Mackinac Island/City

[adventure_woman]

(I am almost ashamed to say I live in MI and have only been to Mackinac once when I was 14!)

Anyway, we are going there for a wedding. Spending 2 nights in Mackinaw City and 2 nights on the island. I need advice - I'm not finding it nearly as fun to plan this mini vacation as Disney. (Maybe cause we are almost spending as much on 4 days as we do at Disney! ).

We have our hotels figured out. We are driving up to Taquamenn Falls one day. I have another day for the City and then we'll take the Ferry over in the am and spend 2 1/2 days on the island.

What are the must dos? Any places to find coupons? We have our 6 and 3 year old DDs with us, and I am planning on bringing our bikes to island (with the pull behind trailer for the little one). I don't think we're going to do the Butterfly house - we go see the butterfly's in Grand Rapids.

What forts should we go to? The one in the City and the one on the Island? Best place for fudge? How about eating on the island (and the city).

 

[antmaril]

Darrow's Family Restaurant in Mackinaw City is very good. Affordable family dining with great food. Very casual - great with the kids. Nonna's in Mackinaw City has good pizza. More atmosphere than Darrow's, but still a family place.

Have fun!

 

[Narnia_girl]

We had a wonderful vacation on Mackinac Island, but didn't have our kids with us. Since we didn't have them, I didn't pay a lot of attention to kids' activities. We did rent bikes and went around the whole island.


You asked about best fudge? I did the same when we took a local tour. The tour guide said "now you're getting political!"

 

[maxiesmom]

Darrow's Family Restaurant in Mackinaw City is very good. Affordable family dining with great food. Very casual - great with the kids. Nonna's in Mackinaw City has good pizza. More atmosphere than Darrow's, but still a family place.

Have fun!

I agree with both of these recommendations! But be warned, Darrow's always has a line out the door! But the food is very good and worth the wait.

All of the resorts in Mackinaw City will have all sorts of coupon booklets by their main desks. Do you already have your hotels booked? If not, mackinaw-city.com is a great web site. And you can usually get things like discounted ferry tickets though it as well.

We always eat at the same place on the island. I can't for the life of me remember what it is called, but it is not right on the main road. It is to the left as you get off of the ferry, and up a little bit on the right hand side of one of the roads. They have very good burgers there! Also, if you are planning on doing the Fort, they have a nice little cafe there now too. And the view from there is amazing!

Have a great time! I'm jealous!!!

 

[Fire14]

I personally like kilwins fudge and could go for some chocolate cherry nut please, I'll swing by and pick it up in kzoo I have no idea of name of place but I always liked pizza place with upstairs that had mini bridge museum. I will ask my BFF if she has any suggestions for you.

 

[sweetdana]

(I am almost ashamed to say I live in MI and have only been to Mackinac once when I was 14!)

Anyway, we are going there for a wedding. Spending 2 nights in Mackinaw City and 2 nights on the island. I need advice - I'm not finding it nearly as fun to plan this mini vacation as Disney. (Maybe cause we are almost spending as much on 4 days as we do at Disney! ).

We have our hotels figured out. We are driving up to Taquamenn Falls one day. I have another day for the City and then we'll take the Ferry over in the am and spend 2 1/2 days on the island.

What are the must dos? Any places to find coupons? We have our 6 and 3 year old DDs with us, and I am planning on bringing our bikes to island (with the pull behind trailer for the little one). I don't think we're going to do the Butterfly house - we go see the butterfly's in Grand Rapids.

What forts should we go to? The one in the City and the one on the Island? Best place for fudge? How about eating on the island (and the city).

So 1) it isn't as much fun as Disney.
2) I know you said no on the butterfly house.. but it is the only reason I would visit the island again. and I MEAN THE ONLY reason. It is not like any butterfly house I have ever visited. .. If you go, it gets busy, but stay for a while, don't rush out.

3) do not do the re-enactment it is lame.(that was the big fort I forgot the name of it.) (Maybe it is your cup of tea, but we felt like we wasted a bunch of $$ on it, and it was a field with people in costumes. The rooms to look into were not work looking at. (and the "show" was boring.)

4) I think there is fudge at every shop on the island and in mackinaw city.. I am not sure there is a better one.. I think they are pretty much the same. We did enjoy the fudge and an ice cream shoppe, but I don't remember which one

We ate at 2 different places stayed 2 days.. neither were worth writing about 1 was a bar-ish place and 1 was Italian. BOTH were inline with CRT prices, and the food was passable, but not wow-able).

Also 2 days was too much time, we went an enjoyed the water park hotel we stayed at more, due to there was just not wow/pizazz/ stuff going on. It might have been different without kids. We would have liked to visit more shops, but we have at the time a 1 yr old a 2 yr old, and a 6 yr old (and 1 pregnant SIL. I think there was 12 or so in all. )

Unless you are HUGE bikers a lot is spread out and 1 day you will still need to take the carriages. Although some things are walking/biking, many would not be for a 3/6 yr old. I would do bikes 1 day if you are bringing them anyway, and the other day do the father things with the carriage ride.

I would put a # of yrs in before we go again, I would like to take my now DD1 to the butterfly house at maybe 5. other than that I cannot imagine spending the same $$ as a Disney trip to go there. As it is more on many levels.

HAVE FUN AT THE WEDING!

 

[cjnix29]

Joann's Fudge is the best!!! I'm pretty picky about my fudge, and that stuff is the closest thing to my mom's, and that is saying something!!! We like the fort on the island better than the one on the mainland.

 

[marius97]

Hey almost neighbor!!! A bit out of your way on the way up or down, but the most beautiful place I've ever been is Sleeping Bear Dunes outside of Traverse City. Blows out of the water the great dunes we have here in SW Michigan.

Don't forget your nose plugs for the local "aroma." DW and I still talk about that one aspect of our honeymoon 15 years ago.

 

[Andeevan]

If think the 2 forts are pretty different and enjoy them both, but if you only want to do one I would pick the one on the Island. Definitely do the carriage ride, it was really fun and you get to see a lot of the Island.

 

[adventure_woman]

Thank you everyone for your advice! If we weren't paying so much to stay on the island for 2 nights, I think I wouldn't be having a such a hard time. But, it is for my DH's best friend and with the girls, it is truly the best option.

Keep the ideas coming! =)

 

[wiigirl]

Joann's Fudge is the best!!! I'm pretty picky about my fudge, and that stuff is the closest thing to my mom's, and that is saying something!!! We like the fort on the island better than the one on the mainland.

 

[butiflfeet]

I've only spent time on the island but I would highly recommend the carriage ride to start off with. DH and I really enjoyed listening to a bit of the history of the island.

Keep in mind it will be much more laid back than a Disney World vacation so just be prepared for that. We had lots of fun hiking the trails and riding bikes around the island. And sitting on the porch of the Grand Hotel with a cocktail was definitely a highlight of our last trip there. I love my Disney World vacations but I can't wait to get back to Mackinac Island for some relaxation!

 

[Fire14]

Joann's Fudge is the best!!! I'm pretty picky about my fudge, and that stuff is the closest thing to my mom's, and that is saying something!!! We like the fort on the island better than the one on the mainland.

that is one my BFF suggested. I liked fort on Island also and carriage ride was fun.

 

[OhMari]

Some Disney facts.
All the carriages are made on the Mackinaw Island and brought back from WDW and Disney Land to be fixed or restored. The carriage house is up by the Grand Hotel.
While we walked down one of the side roads from the Grand Hotel,
we saw a fence and it had a hidden Mickey.
Apparently the home owners love Disney and they have a few touches in their garden and on the fence.

Rent a bike and ride around the island. I think it is 8 miles, but there are a lot of places to stop and take a break.
The Grand Hotel charges around $10-$15 to enter the premises.

 

[schoen]

I really enjoy the Yankee Rebel Tavern for dinner and Pink Pony for lunch. I am also a big fan of Mary's Bistro, especially their patio, it is fun to watch the ferries come in and out. By far the best hamburger I have had on the island was at the Chuckwagon, and they have fabulous breakfasts there as well. The restaurant at the Island House hotel (i believe it is called the 1812 Room) has a spectacular view, but my food was NOT even sort of good. For a quick meal I like the Mighty Mac Burger place. If you head to the back room of the restaurant it is usually empty, and has a surprisingly nice view! I have had decent meals and terrible meals at Seabiscuit.

In the morning, I highly recommend letting your spouse and kids sleep in and head out for a morning walk along the shoreline. The benches that overlook the lake and the bridge are my happy place. I like to head out on the main street in the direction of the Grand Hotel as opposed to Mission Point. There is a boardwalk, but just beyond the boardwalk the island is silent except for the occasional horse clopping and the lake.. It is just lovely and tranquil. This activity is really best done alone so it might not work with your family!

We did one of the carriage tours, and I really enjoyed that. It took me to many places that I had never seen on Mackinac Island, and was pretty educational.

If your kids like "fancy" stuff than high tea at the Grand Hotel is a fun experience. You don't have to be a guest. I would at the very least visit the porch and get some ice cream at the new ice cream shop at the Grand, that porch is a pretty special place.

As a kid, I remember loving the Mackinaw City Fort. As an adult, I found the island fort sort of dull, but worth doing once.

I love just shopping on the island too! There is a store there called Nephew's that is just fabulous, and really pretty affordable. I have bought a lot of great costume jewelry there, and even some fun, and affordable clutches. Only problem with shopping on the island is that you do have to make sure you like it, because taking something back is a pain!

My girlfriend and I just had a nice morning of walking toward the Mission Point Resort, we walked just a little ways past the resort. On the way back we stopped at the little cafe at the Bay View B&B and we had coffee and scones and enjoyed a fantastic view.

You can rent horses to ride on horseback, or carriages to drive yourself. I have always wanted to do that.

Biking around the island is always fun, and it took me longer than I anticipated.

I work on the island in the spring for about a week each year and my husband has several conferences there each year. I spend A LOT of time up there and I LOVE it. I have already been twice this year, and have two more trip scheduled! It is not for everyone though. My DH is not looking forward to our upcoming trips, and he is always eager to take the very first ferry off the island!

 

[maxiesmom]

Rent a bike and ride around the island. I think it is 8 miles, but there are a lot of places to stop and take a break.

I want to clarify this statement: There are lots of places to stop and rest, and take some beautiful pictures. However, there is only ONE restroom stop on the way around the island. And that doesn't even have a water fountain! So make sure you "go" before you start your ride, and that you bring your own water, and maybe some trail mix with you. Many of the bike rental places will provide you with water.

Oh, and if you like to golf, bring your clubs. You can do that on the island too!

 

[CluelessDisFan]

I know I live in Ohio now but, I'm a true Michigander born, and raised I promise! I love Mama Mia's in Mackinaw city. Order your pizza then head up stairs to look around at the Mackinac Bridge museum, free of charge. Also, on the island there are a few bike paths, one goes around the island it's okay, not too strenuous. The ones that go through the island are much better, but require going up one big hill and down a few little ones. The hike/ride up is well worth it! It's beautiful up there. You can enjoy Sugarloaf, and Arch rock from above the Straits of Mackinac is really pretty. Far prettier then from below. Get a bell for your bikes, use it to let people know you're behind them or coming around a corner. My personal opinion, you can get fudge anywhere, and is all the same. Go with the best deal you find.

Also if you have time drive M-119 along lake Michigan through the "Tunnel of Trees" it's a beautiful drive, it takes you down to Harbor Springs. It's a 30-40 min drive from Mackinaw City. Make sure you enjoy some Tom's Mom's cookies down there, they are the best cookies you'll ever taste! They have some great shopping, and a public beach where you can enjoy the bay. Have a great trip!

 

[3BoysRDisneyFreaks]

Pink pony and the chuckwagon are must eats. Pony for dinner and chuckwagon for any meal. But you should plan on eating at an off time for chuck due to popularity. Island is relaxing. My kids loved the fort.

 

[cjnix29]

Ok, have to second the Tunnel of Trees drive and TOMS MOMS COOKIES!!! We just tried these for the first time last week. Holy cow are they good! I normally will not eat a cookie after first day after it was baked, but for some reason these were still just good on day two and three. They are awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[pearlieq]

While we walked down one of the side roads from the Grand Hotel,
we saw a fence and it had a hidden Mickey.
Apparently the home owners love Disney and they have a few touches in their garden and on the fence.

Just got back from Mackinac on Monday. We had a lovely 4th of July weekend there.

We saw the Disney house! It's on Hoban street on a little pedestrian/bicycle only inlet between Market Street and Main Street. They have a lovely garden with rubber ducks hidden inside with a guide posted on the fence for kids to spot them.

Another Disney connection: I'd bet my bottom dollar the person who does the safety speech on the Shepler's ferry also does some of the Disney safety audios. It's the same voice and he slips and says "cast members" in regards to the ferry crew. It was a fun touch of Disney!

Fort Mackinac on the island is very well done. The buildings are well preserved and so interesting to see. There's lots of places for kids to look around and explore.

Bike riding around the island would be fun, but keep in mind there are some very steep/hilly patches, especially as you go inland. Pace yourselves and enjoy the scenery.

Jack's Livery Stable lets you rent a horse and carriage to take a self-guided tour around the island. It's kind of a kick to drive your own horse, but they can also provide a driver/guide if you'd prefer not.

There's a nice park at the end of Main Street, with a kite shop and a nice beach for wading. If you walk up by the little library and follow the signs for the accessible entrance you'll find a lovely deck with Adirondack chairs that has a perfect view of the beach, bridge, and Round Island lighthouse. The library is only open a few hours, but the deck is available at all times.

Chuckwagon was by far our favorite restaurant. Their breakfast was excellent and their burgers were amazing. The place is tiny, but they're happy to do carryout as well as eat-in.

Goodfellas' was nice, but a bit pricey. However, their large pizzas are just under $20 and would easily feed 2 adults and 2 younger kids. The pizza was very high quality as well.

Right next to the Star Line ferry and bike rental shop, across from the Lakeview Hotel, there's a little snack bar with a blue-and-white striped awning. They offer $2.00 slushes which was quite inexpensive by island standards and so nice on a sunny day. They also have delicious Walking Tacos for $3.75 that made a nice hearty snack/light lunch.

As for fudge, we were partial to Sanders. They also had very high quality candies and delicious ice creams (Cherry Amaretto Mackinac Fudge was my favorite!). Most of the places offer free samples, so feel free to just parade up and down Main Street and taste everything until you find what you like.