10 Best Things to Do in Mackinac Island

Carriage tours are a great way to see everything Mackinac Island has to offer, from stunning geological formations to iconic architecture, all from a horse-drawn carriage. Many of these tours are pet friendly, so you can often even bring your dog along (though larger dogs may require purchasing an extra ticket).

You can also book a wedding carriage if you're planning on an island wedding, and you can use the carriages as island taxis to get around the island with an air of excitement and romance not found in other means of transportation. Your tours can be booked from right in the heart of downtown.

Sugar Loaf Rock is a stunning rock formation that rises 75 feet in the air and is among the largest geologic formations of its kind in the region. Many people journey here to catch a photo of the rock and witness the power of nature. It's also part of a national park along the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, and it was, in fact, first described by Clark in 1804.

The rock can only be photographed from a distance since the bottom end of it is part of the local prison and the top overlooking it is on private property. Sugar Loaf Rock is located just about a minute's drive east from the center of downtown.

Arch Rock is a huge and majestic natural rock formation that towers over driving, hiking, and biking paths and has an important connection to Native American mythology. It's among the most popular attractions on the island and is located across the island to the east of downtown. The arch rises 146 feet above the water and spans 50 feet at the widest point.

It was eroded to its current arch form over thousands of years, and local Native American tribes ascribe many powers and legends—both beneficial and harmful—to the rock. Regardless, the sight is nothing short of majestic.

Sainte Anne's Catholic Church is a stunning example of Victorian-era architecture and an important spiritual landmark, as it's the oldest Catholic church in Michigan. The church was highly controversial when it was built here in 1874 and dedicated, as the Dominicans who were the dominant order did not agree with Anne's canonization.

Stained glass windows in the building date to the 1920s and 1930s, and the basement holds a public museum dedicated to the history of both the church and the island. It's located in the heart of the city's downtown area.

The Greens of Mackinac is a miniature-golf course that offers 18 holes of putting with genuine grass greens, glow golf, and a bistro where you can grab a meal. Uniquely, The Greens of Mackinac doesn't feature windmills and quirky puzzles; the course is 18 holes of putting on differently shaped greens with angles, hills, and challenging putts.

After dark, the park holds glow-golf events that let you try your hand at putting without light, but with glowing balls. The Bistro on The Greens allows you not only to relax with a good meal, but also to grab a drink that you're allowed to carry with you. It's located on Main Street, right in downtown.

The Michigan Governor's Summer Residence offers gorgeous photo opportunities and the opportunity to visit a period-accurate 1902 mansion. This National Register of Historic Places building was originally the Lawrence A. Young Cottage and is located at the junction of Fort Hill and Huron Roads. Built in 1902, this 3-story structure sits on a bluff that overlooks the Straits of Mackinac and is still furnished in period style.

Guided tours of the residence are available all summer long, so you can take a walk back into the past of this scenic island and catch a photograph of the view from the bluff.

The Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House and Insect World features hundreds of colorful butterflies and a lush tropical garden spread over 1,800 square feet. Here, you'll see species of butterfly in every size and color flying freely among light music and flowing water. Attached to the open butterfly garden is an Education Room that will teach you all about the ecology of butterflies, and it has a room where you can watch caterpillars metamorphose into butterflies as they emerge from their chrysalises.

The Insect World attraction offers different bug species from all over the world, including stick bugs that are 16 inches long. It's located right in downtown.

Fort Mackinac is the remains of a historic fort that once protected the island and housed soldiers and their families, and it now offers a museum and antique weapons displays. The site holds 14 different historical buildings, among which you can find the oldest building in the entire state of Michigan.

As you explore the museum, costumed guides will tell you about the lives of those who lived here. Included are documents, artifacts, and unique weapons from the 19th century. Children will love the wealth of interactive, hands-on exhibits that spark their creativity while teaching them. The fort and museum are located just north of the city on Huron Road.

The Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum offers examples of art inspired by the island from ancient Native American through the 20th century and beyond. The museum houses the works of William H. Gardiner, including a collection of hand-tinted photos from the early 20th century.

It also features collections of Great Lakes maps from the 17th and 18th centuries, Victorian decorative art, hand-beaded Native American costumes, and other historic arts and crafts. The museum features regular rotating temporary exhibits, showcases current artists, and even maintains an art studio for kids. It's located right in the heart of downtown.

Shop on Main Street in Mackinac to experience all of the shopping, dining, and vibrant nightlife you could want, all in the central business district of the city. Along this street, you'll find everything from big-name retailers to small mom-and-pop boutique stores. You can grab a drink at a local café or a meal at a white-tablecloth, sit-down gourmet eatery.

You can head for a local pub and enjoy craft cocktails or brews and party the night away. Many of the bars host live music performed nightly by local and national acts. It's all located right in the heart of downtown Mackinac.