The Mackinac Blog

Mackinac Island Recreation

Mackinac Island Golf Courses
Grand Hotel Golf Packages   Grand Hotel – The Jewel The Jewel is comprised of the Grand nine, across the street from the hotel; and the Woods nine, set in the interior of Mackinac Island. The Jewel features unparalleled scenic beauty, lush landscaping and meticulously manicured tees, fairways and greens. The Grand nine was [...] more...

Bicycle Rentals on Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island has over 70 miles of paved and unpaved roads and trails criss-crossing and traversing the entire length of the island. One of the most popular activities for visitors is a bicycle ride around the perimeter of the island – approximately an 8-mile trip – with ever-changing views of Lake Huron and chances to [...] more...

Great Turtle Kayak Tours
Premier Paddle & Camping Adventures – Mackinac Island, MI Safe, Fun, Unforgettable! Learn to kayak or paddle board from pros in the calm waters of the Mackinac Island marina and Haldimand Bay,  ~OR~ Explore the natural rock formations, wildlife, and lighthouses of Mackinac Island, Mackinaw City, St. Ignace, Round Island, and Bois Blanc Island on a guided tour. We are [...] more...

Ugly Anne – Straits Area Tour Company
Straits Area Tour Company – Water Tours Aboard Ugly Anne Mackinaw City Cruises Mackinaw City/Mackinac Bridge History Cruise- 5:00pm Daily Learn the history of shipwrecks as you travel over them, local Native American Lore, learn about living in the north country and the maritime history of the area while cruising under the “Mighty” Mackinac Bridge. Get up close to this awe-inspiring [...] more...

Mackinac Island Carriage Tours
Mackinac Island Carriage Tours is the oldest and largest horse and buggy livery in the world and the official tour of Mackinac State Park. Enjoy the narrated tour through downtown to Surrey Hills where you will disembark the two horse hitch to enjoy the carriage museum and or Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory. Then it is onto [...] more...

Cindy’s Riding Stable – Horseback Riding
The “Horse is King” on Mackinac Island, Michigan! Enjoy this lovely and historic island on horseback. Cindy’s Riding Stable provides riding horses and guides to help you enjoy the beautiful trails in the Mackinac State Historic Park. The park covers 2500 acres and 83 miles of roads and trails are perfect for individual horseback riding or [...] more...

Jack’s Livery Stable – Drive Yourself Horse and Buggy
Tour Mackinac Island with your own horse and buggy! Let the horse do the work while your family rides in comfort. The Mackinac Island State Park covers 82% of this beautiful and historic island and we can direct you to a route which will take you along scenic Lake Shore Drive with a panoramic view of [...] more...

Sugar Loaf – Mackinac Island
The dramatic breccia mass rises 75 feet above the ground and is the largest of Mackinac Island’s many limestone stacks.  Centuries ago a huge lake that geologist call Lake Algonquin covered all but the center of Mackinac Island.  Sugar Loaf was then a small, eroding island cut off from the surrounding land area.  When the water [...] more...

Arch Rock on Mackinac Island
Rising 146 feet above the water, Arch Rock is a natural curiosity which spans fifty feet as its widest point.  It was formed over thousands of years by wind and water eroding soft rock below, leaving only the hard breccia rock which forms the arch. East side of island near the shoreline, Located by taking Lake [...] more...

Lawn Games on the Mission Point Great Lawn
Mission Point Resort guests have complimentary access to a variety of lawn games including volleyball, badminton, cornhole, bocce ball and croquet. Mission Point also is home to a tennis court with rackets and tennis balls available. All games can be checked out from the bike rental stand on property. Visit Lawn Games on the Mission Point Great Lawn [...] more...

Recreation Events

Mackinac Island Fort2Fort Five Mile Challenge – May 11, 2024
[ May 11, 2024; ] The 2024 Fort2Fort Five Mile Challenge will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024, beginning with the sound of the musket at 9:00 am. Runners and walkers will start inside Fort Mackinac, then through the Sally Port gate to the racecourse ahead. All proceeds help support the Mackinac Historic State Parks! There will also [...] more...

Zoo-de-Mackinac – May 17, 18 & 19, 2024
[ May 17, 2024 to May 19, 2024. ] The Zoo-de-Mackinac is a weekend of huge parties with great bands, one of the most scenic bicycle rides in the country, a lot of sunshine, views of the mighty Mackinac Bridge, and one magical island. This is Not a Race! The Zoo-de-Mackinac is a collection of outdoor enthusiasts (2,500-4,000) who want to enjoy a little physical exercise [...] more...

Lilac Festival Run & Walk – June 8, 2024
[ June 8, 2024; ] Join us on Saturday, June 8, 2024, to kick off the 76th Mackinac Island Lilac Festival with a great morning race to enjoy the early season beauty on the Island. The course will provide you with the tree-covered paved roads through the center of the Island, and tremendous lake views with the [...] more...

Mackinac 8 Mile Road Race – September 7, 2024
[ September 7, 2024; ] Race Start Time is 9:30 am! End your Summer with the Mackinac 8 Mile Road Race Join us for the 53rd anniversary of this exciting, summer-ending event. You will experience Mackinac Island in one of the oldest and most scenic races in Michigan. The Island is a unique destination that can only be reached by ferry. Step [...] more...

Grand Hotel – Late Summer Michigan Golf Live Package – September 8 – 10, 2024
[ September 8, 2024 to September 10, 2024. ] For something different, something fun, tee up the vacation of a lifetime with our Late Summer Michigan Golf Live Package. Named for the state’s leading golf program, Michigan Golf Live, show host Bill Hobson coordinates this special event — complete with three days of unlimited golf on The Jewel, prize giveaways, private evening receptions, a [...] more...

Mackinac Island Great Turtle Trail Run – October 26, 2024
[ October 26, 2024; ] This year marks the 28th running of one of the most scenic trail events in the state.  Join over 2200 participants running and walking the inside trails of Mackinac Island during the last open weekend of the season. Great Swag!  Our 2024 is not yet determined but this race is known for its swag and you [...] more...

2023 Bayview Mackinac Race – July 15 – 18, 2023
[ July 15, 2023 to July 18, 2023. ] The Bayview Mackinac Race - which will begin on Saturday, July 15, 2023 – is recognized as one of the most challenging freshwater boat races in the world. Join the excitement of the Port Huron to Mackinac Race as boat racers sail Michigan's Great Lakes to reach their final destination, Mackinac Island. It’s all Pure Michigan [...] more...

Chicago Yacht Club – Race to Mackinac – July 21 – 25, 2023
[ July 21, 2023 to July 25, 2023. ] Sailors from 15 different U.S. states as well as Ontario, Switzerland, and as far off as Hong Kong, are preparing for the race of a lifetime – the 333 mile Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, presented by Wintrust. The Mac, as it is affectionately known, kicks off Friday, July 21, 2023 (cruising division) and [...] more...

THE 2023 ANNUAL MACKINAC BRIDGE WALK – September 4, 2023
[ September 4, 2023; 7:00 am; ] Mackinac Bridge Live Cams Mackinac Bridge Webcams - North Mackinac Bridge Webcams - South <> The 2023 Annual Bridge Walk is currently scheduled for Monday, Sept. 4, 2023. Any updates will be posted here as the event approaches. The Mackinac Bridge will be closed to public traffic from 6:30 a.m. to noon on Monday, Sept. 4, 2023 to accommodate the [...] more...

Mackinac Island – Twilight Turtle Trek – January 13, 2024
[ January 13, 2024; 5:30 pm; ] Mackinac Island Turtle Trek – A lantern-lit ski and snowshoeing trek through some of Mackinac Island’s natural winter wonderland. The trail begins at Greany Grove (corner of Arch Rock Road and Huron Road) with a bonfire and hot chocolate. The trail is groomed, track set, lit by lanterns and approximately two miles long. This is a free event sponsored by Mackinac State Historic Parks, Mackinac Island Community Foundation and the Mackinac Island Ski Club. more...

Mackinac Island – Twilight Turtle Trek – February 3, 2024
[ February 3, 2024; 5:30 pm; ] A lantern-lit ski and snowshoeing trek through some of Mackinac Island’s natural winter wonderland. The trail begins at Greany Grove (corner of Arch Rock Road and Huron Road) with a bonfire and hot chocolate. The trail is groomed, track set, lit by lanterns and approximately two miles long. This is a free event sponsored by Mackinac State [...] more...

Mackinac Island – Twilight Turtle Trek – March 2, 2024
[ March 2, 2024; 5:30 pm; ] A lantern-lit ski and snowshoeing trek through some of Mackinac Island’s natural winter wonderland. The trail begins at Greany Grove (corner of Arch Rock Road and Huron Road) with a bonfire and hot chocolate. The trail is groomed, track set, lit by lanterns and approximately two miles long. This is a free event sponsored by Mackinac State [...] more...

Mackinac Island Turkey Trot – November 22, 2018
[ November 22, 2018; 9:30 am; ] The 8th ANNUAL TURKEY TROT is scheduled for Thanksgiving Day! This 5k event is not timed and you can run, walk, or bike your way from the corner of Main Street and Fort Street at 9:30 am to the finish at Mustang Lounge. The entry fee is in the form of a non-perishable food item that will [...] more...

10th Annual Round Island Lighthouse Open House – July 9, 2016 – (Canceled)
[ July 9, 2016; 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. ] Come visit us at the Annual Round Island Lighthouse Open House on the second Saturday of July. Transportation from Mackinac Island is available by private fare. more...

2010 Mackinac Island Stone Skipping Tournament – Photos and Video
Guinness Book Record holder Russ “Rock Bottom” Byars won the 2010 Mackinac Island Stone Skipping Tournament with a throw of 30 skips. Second place went to Todd “Mussels” Callewaert with 26 skips & rounding out 3rd was Glenn “Hard Luck” Loy with a 22 skips.   (Click on photos for slideshow view.)     (Note: Video is the third round [...] more...

Mackinac Island – Where The Butterflies Dance
by Michael Wetzel (Editors Note: In 1992, Michael Wetzel interviewed Doug Beardsley, founder of the Original Butterfly House, and wrote this article which he used it for his Masters thesis. It wonderfully captures the spirit of the Butterfly House. Reprinted with permission of the author.) As I linger among the multiple pastels of historic homes and guesthouses, [...] more...

The Jewel – 18 Scenic, Playable Holes of Golf
The Jewel is comprised of the Grand nine, across the street from the hotel; and the Woods nine, set in the interior of Mackinac Island. The Jewel features unparalleled scenic beauty, lush landscaping and meticulously manicured tees, fairways and greens. The Grand nine was built in 1901 and redesigned in 1987 by prominent golf course architect, [...] more...

Spring Daffodils along the Vita Course at Grand Hotel
Spring is taking hold of Mackinac Island… Take a virtual, youtube stroll along the Vita Course Trail at Grand Hotel and enjoy the daffodils in bloom… What follows May daffodils on the island? Lilacs in bloom in June… it won’t be long now. . Visit Grand Hotel Website >>>> more...

Wawashkamo Golf Club
Rich in history and tradition, the Wawashkamo Golf Club on Mackinac Island, Michigan offers a special golfing experience for members and the public. The historic course was designed by Scottish golf pro Alex Smith in 1898 and is one of the few remaining links courses in America. Named by members of the Island’s Anishinabe or Chippewa Indians, [...] more...

Mission Point Resort – The Greens of Mackinac 18-hole Putting Course
The Greens of Mackinac Putting Course offers a truly unique putting experience with 18 real bentgrass greens and beautiful views of the Straits of Mackinac. At dusk, the course transforms for Glow Golf with glow-in-the-dark golf balls, golf flag poles and neon glowsticks. Don’t forget to stop by Bistro on the Greens for a to-go beverage to [...] more...

The Summer Crew starts arriving on the Island
Here’s a video from April 2008 of the annual task of transporting the horses over to the island and getting them ready for the summer… (youtube video courtesy of PNRnews) more...

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