Mackinac Island, Michigan
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Mackinac (pronounced mack-ih-naw) Island sits in the middle of Lake Huron, right in between the lower and upper peninsulas of Michigan. It’s a small island with a lot of history. It’s also only accessible by ferry. When you come into port, you’re welcomed by a quaint, idyllic little Main Street, but the island is so much more than that.
You won’t be able to bring your RV to Mackinac Island. Don’t take that personally, though, because the island doesn’t allow cars of any kind. In fact, the only motorized vehicle on the island is a fire truck. Otherwise, you’re getting around by horse-drawn carriage, bike, or your own two feet. And that’s precisely what makes Mackinac Island so lovely, and should still be a destination for folks who love to RV.
One of the best ways to see all of the shores of the island is by bike. You can bring your own over on the ferry with you, but there are also plenty of places right near the port that have rentals available for you. The island is only a little over three and a half miles around, so you can cruise right on around and end up right where you started. In fact, it’s a little surreal.
Once you’re outside of the main street on the island, things start to look a little different. You’ll see homes where people actually live—yes, really live full-time on an island—year-round. You’ll see a variety of different types of shorelines, as well as rock formations. There’s also plenty of nice pine forest on the inland side, and all the while, you’ll feel the fantastic lake breeze in your hair.
You might not think there would be an extensive amount of hiking on an island that covers only a little over four square miles, but you’d be wrong. There are actually over 70 miles of trails crisscrossing all over the island. And as it happens, most of them leading inland are uphill. There’s also a lot to see on this island.
The trails will take you through the forest on the island, which covers over 80 percent of it. You’ll also come across old military outposts and forts, dating back to the 1800s. You’ll come across a butterfly conservatory, loads of geological formations (like “Crack-in-the-Island” and the semi-famous Arch Rock), plus Mackinac Island’s very own Sugarloaf—a rock formation that juts up toward the sky in the middle of nowhere.
One of the best ways to take in the island is, believe it or not, by water. Its majesty and beauty are even more appealing from a boat than while you’re on it because the view is unparalleled. And you can enjoy the straits from a kayak as well, thanks to tours on the island.
Rent a kayak (or a tandem, if your relationship is strong enough) and enjoy a guided paddle tour around the island. You’ll have a chance to see formations like Arch Rock from an entirely different perspective. You can see the Grand Hotel (of the island’s most-viewed landmarks) and Devil’s Kitchen from the water, and depending on your tour, either see the sunrise or sunset from the comfort of your kayak.
When you pull into port, you’re welcomed into a bustling Main Street of sorts. People are walking this way and that, bicycles are cruising by, horses and the carriages they’re pulling walk leisurely by. This is all in the midst of a quaint, almost Victorian-looking series of buildings that are full of souvenir shops, bookstores, restaurants, and more.
It’s easy to spend the majority of your time here. If nothing else, make sure you stop by a window (or pop inside) to one of Mackinac’s many candy shops and watch them make fudge. Mackinac Island fudge is renowned throughout the state, and for good reason. Otherwise, take some time to learn about the history of the little town, or just watch the water for a while.
Despite its size, Mackinac Island was long a strategic location in the military history of the United States. Dating back to the War of 1812, there have been forts, barracks, soldiers, and more all located on the island. You’ll notice as you approach the island from the ferry that sitting above the downtown area is a rather imposing fort with large white walls.
This is Fort Mackinac. It’s a living history area where characters (mostly) role-play as soldiers and their families living in the military outpost during its peak use. You’ll hear rifles and cannons fired (they’re shooting blanks, so don’t worry). You’ll learn about military training and the way military medicine kept people safe then. There are 14 total buildings to tour, with many artifacts and other items to keep the history coming alive for you.
Want lovely lakefront camping? Then you’re looking at Castle Rock Lakefront Mackinac Trail Camp Park. This park is technically in the Upper Peninsula, but it’s a fairly quick drive across the very large bridge in order to get there. There are sites of various sizes, with a combination of full utility hookups. There’s also a sandy playground, and a room with pinball, pool, and video games for the rainy days.
Surrounded on all parts by thousands of acres of woodland, Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping is tucked away for camping in solitude. Yet it’s a mere five minutes away from the ferry dock that will sweep you off to Mackinac Island. It has its own mile of beach, plus staying here earns you a discount on an 18-hole golf course. There are 200 sites here with full utility hookups. There’s a heated pool, swimming beach, arcade and game room, mini-golf, and a ton more to keep you busy when you’re not on the island.
Just a mile south of the city center of Mackinaw City, this Kampgrounds of America spot comes loaded with the amenities you would expect from a KOA. Let’s start with full utility hookups, but let’s also consider the 86 degree pool. There’s Wi-Fi, plus a camp store on-site to keep you stocked in food and RV supplies. And last but not least, there’s the 24-hour laundry facility to keep you feeling fresh.
Lakeshore RV Park and campground sits, aptly, right on the lakeshore, offering incredible views all around you. There are full hookups at the spots, which are spacious. There’s satellite TV signal, plus free Wi-Fi throughout the park. There are also fire pits and tables at each site, and ice and wood are available for purchase in the park.
Near St. Ignace in the Upper Peninsula, Tiki RV Park and Campground may not be a south pacific island getaway, but it can feel like it when you’re secluded and close to the water. Sites range from full hook up to primitive, so you can stay the way you want to. You’re also within walking distance of the ferry docks to Mackinac Island. Come experience the rural ruggedness of the UP in between trips to the island.
Spotted throughout downtown Mackinac Island, you’ll find any number of restaurants. Some are themed with colonialism, while others are more modern, and some purely rustic, you’ll find all types of foods in each place. From burgers and other basic sandwiches to Italian and pizza places and upscale dining with fresh fish and other options, there’s a little something here for everyone. If you’re really feeling like an experience, find the restaurant that’s hidden out in the woods—and enjoy the horse-drawn carriage trip that takes you there before your reservation.
Back on the mainland, you’ll find lots of good eating joints in Mackinaw City, too. Some perhaps a bit more casual than those on the island, there are still lots of options for waterfront dining and fantastic views. Burgers, fish and chips, and more all await you here. And after a long day (or let’s be honest, just a good start to a day on vacation) and you’re feeling like a beer, there are a couple of local craft breweries in the city as well.
You won’t have any trouble finding delicious food around the area. If you’re a foodie or adventurous eater, it’s hard not to opt for dining on Mackinac Island. If you want something a little less fussy, Mackinaw City’s restaurants will do just fine for you. Looking for local flavor? Try to track down a pasty—a type of meat pie that’s more closely associated with the upper peninsula. But hey, you’re only a very long bridge away.