Downtown Mackinac Island Travel Guide

Mackinac Island

Arch Rock Mackinac Island Michigan USA
Arch Rock Mackinac Island Michigan USA
No motorized vehicles allows on the Island and Amazon packages delivered with horse carriage.
The way out to Mackinac Island is by ferry, and since vehicles aren't allowed on the island, it's best to get there early for parking. The ferry doesn't move overly fast, but you're on open lake water and it's fast enough to stir up quite the wind, so I suggest a warm sweater and/or scarf & hat for the journey out (and especially the journey back in at night). Since the general public isn't allowed a vehicle on the island (never fear, there are service/emergency vehicles and snowmobiles are allowed in the winter), travel around the island will be by bicycle, on foot, or in horse-drawn carriages, such as the one pictured here.
Arch Rock is very aptly named, and it makes for a pretty perfect photo op! The best way to get to it is by taking the horse and carriage tour ride, as this is a stop. If I recall correctly you have about 15 minutes to try to elbow your way past the gathered crowds!

Popular places to visit

Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau

After visiting Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Mackinac Island. Stroll along the waterfront in this family-friendly area or seek out the cycling trails.

Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau

Haunted Theatre

You can browse the exhibits at Haunted Theatre, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to Mackinac Island. Stroll along the lakeside in this family-friendly area or seek out the cycling trails.

Haunted Theatre

Biddle House

You can learn about the history of Mackinac Island with a trip to Biddle House. Amble around this family-friendly area's lakeside or seek out the cycling trails.

Biddle House

Top hotels in Downtown Mackinac Island

Pontiac Lodge

Pontiac Lodge

2.5 out of 5
1376 Hoban St Mackinac Island MI
The price is ฿4,318 per night from 18 Mar to 19 Mar
฿4,318
per night
18 Mar - 19 Mar
Stay at this lodge in Mackinac Island. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, concierge services and cable TV channels. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (442 reviews)
.

Reviewed on 3 Jan 2026

Pontiac Lodge
Bicycle Street Inn

Bicycle Street Inn

3.5 out of 5
7416 Main Street Mackinac Island MI
Stay at this golf hotel in Mackinac Island. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
Room was very clean, bed was comfortable and the view is what made it fantastic.

Reviewed on 17 Nov 2025

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Bicycle Street Inn
Hamilton Inn Select Beachfront Mackinaw City

Hamilton Inn Select Beachfront Mackinaw City

3 out of 5
701 S Huron Avenue Mackinaw City MI
Stay at this beach hotel in Mackinaw City. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,591 reviews)
My family and I had a wonderful stay at the Hamilton. We were only there for one night, but we will definitely be returning for our next Mackinaw adventure. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful throughout our stay. Our room was very clean, and the beds were extremely comfortable. The kids ...

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2026

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Hamilton Inn Select Beachfront Mackinaw City
Breakers Resort & Beach Bar

Breakers Resort & Beach Bar

3.5 out of 5
927 North State Street St Ignace MI
Stay at this beach hotel in St Ignace. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,318 reviews)
Very friendly staff.

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026

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Breakers Resort & Beach Bar
Mission Point Resort

Mission Point Resort

3.5 out of 5
One Lakeshore Drive Mackinac Island MI
Stay at this spa resort in Mackinac Island. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
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Mission Point Resort
Crown Choice Inn & Suites Lakeview & Waterpark

Crown Choice Inn & Suites Lakeview & Waterpark

2.5 out of 5
720 S Huron Ave Mackinaw City MI
The price is ฿2,503 per night from 13 Mar to 14 Mar
฿2,503
per night
13 Mar - 14 Mar
Stay at this beach motel in Mackinaw City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
6.4/10 (1,006 reviews)
Clean room with a great low price, enjoyed my stay there

Reviewed on 4 Mar 2026

Crown Choice Inn & Suites Lakeview & Waterpark
See all 460 properties in Downtown Mackinac Island
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Mackinac Island

Mackinaw Bridge

East Bluff

While visiting East Bluff, you might make a stop by sights like Arch Rock and Fort Mackinac.

East Bluff
skyline of mackinac island with white houses and a white church on lake huron

Harrisonville

If you're spending some time in Harrisonville, Mackinac Island State Park and Lake Huron are top sights worth seeing.

Harrisonville
Beautiful Panoramic Scene of Mackinac Island Michigan and State Harbor Marina

Hubbard's Annex

While visiting Hubbard's Annex, you might make a stop by sights like Mackinac Island State Park and Lake Huron.

Hubbard's Annex

Downtown Mackinac Island Travel Guide