitors and tourists. Even Starbucks coffee is closed in this place in December. One restaurant open .
Read travel guides and advice on visiting Mackinaw City
10 of the nation’s smelliest cities
- Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal
- Headlands International Dark Sky Park
- Mackinaw City Dock
- Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
- Mackinaw Bridge Museum
- Colonial Michilimackinac Park
- Jack Pine Lumberjack Show
- Mackinaw Manor Haunted Mansion
- Animal Tracks Adventure Golf
- Mackinaw Heritage Village
- McGulpin Point Lighthouse
- Wawatam Park
- Spy Quest Laser Maze
- Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park
- Lake Michigan
- The Jewel at the Grand Hotel
- Lake Huron
- Star Line Mackinac Island Main Dock - St. Ignace
- Mackinac Bridge
- Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau
- Kewadin Casino - St. Ignace
- The Highlands
- Fort Mackinac
- Castle Rock
- Nub's Nob Ski Area
- The Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House & Insect World
- Arch Rock
- Tunnel of Trees
- Wilderness State Park
- Cheboygan State Park