Mackinac Island 2-Day Trip

A visit to Mackinac Island is like stepping into a time machine and going back to the Victorian era. Since Mackinac is an island there are only two ways to get there - by boat or by air. Travelers won’t hear the roar of car engines or bus horns honking as visitors to Mackinac Island are transported in horse-drawn carriages. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the island. Enjoy the smog free air and the slow, easy lifestyle even if it is for only a day or two. A short visit to the Soo Locks will bring the visit to this Victorian community up to date with a time tested method of transportation on Lake Superior.

Ferry Ride from the mainland to Mackinac Island.

There are several reputable companies that can transport individuals or groups to the island. Each of the ferry companies run on a pre set schedule so it is easy to plan the trip to spend a day or more on the island. Simply choose the departure site of either Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, MI, and once you board the ferry settle in for an interesting 16 minute ride to Mackinac Island. Most ferries run May 1 through October 25 as that is the tourist season. Many of the locals close their shops and batten down the hatches during the off season.

Horse Drawn Carriage Ride

Since you have stepped back in time and are in the Victorian era lifestyle on Mackinac Island when you aren’t walking you can ride a bike or horse, hike or ride in a carriage drawn by a horse. There are over 600 horses on the island and they are beloved pets as well as fellow workers. Mackinac Island boasts the oldest and largest horse and buggy livery in the world. Your carriage ride will be a narrated tour through the downtown nearby neighborhoods and stops at Fort Mackinac and Grand Hotel. You will be driven in true Victorian Mackinac style.

Fort Mackinac

This living history lets you experience a fort occupied by 18th-century British Redcoats and later by American soldiers.

Mackinac Island State Park

Natural formations, a treasured island, and a Native American heritage are all part of this amazing State Park and Mackinac Island experience.

Island Shopping and Sight Seeing

Spend the morning shopping and purchasing souvenirs before you leave the island today. Be sure to visit Island Scrimhander where the art of engraving on ivory or bone is kept alive. There are five fudge shops with several locations each and all offer free samples. Wander through all four malls on the Island. Surrey Hills, the Lilac Tree Mall, the Horse Corral Mall and the Carrousel Shops. All will find something to take home.

Ferry to Mainland

Soo Locks Cruise

Experience the world’s largest waterway traffic system on earth and Michigan’s oldest city on this fascinating cruise.

Group Name *
Contact Name *
Group Size
Contact Email *
Day Phone *
Destination
Trip Duration

Fort Mackinac

Mackinac Island State Park

Soo Locks Cruise

Other Tours you may be Interested in: Dearborn Michigan Black History Tour, Isle Royale Michigan Eco Tour