Fly-In to Mackinac Island, Michigan
MI—Mackinac Island is located between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron in the Straits of Mackinac. It’s a popular vacation destination where travelers can walk, ride a bike, or take a horse-drawn carriage. In fact, everything on the island moves via horses, bikes, or feet because cars have been banned on the island since the late 1800s.
Fast Facts About Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island has about 500 year-round residents. However, it receives over 1 million visitors each year, and that’s not surprising. The island is known for its state park, the world’s largest porch, the world’s largest lilac tree, and its many fudge shops.
How to Get to Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island is accessible by boat and plane. If you’re a pilot, you can fly into Mackinac Island Airport (MCD), which is inside the Mackinac Island State Park and maintained by the Mackinac Island State Park Commission. The airport has a paved 3,500-foot runway that’s 75 feet wide. It’s attended from 8 AM until 5 PM during the busy summer months. Pilots can contact the CTAF on 122.7.
The airport has an estimated 30 operations a day. Of those operations, 68 percent are classified as transient general aviation, 32 percent are air taxis, and 1 percent are local general aviation. There is one single-engine aircraft based on the field.
Pilots are encouraged to call the Mackinac taxi service prior to departing for the island to ensure that they have a ride to their final destination. However, Main Street is just a 1.8-mile walk for those who have packed light. It’s important to note that visitors cannot camp at the airport or anywhere on the island. However, there are plenty of places to stay if you plan to be on the island for several days.
Instead of flying, visitors can drive to one of the port cities and take a ferry to the island. Ferry trips typically take about 15 minutes, and vacationers can choose Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry or the Mackinac Island Ferry Company.
Where to Stay on Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island offers plenty of places to stay, from B&Bs to hotels and resorts. You could even choose to stay in a condo. Some favorite places include Above Macinac Condos on Main Street, DeLanglade Condos, Bay View Bed and Breakfast, Clogaun Bed and Breakfast, Bogan Lane Inn, Bicycle Street Inn, Cottage Inn of Mackinac, the Grand Hotel, Downtown Harbor Suites and Penthouse and the Chippewa Hotel Waterfront.
How to Get Around on Mackinac Island
Cars have been banned on Mackinac Island since the late 1800s, about 15 years after the first car was invented. However, that doesn’t mean that the only mode of transportation is your own two feet. The island has over 1,400 bicycles for rent, and you can certainly bring your own bicycle. Visitors can also rent horses and use the horse-drawn carriage taxis. For those who are mobility impaired, electric scooters can be rented.
Fantastic Things To Do on Mackinac Island
There are plenty of things to do on Mackinac Island, from exploring the state park and taking a carriage tour to enjoy the fudge, shopping, and dining. In fact, your first stop might be to one of the popular fudge shops on the island. After all, Mackinac Island goes through more than 10,000 pounds of fudge daily and imports more than 10 tons of Michigan sugar every week during the busy season. Popular fudge shops include Joann’s Fudge, Kilwin’s Chocolate and Fudge Shop, May’s Fudge and Candy Shop and Original Murdick’s Fudge.
Blacksmith’s Shops
Horses are an important part of Mackinac Island. In fact, they are so important that there are two blacksmith shops, Benjamin Blacksmith Shop and Forge a Memory. These blacksmith shops allow visitors to test their forging skills and buy handmade items.
Groceries and Restaurants
Mackinac Island offers plenty of food adventures. If you’ve rented a place with a kitchen, consider visiting Doud’s Market. It was first opened in 1884 and is the oldest grocery store in the United States. Of course, if you don’t feel like cooking, you could stop by Chuckwagon, which is a diner, Fort Mackinac Tea Room, Good Day Cafe, Gate House Restaurant, Great Turtle Brewery, Island Slice Pizzeria, Lucky Bean Coffee House, Mighty Mac Hamburgers or any of the other eateries on the island.
Boutique Shopping
Once you’ve eaten your fill, you might want to walk it off by visiting the island’s shops. The island is home to Benjamin’s Gifts, Great Turtle Toys, Mackinac Paws, which sells doggie gear, Mackinac Outfitter, Poppins on Mackinac Island, which sells handcrafted products, The Island Bookstore and the Skipper Store. The island also has a hardware store.
Mackinac Island State Park
The Mackinac Island State Park encompasses 82 percent of the island and was Michigan’s first state park. Visitors to the state park can visit Fort Mackinac, Marquette Park, the Michigan Governor’s summer residence, Cass Monument, Skull Cave, Fort Holmes, and the British Landing.
Mackinac Island offers plenty to do for pilots and their families. Fly in and spend the day exploring the island, or choose a luxurious place to stay and enjoy the island for a long weekend or family vacation of hiking, biking, boating, horseback riding, and eating fudge.