I have stayed on the island a few times and it’s amazing don’t get me wrong but sometimes it’s just not in the cards. Maybe financially or timeframe wise it just doesn’t work for you or maybe you’re spontaneous like us and you’re only option is a DAY TRIP…Either way I can help you pack as much FUN and as many sights as possible into ONE day.

First, catch the earliest ferry ride as possible to give yourself the most time(We rode StarlineFerry) and bring your own bikes if you can. https://www.mackinacferry.com This way you avoid waiting in line for bike rentals when you arrive. The first thing we did was hit up Starbucks and then we killed sometime cruising around on our bikes while we waited for The Fort to open at 9am. https://www.mackinacparks.com/parks-and-attractions/fort-mackinac/. I highly recommend getting there early to avoid the crowds. We spent about an hour or so wandering around taking pictures and reading up on all the history. The boys were super intrigued especially our oldest who is 10. You could easily spend much more time there.

From there, we hopped on our bikes and rode around the WHOLE island! The views are absolutely breathtaking. I can’t believe I’ve never done that before. By far the BEST part of the trip!! It is 8.2 miles around but don’t be scared away if that seems like a lot. You can stop every 5 minutes and see what you think is the most beautiful scenery ever until you go 5 more minutes and discover it’s even more beautiful LOL. Take your time and enjoy the views! Our boys were 9 & 7 and they did fine. Little mitten rode in a bike seat with dad. So many great places to stop and skip rocks or have a water break. We were thinking we’d go back to The Arch later in the day so we didn’t stop and now I am so bummed. Don’t make that mistake!! https://www.mackinacisland.org/activities/arch-rock/ There is also a really cute little FOOD STAND on the west side of the island where you can see the bridge which is a great place to stop and grab a snack. We went east to west and I think it took us about two hours or so. IMPORTANT: The road around the Island is under construction for 2021 and will not be open the WHOLE way around unfortunately.

Little mitten crashed in his bike seat so I found a rocker that faced the water and let him nap while the boys went and shopped for T-shirt’s and found a restaurant for lunch. Mr.mitten chose Mary’s Bistro and Drought House https://www.marysbistromackinacisland.com which worked out perfect. Family friendly and offered a much needed beer after that bike ride. They also have a pretty sweet deck that faces the water. After lunch we wandered down the Main Street of Mackinac and popped in & out of some shops https://littleluxuriesofmackinac.com which doesn’t last long with three boys so we wound up at the Maze of Mirrors which was actually pretty entertaining. I wasn’t sure if we were ever going to get out. And then the big boys and I went through The Haunts of Mackinac. I’m pretty sure they squeezed the life out of my arm but they said they liked it. Definitely a memory we won’t forget!! The sign says 8 & up and I would agree.

It was around 3pm and mr.mitten had juuuuust about had enough but I convinced everyone to bike up to The Grand Hotel for one last hurrah before we left and it was pretty AMAZING…if you can make it up the big hill. It’s pretty steep! But don’t give up it’s so worth it. https://www.grandhotel.com We walked around outside and the boys were pretty impressed, they were ready to check into the hotel. There’s a super cute ice cream shop and it was high tea so we were able to get a spot out on the wrap around porch and have a cocktail while the kids sipped fancy Shirley temples. I wish I would’ve taken more pictures. It’s absolutely beautiful and I want to go stay there now soooo bad!

After that, I’m not going to lie, even I was exhausted so we hopped on the next ferry out and called it a day! I will never forget that trip, it’s always amazing seeing your kids experience someplace new for the first time and Mackinac Island did not disappoint! Til next time Mackinac Island, I promise we won’t wait as long in-between visits next time. Join my Facebook Group Mom in the Mitten for more FUN things to do on your way to Mackinac Island and Where to Stay & What to do in Mackinac City. https://www.facebook.com/groups/769993353894999/permalink/829704797923854/. https://www.facebook.com/groups/769993353894999/permalink/830279574533043/

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