This is the Mackinac Island trip we sell as a mini guide on Etsy. The PDF holds the maps, a trip plan and a checklist. This page is the sourced web version: a short look at Fort Mackinac, Arch Rock, downtown and how the park says people reach the island. Building dates and boat times belong on the park and the carrier, not here.

The full place page is Mackinac Island State Park.

Fort Mackinac

The fort sits on the bluff above the town and Haldimand Bay. Mackinac State Historic Parks says the oldest building in Michigan is here, with 13 other historic structures, and that all fourteen buildings are restored and open in season. 4 Two entrances are named: the South Sally Port from the ramp off Fort Street, and the North Sally Port off Huron Road. The address is 7127 Huron Road, Mackinac Island, Michigan, 49757. 4 Costumed interpreters, a cannon demonstration and walking tours are part of a typical open day. Seasonal dates belong on the Fort page. 34

Arch Rock

Arch Rock is one of the limestone landmarks the state park lists, with Sugarloaf Rock, British Landing and Fort Holmes. 1 The Milliken Nature Center sits at the arch. The park gives the address as 6131 Arch Rock Road. 1 You get there on foot, by bike, by horse or by carriage. Some trails are shared with horses. 1

Downtown

The park visitor center is downtown at 7165 Main Street, across from Marquette Park. 12 Start there when it is open. The fort page also points visitors to historic downtown buildings the parks manage, including Biddle House and the Mackinac Art Museum. Those sites follow their own seasonal calendar. 4

More than 80 percent of the island is state park land. Sites are reached without cars: on foot, by bike, horse, buggy, sightseeing carriage or horse-drawn taxi. The park has 70.5 miles of signed roads and trails. 1

Getting to the island

The island is reached by ferry or by airplane. 12 The Mackinac Island Airport, run by the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, has a 3,500-foot paved runway and is open year-round. The park says it is the only link with the mainland in the coldest part of winter. 12 Ferry names, docks and times belong on the carrier you choose. This page does not copy them.

Tips

  • The park itself is open every day of the year. Buildings and historic sites are not. Use the seasonal hours page. 13
  • Give horses room on shared trails. 1
  • The printed mini guide is the plan you carry. This page is only the sourced overview.

Safety

Trails, stairs and limestone overlooks are uneven. This page does not report today's wind or which buildings are open. Read the place page, the state park page and the seasonal hours page before you go. 13