Top Reasons to
Visit Mackinac Island

You’ve probably seen postcards of some of the most popularly Mackinac Island activities like horse-drawn carriage tours along Main Street, self-guided horseback riding tours, horse and buggy excursions, or entire families discovering our scenic 8.2 mile lakeshore trail on bicycles. But there’s so much more, like the Mackinac State Park system where you can catch the drill and rifle firing program at Fort Mackinac or visit the McGulpin House. It’s one of the oldest residential buildings on the island offering an excellent and rare display of early French Canadian domestic architecture. And, the more than 200-year old Dr. Beaumont Museum boasts a refurbished exhibit with a beautiful interior renovation that’s worth a visit, too. Check out the Mackinac State Park website to learn more about what’s on offer and how to plan your visit. Of course, all of the parks and trails we mentioned back in September as great leaf-peeping opportunities are also lovely in the spring and summer. Michigan’s first state park, Mackinac Island State Park is sure to ‘wow’ you with its faraway-woods feel despite being only a few hundred yards from downtown. In fact, more than 80 percent of our beautiful island home is within state park bounds. We never tire of hiking, biking or riding a horse through its forests, past geological treasures, and along its limestone bluffs.

But its one of our favorite events of the year, the Lilac Festival, that attracts the biggest crowds. So book your stay now! At the beginning of June, we’ll celebrate the 75th annual Lilac Festival this year. It’s the largest and most historic festival on the island, and we spend 10 days celebrating its unique legacy. Lilacs, after all, aren’t native to Mackinac Island! The events schedule includes magic shows and live music, beer tastings, jewelry-making workshops, dances, tours, free museum entries, a 10K run/walk, Michigan Cornhole tournament, and all things lilacs. Anyone so inspired can join a lilac walking tour with our local lilac expert, attend a lilac painting workshop, a lilac planting seminar, and of course, the Grand Parade!
The way we see it, it’s a no brainer; spend the first days of summer with us, breathing in the sweet scent of lilacs.

No matter where you spend your day, make sure to end back at Hotel Iroquois with a cocktail on our brand new dock. Having opened for the first time last season, our spacious patio quickly became a summer event unto itself for island locals and tourists alike. The dock extends our bar straight over the water so you and yours can relax in a comfortable chaise lounge chair, or simply walk about while you sip and savor the unrivaled waterfront panorama. The drinks menu practically “sparkles” with delightfully refreshing wines and cocktails served to help you sink into your surroundings.

Finally, make sure your plans include a cozy and restorative stay with us at Hotel Iroquois. Expertly capturing the light, airy feel of Mackinac Island with its intimate, boutique-style accommodations, we think it’s a place you and your whole family can call home away from home. We’re looking forward to summer as much as you are. Come visit

Before we start tunneling through the snow, come run with us! While Hotel Iroquois is closed for the winter, the island still welcomes you for the annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. 10 years strong, the race begins at 9:30 at the corner by Doud’s Market and goes along the lakeshore before finishing at the Mustang Lounge. If running isn’t your thing, you can walk the course, too, and even bring your pup– as long as she’s leashed. Please bring nonperishable food items as well. As an extra incentive, if you bring them to the ferry dock collection site, you can catch the boat over to the island for free!

And don’t plan to run away after the race. Get in position to take advantage of Cyber Monday sales at Mackinac shops. We’re not a shopping destination ourselves, but we’re thrilled to support the businesses we’re lucky to call neighbors and friends. Here are a few deals we think are worth looking into:

Little Luxuries of Mackinac Island- charming gift boutique filled with with products for your home proudly made in Michigan. Get 30% off on select items on Black Friday. Or spend over $100 online to get a free gift and free shipping. Be one of the first 25 to shop online Saturday, November 26 through Monday, November 28 and use the code FIRST25 to get 15% off your order.

Mackinac Memories- photography, books, prints and paintings to frame or shelf as memories of Mackinac back home. Get 20% off Mackinac Island books, photos and cards, including the new book, “Four Seasons of Mackinac,” the perfect gift for all the Island lovers on your list. Get 20% off with promo code: Mackinac2022.

Pink Pony Store- located inside the Chippewa Hotel, this local landmark serves cocktails and clothing; almost everything is pink. On Black Friday, get 20% off site-wide at Pink Pony Shop + Pink Pony Club! Use promo code “CYBERPINK” on Friday, November 25th through Monday November 28th only.

Joann’s Fudge- Who doesn’t love fudge? Ok, some don’t, but buy some for those in your life who do! Joann’s is arguably the best on the island and she’s offering a sweet deal on Cyber Monday: purchase of 5 slices of fudge and get a free Christmas tote!

Destination Mackinac- your home for prints, totes, stickers, cards, tess, and souvenirs, all capturing the spirit of Mackinac. Bring a little Mackinac to your holiday gift giving and enjoy free shipping on Cyber Monday.

We’ll be out to run around and shop, too, and we look forward to seeing you. In the meantime, consider booking a Mackinac Island getaway for next season. To give it as a gift, give us a call at (906) 847-3321. Happy Thanksgiving, from our family to yours!

Some of the most beautiful fall color is west of Mackinaw City, and a great way to see it is by traveling the Tunnel of Trees, a popular 20-mile stretch of State-199 from Cross Village to Harbor Springs. Nearby Wilderness State Park, along 26 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, a two-lane road twists toward the park and turns to wind along shoreline dunes. Follow the course to turn inland again through meadows of red poppies, purple asters and yellow goldenrod. Finally, Mackinac Island State Park surprises visitors with its faraway-woods feel, despite being a few hundred yards from downtown. More than 80 percent of Mackinac Island is within the state park. Hike, bike or ride a horse through forests, past geological formations and along limestone bluffs.

Perhaps the area's most impressive history lesson awaits at Colonial Michilimackinac State Park where you and your family can slip through the garrisoned entry and into the 1700s. French, then British, occupied these military barracks on Lake Michigan to protect the riches of the fur trade. Autumn is the best time to visit since you’ll enjoy front-row seats at colonial cooking demonstrations, musket firings, and, ultimately, get a better sense of what it was like to live here 300 years ago.

While you’re out, if you bring a fishing rod with you, the fish continue to bite near Hessel Bay, but not for too much longer. On warmer fall days, the air is clear, waters are calm, and shorelines glow in a rich patina of copper and gold. Locals will tell you to enjoy autumn's hues while you can; come November, a north wind will shake the last color from the maples, and a skin of ice will begin to glaze the Straits.

Back on the road again, we think cycling can be the best way to explore auto-free Mackinac Island. Come September, riders can pedal downtown without brushing another tourist's tires and admire the softball-size dahlias and drifts of black-eyed Susans at the Grand Hotel. For your convenience, an 8-mile paved trail circles Mackinac. Inland, 140 miles of carriage roads, bike trails. and footpaths intertwine through a hilly and wooded landscape, past limestone outcrops. Scott's Road and the Tranquil Bluff Trail trace the eastern shore where red, brown and golden leaves drift down from a canopy of red oak, beech and maple.

Back in town, we can’t help but look forward to the autumn holidays. Halloween costume parties and downtown trick-or-treating traditionally combine into a “last hurrah” for the year on Mackinac Island, and it’s a special feeling to be here as the ferry boats make their final arrivals and departures of the season. Plus, October is when the island hosts iconic events such as the Women’s Wellness Weekend and the mother of all Mackinac road races, the Great Turtle Trail Run and Half Marathon.

Whether you decide to pedal a bike around the outer rim of the island, hike up into the interior or board a plane for a tour from 2,000 feet above, October on Mackinac Island gives you a chance to see fall colors like never before, and you should dress for the weather; pack jeans and warmer socks with your hoodies and sweaters. October days are sunny and warm with cool, crisp nights that are refreshing to your body and your soul. But hands down, the ultimate way to warm up, is with a hot bowl of our famous French Onion soup. No matter how you spend your day, end it by tucking into the Carriage House and cupping your hands around a bowl of your own.

It’s been a project of patience as much as anything, but the wait is worth it; Hotel Iroquois’ new cocktail dock extends our bar straight over the water so you and yours can enjoy an expanded space to share a drink with new friends and old. Thoughtfully constructed from a beautiful and durable, mold-resistant hardwood called ipe, the deck will be open from dawn until dusk, hotel guests are welcome to relax, or simply walk about while you sip and savor the unrivaled waterfront panorama. At the same time, a new, curated menu complements the dock’s opening. For appetizers, sample locally produced charcuterie from the artisanal farmer’s board, crunch into a homemade potato chips, or indulge in a spoonful of melt-in-your-mouth caviar. The updated drinks menu practically “sparkles” with delightfully refreshing wines and cocktails served to help you sink into your surroundings. Try a glass of Domaine Chandon, a sparkling wine from Napa; Je T’aime, a French-made rosé; a Berry Picker cocktail made with Belvedere vodka, fresh berries, and lemonade; an Old Fashioned made with Detroit City Rye; or a Cucumber Gimlet composed of St. Germain, Effen vodka, and muddled cucumber. Here early? Start your day with a Mile Marker iced coffee from our non-alcoholic cocktail menu “spiked” with cinnamon and vanilla.

Of course, we invite you to dinner, too, and welcome your reservation at the Carriage House Restaurant where you’ll find a menu bursting with the freshest local seafood, the finest cuts from our Detroit family butcher, and area farmers’ best in seasonal produce. Don’t be shy; stay for dessert! Whether it’s our indulgent Peanut Butter Pie with housemade hot fudge or our velvety and bright lemon meringue pie, you won’t be disappointed.

Summer hours on the cocktail deck are 11:30 am – 10 pm with fall hours beginning at 4 pm and ending at 10 pm. Plan your visit today! We can’t wait to host you.

Chicago Yacht Race

The Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac is the longest annual freshwater distance race in the world and is recognized as one of the most prestigious sailing races of its kind. Starting in 1898 with a mere five boats, “The Mac”, as it’s called, has evolved into a world-class sporting event for more than a hundred boats. Today, in its 113th year, sailors from Maine to California and from as far away as Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Australia will race the 333 miles from Chicago to Mackinac to compete for category-best and trophy honors. Although the Chicago Yacht Race remains an amateur event, it’s grown a reputation for attracting some of the finest sailing talent in the sport. Stripped down to its essence, The Mac, like all sailboat racing, is primarily a test of strength, endurance, strategy, and willpower. The monohull record of 23 hours, 30 minutes, and 34 seconds set by Roy Disney’s Pyewacket in 2002, and Steve Fossett on Stars and Stripes set the multihull record of 18 hours, 50 minutes, and 32 seconds in 1998 still stand today. The unpredictable weather and fickle winds on Lake Michigan make the Race to Mackinac a supreme test you don’t want to miss! Could this be a record-setting year? Come see it to find out!

Bayview Yacht Race

This annual yacht race begins in Southern Lake Huron in Port Huron Michigan and follows two courses to end in the Straights of Mackinac. One course tracks 204 nautical miles along the Michigan shoreline while the other enters Canadian waters to Cove Island 290 miles away. The first Bayview Yacht Race was in 1925 and has taken place every year since then, even through times of war and a global pandemic. In that time, competitors have only gotten faster. The race’s first winner was one of only four to cross the finish line that year and did so in 49 hours and 50 minutes. The current record, set last year in 2021, more than halved that time in 17 hours and 11 minutes. This year’s race, on July 16th, will be the 98th, and feature more talented sailors equipped to brave the unrivaled conditions of Lake Huron and the Straights of Mackinac. Come see for yourself by booking your stay at Hotel Iroquois today and watch history in the making!

Beginning June 3rd and blossoming until June 12th, Mackinac Island celebrates the 74th annual Lilac Festival. As the largest and most historic festival on the island, we need 10 days to celebrate its unique legacy. Lilacs, after all, aren’t native to Mackinac Island! One look at the events schedule and you’ll find magic shows and live music, beer tastings, jewelry-making workshops, dances, tours, free museum entries, a 10K run/walk, Michigan Cornhole tournament, and all things lilacs. Anyone so inspired can join a lilac walking tour with lilac expert Jeff Young, attend a lilac painting workshop, a lilac planting seminar, and of course, the Grand Parade! Coming back after two years, we’re excited to reinstate the parade starting at 4 pm at Mission Point. It’s also worth looking out for the winner of the annual Lilac Festival Poster Contest when participants compose an original piece of art set to this year’s theme, Flower Power: Peace, Love, Lilacs. 

The way we see it, it’s a no brainer; spend the first days of summer together with front-row seats to the pastel and aromatic beauty of nature. 

And once the sun sets and it’s time to find an equally relaxing and captivating space to call home for the evening, come on back to explore the welcoming atmosphere of Hotel Iroquois. Expertly capturing the light, airy feel of Mackinac Island with its intimate, boutique-style accommodations, we think it’s a place you and your whole family can call home away from home. 

Come, stop and smell the lilacs. We can’t wait to see you!

We’ve likened to calling Hotel Iroquois a seasonal stunner with its quintessential Mackinac style that captivates first-time visitors and longtime guests alike. Its singular combination of individually decorated guest rooms and suites, exceptional dining, and an unmatched waterfront location have made it an annual stop for many. But this year, our returning guests will find something grand and perhaps, unexpected. We’re constructing a new dock at the Carraige House. Set to be completed mid-summer, the space will offer spectacular ship-watching opportunities and a beautiful setting to relax and enjoy a cocktail. A larger patio will increase outdoor seating and an updated menu will feature gourmet appetizers like our delectable duck potstickers and fresh caviar. And finally, if our award-winning summer gardens weren’t sumptuous enough, we’ve extended the flowered and leaved pathway that winds through them so you can follow it all the way to the water. Trust us; it only makes our exquisite, Victorian-style gardens that much more enchanting.

We love how Mackinac Island exists as if suspended in time with its quaint, walkable downtown, general store, mystical lighthouse views, and horsedrawn carriage rides. Fortunately, our renovations only serve to enhance that charm, by getting you closer to the things you love about our home so you can make memories with the people you meet. Book your summer getaway with us today so we can secure a room for you and yours. We can’t wait to see you!

Catch a performance of the Music Man at Mackinac Island’s Community Theater Troupe. Local performers will belt out the timeless standards on April 22nd and 23rd. In June, head across the street to the Center for the Arts to peruse the Mackinac Showcase, a gallery exhibit featuring artwork made by the Island’s local talent. Ring in the heat of the summer season on June 17th at the Grand Hotel Stables where Arts Council members will be serving cocktails and hors d'oeuvres to the tune of live Parisian jazz music by Djangophonique. And that’s the beginning! There’s Music in the Park on Thursdays in July, workshops at the museum, opera, and are outdoor movies straight through August. There’s a lot to do, and the Mackinac Arts Council has worked tirelessly to make it happen. Nearly 20 years worth of events, shows, activities and workshops have earned the Arts Council’s staff and volunteers their reputation for growing and enriching the Island’s cultural integrity. Originally structured to support area nonprofits, the Arts Council grew to generate arts programs like those featured this year. Visit their website for more details about these programs–like what movies are on and what plays and classical music will hit the performing arts stage–and to see what else is on the calendar. Summer is short on the Island, so don’t miss it! Book your stay at Hotel Iroquois today and get started planning a summer holiday you’ll never forget.

We can’t possibly list everything there is to do, but we’re excited to drop a few highlights. The Mackinac State Park system includes so much, after all, from Fort Mackinac and the McGulpin House to guided walks. At Fort Mackinac, the popular drill and rifle firing program will return after two years, meaning guests can expect to hear rifle and cannon firing demonstrations throughout the day. The Dr. Beaumont Museum will celebrate a 200th anniversary with a refurbished exhibit amidst a beautiful interior renovation. The McGulpin House–one of the oldest residential buildings on the island offers an excellent and rare display of early French Canadian domestic architecture. Don’t have much time? New nature programs to fit any schedule get added to the state park schedule every day. Again, we’ve only just scratched the surface; check out the Mackinac State Park website to learn more about what’s on offer and how to plan your visit. We can’t wait to see you!

Horses are a favorite mode of transport around the island. But it’s more than the narrated, horse-drawn carriage tours you may have seen pass along Main Street or featured on a postcard. While iconic, the carriage ride is just one of many ways to “horse-around” on our car-free oasis. You can go horseback riding on a guided or unguided tour, rent a private horse-drawn carriage for an intimate ride with your loved one, or even drive your own horse and buggy! No matter which you choose, you’ll enjoy the pleasure of visiting the horses in their barn stalls and stand the chance of making a new friend. If you’d rather be on wheels, well we’ve got bike rentals for that! Once again, since no cars are allowed on the island, bikes make for the ideal, on-demand set of wheels to get you where you need to go. There are a number of shops to rent bikes,  including single-speed cruisers and tandem bikes for two. You won’t have to leave anyone behind thanks to the tag-along trailers for kids. Take an afternoon during your stay to pedal all the way around Mackinac Island on its outer rim. The incredibly scenic route isn’t far at a leisurely 8.2-miles but with all your stops to take photos, it could take quite a long time. So pack a lunch and make a day of it! We love our island home, and we’ve made sure to provide every possible means we can think of for you to be able to explore it. Next month we’ll get you out on the water!

Much like people who live anywhere else, those who call Mackinac Island home have to work to make a living; they just won’t drive to the office and might fly to the grocery store. There are no cars on the island, so there are no buses to take kids to school, and once the water freezes over by mid-January, there’s no ferry to tote shoppers to the mainland. So meeting basic needs does require a bit more planning. But there are modern conveniences; when kids can’t bike to school, they’ll take a snowmobile and almost everyone owns well-worn pairs of cross-country skis and snowshoes.Downtown, Doud’s Market, America’s oldest family-owned grocery store is open, and so is the bank and the library. Plan now for your summer escape to Mackinac Island; we’ll be waiting for your return as soon as winter loosens its grip! 

Every year, as part of the publication’s World's Best Awards survey, Travel & Leisure asks its readers to share their opinions about their travel and transportation experiences. Hotels like ours get rated for their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. And considering the number of high caliber stays available to travelers visiting the region, we here at Hotel Iroquois are thrilled to have earned top honors in the state of Michigan. It’s our privilege to host every new and returning guest on a special corner of Michigan we love so much; Mackinac Island epitomizes the natural wonder of the American Midwest with something for everyone in the family to enjoy. And we’ve made it our mission to design comfortable, colorful, and cozy accommodations so you can experience the same peace and serenity found outdoors, inside, too. We look forward to seeing you in our award-winning hotel. Call our concierge to schedule your visit today.

This month, take your phone along for the journey so you can "frame" your best shot at winning the island’s Selfie Scavenger Hunt. To participate, simply snap a selfie--your friends can be in it, too-- with each of the following locations as your background: Main Street, Fort Mackinac, Ferry Dock, Fort Holmes or Sugar Loaf, the Fudge Shop, the Grand Hotel, Arch Rock, M-185 (Lake Shore Road), British Landing, and the Mackinac Island Information Booth. Make sure and tag @MackinacIsle and use #SelfiesOfMackinac and #MyMackinac as your handles. If you reach the tourism booth on Main Street between 9:00 and 5:00, show your 10 posts to one of our information specialists in exchange for a prize. Take it from all the selfie success stories before you, it’s an engaging way to experience the island. And hey, if you’re going to be taking photos anyway, why not win a prize for your efforts! For more info about the hunt and to see others’ scavenger hunt selfies, visit the island’s website.

This month, relish in the beauty of Mackinac Island as seen through the eyes of local artists. A delightful number of bright, beautiful galleries and a museum boast walkable addresses downtown and welcome Hotel Iroquois visitors to learn about featured works and their makers. Artists Market of Mackinac, Island Breeze of Mackinac, Mackinac’s Little Gallery, and Maeve’s Arts are but a few destinations to admire the painted scenery and purchase home-spun talent. Just off of Main Street, you can visit Mackinac State Historic Park’s Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum, free to Hotel Iroquois’ overnight guests.

But why paint a path to artwork when you can see the real thing? Do both! Consider the canvased scenes as inspiration for new places to visit or new perspectives on vistas you’ve already had the pleasure of visiting. Seek out work by award-winning impressionist painter and instructor, Noel Skiba, whose paintings have been featured on festival posters and magazine covers since 2011. Or discover a softer, looser impression of the island in Mary Lou Peters’ watercolors. You’ll find these and many more artists’ works on display around the island. Shop for the view you want to see!

Whether you plan to head out for a few hours or the entire day, here are some of our top recommendations.

Arch Rock Excursion
Located on the east side of the island, you’ll witness the underwater caves and formations of the Rock Maze as you make your way to the main attraction: Arch Rock—standing over 50 feet wide and 150 feet tall, towering perfectly as if it was hand carved by an artist.

Devil’s Kitchen Adventure
Legend has it that this was once a den for ancient, fire-cooking giants (hence the soot covering its walls), but we don’t think you need to believe in folklore to appreciate this awe-inspiring limestone cavern. Intricately set in the cliffs opposite our southwest shores, a trip to this spot also offers an abundance of naturally stunning views.

Round Island Retreat
Fit for the most experienced explorers, the journey across the Straits of Mackinac is both lengthy and challenging, but the rewards of lush forests and untouched views are well worth the effort.

Once you’ve returned from your tour, there’s nothing like finding a place to settle in. Located within walking distance of many other on-island attractions, Hotel Iroquois is a charmingly sophisticated choice, where you can close out the day and recharge for tomorrow’s exploration. To learn more, visit us here!

While they aren’t native to our island, they’ve found themselves right at home, much like our residents and faithful visitors, for over 200 years. So famous and so iconic that they have their very own festival to commemorate the start of a new season.

Back in bloom this summer after last year’s postponement, the 73rd Annual Lilac Festival, set for June 4-13, 2021, will include a variety of family-friendly activities—including a 5.5-mile walk or run, competitive cornhole tournament, daily walks with our local lilac expert, and the traditional coronation of the Lilac Festival Queen and Court. Spend the first days of summer together and celebrate the beauty of nature, all in a retreat perfect for a slower pace.

Once the sun sets and it’s time to find an equally relaxing and captivating space to call home for the evening, we invite you to explore the elevated atmosphere of our Hotel Iroquois. Seamlessly blending the light, airy feel of Mackinac Island with intimate, boutique-style accommodations, this is a place everyone can unwind in before taking on the next day together.

Ready to join us? We can’t wait to see you!

Renovations and upgrades are just a few of the ways in which we prep for the season! We’ve installed carpet in the Carriage House restaurant, installed new decks in our Waterfront Deluxe King rooms with balconies, and best of all—we’ve fully renovated our beloved Lighthouse Suite. Just when you thought our largest and most sought-after suite couldn’t get any better, we’re about to prove you wrong.

Yes, there are a couple of Mackinac Island restaurants that keep their doors open all year long, but most of them close for the winter. During this time, dining room layouts are being redone and new menus are being devised by chefs to provide enjoyment and delight of visitors come spring.

When your fudge is often called "world-famous", there’s no time for a break—not even during winter. Fudge shops along the island keep busy by creating the delicious chocolate treat and shipping it out around the world to those who are craving a slice of Mackinac Island during the offseason.

It’s not uncommon for visitors to partake in historic attraction tours during their first, second, or tenth trip here! But, the best part of history is that there’s always more to explore, and winter time on the island provides the Mackinac State Historic Parks staff time to do just that. They research, write new programs, update exhibits, and publish new findings that offer fresh glimpses into the past.

Want to be among the first visitors for the Mackinac Island season? It all begins with booking a place to stay. Luckily, we know just the place.

Here on Mackinac Island, we are blessed with a rich and vibrant heritage, from the indigenous peoples and earliest settlers to the decades of guests and families who summer here – each and every visitor has helped to make our island the incredible destination it remains today. We’re grateful that our island abounds with a spectacular natural beauty that is protected and cherished, and for the ability to share this gift with you.

We love to hear guests’ enthusiastic comments about the magnificent views after they return from a hike to Arch Rock. Many admire the unique architecture of the island, including the downtown shops, the Governor’s Summer Residence, and Saint Anne’s Church. Let’s not forget the lilac festival, horseback riding, movies on the lawn, summer concerts, and our famous fudge. So, this Thanksgiving, we’re going to look back on our many blessings and look forward to a new spring and summer season. To book your Mackinac Island getaway for the upcoming season, kindly give us a call at (844) 246-0650. And Happy Thanksgiving, from our family to yours!

Relive the 1800s at historic Fort Mackinac, enjoy free samples of the island’s famed fudge, and even explore the rugged interior of the island that is now Mackinac Island State Park—all without the crowd!

In fact, there are actually several benefits to visiting in the fall, such as lodging discounts, shopping deals, and best of all, seasonal fun. The island hosts several events such as Macktoberfest, Women’s Wellness Weekend, and the mother of all Mackinac Road Races: the Great turtle Trail Run & Half Marathon.

And, let’s not forget the utter beauty of the Mackinac Island forest ablaze in red, yellow, and orange. Fall colors typically peak on the island beginning in early October, and fortunately, linger all month long. Whether you go for a bike ride around the island’s outer rim, hike up to the interior, or board a plane for a tour 2,000 feet above, the season’s colors give you a chance to see the island like you never have before.

Still not convinced? Picture the cool, crisp air that comes along with fall. While days are still sunny and warm, the nights bring a much-needed breeze that refreshes your body and soul.

So, what are you waiting for? Hope on a ferry and head on over.

While Mackinac Island can no longer hold the event as they traditionally would due to COVID-19, the race will continue! This year, the race will be hosted as a virtual event, so runners and walkers can join in and run five miles whenever or wherever they please.

Whether you’re participating on the island or from your hometown, the “official” race day remains scheduled for October 3rd. On this day, the course at Mackinac Island will be marked for those still running there. However, a map of the racecourse is posted on runmackinac.com, so you can run or walk the trail at any time you choose.

For those joining virtually - from the island or elsewhere - a live stream of the Cannon Firing will take place at 9:30 am. In addition, runners can see an official welcome address from Mackinac State Historic Parks director Phil Porter. All funds raised from this virtual event will go directly toward Mackinac State Historic Parks in support of park operations, local programs, and more.

Most people, both locals and tourists, don’t need an excuse to indulge in a piece or two of the creamy, delightfully rich confection. But, for those who do, Mackinac Island Fudge Festival which takes place from August 28th - 30th, is certainly the time and place.
Fudge, fudgie flavors, and fudge-related events are showcased and celebrated during this weekend-long festival. Fudge shops will offer fudge-making demonstrations, samples and prizes, bartenders will be mixing up fudge-inspired cocktails daily, and beer and wine tastings will be ongoing at many venues on the island.
Allow us to set the scene for the first day of the festival: Friday, August 28th. Begin the day by entering a drawing for a fudge-filled prize, play bingo at one of the many fudge shops for a chance to win a Mackinac Island getaway for two, and end the afternoon at Sanders Candies to spin the wheel of fudge fortune where everyone's a winner.
For a complete listing of the festival’s events, visit here.

Allow us to set the scene for what could be the key to reigniting, or commencing, romance:

Nature’s beauty often sets the stage for romantic encounters. In fact, many of those who fell in love on the island rhapsodize to this day about watching meteor showers from Fort Holmes, discovering wildflowers on wooded trails, watching the sun come up at Mission Point, and seeing it go down from the aptly-named Sunset Rock.

A stroll, peddle, or carriage ride through the endless pathways of, what feels like, another era can create memories to last a future lifetime. Mackinac Island Carriage Tours amble through these historic streets with stops at the island’s favorite locations. Similarly, Island Bicycle Rental will allow you to explore the island by bike, a time-honored tradition. Whichever option you choose, love is bound to be in the air.

Some of the love stories that were created on this island have led to marriage, and many of these same couples not only tied the knot here, but have returned year after year to celebrate the sanctity of their beautiful union. Hotel Iroquois is proud to provide an elegant and intimate setting for generations of grooms and brides-to-be.

To book your own romantic gathering or getaway, call us at (844) 246-0650.

Until you’re able to visit, here are just a few of our favorite facts to help showcase why the island is so very special.

No Vehicles: Referred to by many as “the all natural theme park of America”, Mackinac Island actually banned motor vehicles at the end of the 19th century and the restriction continues today. The only modes of transportation you’ll find on the island are that of horses, bikes, and your own two feet. It’s one of the things people love most about the island, as it provides a much needed sense of peace.

Fudge: With over 14 fudge shops on the island, and more than 10 tons of butter brought to the island every year, it's no wonder that sampling the delicious dessert remains one of Mackinac visitor’s favorite activities. In fact, during peak tourism season, five tons of fudge are made per day! While the crowd favorite is chocolate, President Gerald R. Ford opted for vanilla pecan upon his 1975 visit.

Horses: You can’t go too long without seeing at least once horse while on Mackinac Island. Used to pull wagons for guest taxis and provide island tours as well, there are over 500 horses brought to Mackinac every spring. The horses are then taken off the island for the winter and return when the weather warms.

Before cars, Victorians who wished to vacation traveled by large lake excursion boats from Detroit, Cleveland, Chicago, and Buffalo to the cooler climes of Mackinac Island during the post-Civil War industrial age. They dined on whitefish, took long strolls along the broad decks, and shopped for souvenirs. In the late 19th century, many wished to stay overnight and boat and railroad companies would build summer hotels. By 1890, wealthy Midwestern industrialists began to visit Mackinac and wished to stay much longer than a night. Thus, they began to build their own summer cottages in the east and west bluffs, which eventually created a social life including tennis, hiking, biking, golf, and many of the other activities we know and love on the beloved island today.

Wings of Mackinac

See hundreds of beautiful native and tropical butterflies at this fascinating conservatory with an emergence viewing area. Learn more about Monarch butterflies and the grassroots campaigns in place to increase their diminishing population. You can also visit with a scarlet macaw, an ornate box turtle, Cammie the chameleon, and many other animals.

The Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum

This year, the museum will host a special celebratory exhibit of juried art. “A Day in the Park−Celebrating 125 Years of Mackinac Island State Park” will be shown in the second-floor gallery through October 11.

Fire the Fort Mackinac Cannon

Imagine yourself describing to all your envious friends how it felt to actually clean, load, prime, and then fire a genuine vintage cannon. This unique experience can be yours, as openings are available on a first-come basis for lucky individuals every morning from June through October.

You’ll smell savory aromas coming from the cast iron pot bubbling in the open-hearth fireplace in the reconstructed period kitchen. Watch as costumed historic interpreters knit, quilt, card wool, use the spinning wheel, and work at other domestic crafts tasks of the 19^th century.

Just one of Mackinac Island’s many historical treasures, the Biddle House was built over 200 years ago as a fur trading space and the Biddle family home. This vintage gem is a National Historic Landmark, and one of the island’s most popular tourist destinations. Operating under the auspices of Mackinac Island State Park, Biddle House also features the Mackinac Island Native American Museum, which offers two rooms filled with exhibits. The Biddle House will open for the season on May 5, 2020, so be sure to call us at (844) 246-0650 to arrange for your Mackinac Island experience.

In fact, Mackinac Island has recently been included in TripAdvisor’s list of the “World’s 15 Most Romantic Island Getaways for Couples.”  With this in mind, we have put together a list of three fun and romantic things to do here.

Go Stargazing at Fort Holmes

As the highest point on the island, the view from here on a clear night is breathtaking. Ideal for intimate picnics, late-night stargazing, and snuggling up to your sweetheart.

Ride a Bicycle Built for Two

Rent a tandem bicycle and pack up some supplies. Then, discover the island at your leisure, just the two of you.

Celebrate Somewhere in Time

A favorite activity for fans of the film, and even for those who aren’t, is to take a quick jaunt over to the original gazebo shown in the movie, and to visit the “Is it you?” monument.

To book your own romantic gathering or getaway, call us at (844) 246-0650.

You’ll find a beautiful island featuring lush verdant forests abloom with wildflowers, stunning geological formations, groomed nature trails, and much more. No cars allowed here—so you can safely jog, hike, and bike the island’s 70 miles of trails while enjoying its stunning natural beauty. Additionally, several places here offer horseback riding; or take an exploratory walk or two to check out the unique and impressive architecture of our historic downtown and other impressive structures located throughout the island.

Combine fun with fitness by packing a picnic and hiking up to Arch Rock, considered a source of mystical power by Native Americans, or climb up to Fort Holmes and check out the view from the highest point on the island. Walking tours are always a fun way to get your exercise while learning more about the island, and several terrific tours are available during the season. For details and to book your getaway, please contact us at (844) 246-0650.