10 Best Things to Do in Mackinaw City

Colonial Michilimackinac is a living history museum and state park honoring and showcasing what life was like in the early 18th century. It's on the site of Fort Michilimackinac, which was erected by the French in 1715 and stood as a trading post and tactical station for military officers, as well as a meeting place for explorers setting off to explore the western regions of North America.

In 1909, the area became a state park, and today, it's a place to learn all about those early colonial days through costumed reenactments, restored buildings, and programs. It's located on the northwest of the island, right on the shores of the lake.

Headlands International Dark Sky Park offers over 550 acres of wooded trails, miles of lake shoreline, dozens of rare plants, wildlife viewing, and unparalleled stargazing opportunities. The park was established during the 1950s and quickly became a popular destination for viewing wildlife such as coyotes, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, osprey, and bald eagles. The nature trails attract cross-country skiers, hikers, bikers, and other outdoor adventurers.

As a designated International Dark Sky Park, it's protected from light pollution, so it will always offer stunning views of the stars. The park is just a 10-minute drive west from downtown Mackinaw City.

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse is a historic structure that offers a panoramic view of the junction of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. The lighthouse and light station were built in 1889 and served as an important beacon up to 1957.

Today, visitors can check out the museum on-site that chronicles the lighthouse's history, climb the tower to get a view of the lakes, and shop in the museum gift shop to find a souvenir of the trip to Mackinac. The lighthouse is located on the northern end of the shoreline, only a few minutes from central downtown.

Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park is a state park and nature preserve featuring a historic sawmill, archaeological sites, and pristine nature trails to hike and explore. The site began as a sawmill that was vital to the region's economy, but around 1839, the demand fell off and the sawmill was abandoned. In the 1970s, archaeological excavations occurred here, and the sawmill was rebuilt in the 1980s.

The park offers the opportunity to walk back in time and to engage in wildlife viewing along 3.5 miles of well-maintained nature trails. The park is just a 7-minute drive southeast along the shoreline from downtown.

Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum offers you the chance to get aboard a real ice-breaking vessel on the Great Lakes and learn about local maritime history. The vessel itself, the USCGC Mackinaw, spans 290 feet and is known as the largest icebreaker on the Great Lakes and was given the title the Queen of the Great Lakes.

The Mackinaw is a US Coast Guard vessel and part of a museum that offers artifacts, documents, and exhibits in addition to boat tours of the lakes and around the island. It's located on a pier on the Great Lakes, just 4 minutes from the center of downtown.

McGulpin Point Lighthouse & Historic Site offers stunning views of the lakes from McGulpin Point from the top of a 19th-century tower. The lighthouse was built in 1869 and it's modeled after 2 other iconic lighthouses at Chambers Island and Eagle Bluff.

The lighthouse stood unused for over 100 years until it re-opened in 2009 as a historic point of interest. Today, it offers a panoramic photo opportunity and a museum tracing the history of the site. You can find the lighthouse in the heart of downtown Mackinaw, along Headlands Road.

Mackinaw Crossings is an outdoor shopping area that offers more than 50 specialty shops, dining, attractions, and a variety of outdoor and indoor entertainment for the entire family. This complex features a playground for kids, a rock-climbing wall, and nightly laser shows at no cost whatsoever.

Additionally, you'll find a wealth of casual dining options and a range of shopping experiences, and there's plenty to occupy the whole family for a day out on the town. You can find the ideal souvenir or gift, grab a kite to fly on the beach, pick up homemade fudge, or even check out local artwork. It's located in the heart of downtown for easy access.

The Mackinaw City Marina is the place to watch ships come into port, rent bicycles, take the dog for a run, or enjoy a boater's lounge and patio. Boat owners heading out on the Great Lakes frequent this port to get service and buy supplies. You can also plug in to get electricity on your boat if you're planning to stay in the port during your visit. WiFi is available for visitors, as are refueling facilities and showers.

Even for those who don't have boats, this is a great place to come for a view of the lakes and an ideal spot to relax and play. The marina is about a 6-minute walk northeast of the center of downtown.