Though fall officially arrives this week, there’s still time for a tranquil, family-friendly getaway to Mackinac Island before the summer destination “closes” for winter.
Tourism season typically lasts through October, according to the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau, although some businesses may reduce their hours or close completely before that. Halloween weekend on Oct. 24-26 and the closing of the Grand Hotel Oct. 26-27 are two of the final big tourist events of the season, although the island never officially closes.
Mackinac Island is a top destination, drawing over 1 million visitors per year, with popular spots such as Arch Rock to the Grand Hotel. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing bike or horse-drawn carriage ride around the island, followed by a taste of Mackinac Island fudge or refreshing ice cream.
Most of the island’s hundreds of horses are ferried off the island in late fall to enjoy the winter on the mainland.
“Basically, they go on vacation. For the most part, winter break for the horses of Mackinac Island involves some of the same things that people enjoy on vacation. They basically just frolic around and sunbathe. And they eat. A lot,” the Mackinac Island website notes.
Here’s what to know about visiting Mackinac Island.
What are Mackinac Island’s fall events?
The island hosts numerous events throughout the fall. Key events before the end of the season include:
What is there to do on the island in the fall?
Attractions on the island include Fort Mackinac; the Michigan Governor’s Summer Residence; Arch Rock, a prime photo spot; the Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum and more, some within the state park. To explore the landscape, you can rent bicycles from several local shops and bike around the island.
The Mackinac Island State Park, Michigan’s oldest state park, covers 80% of the island’s area. The park combines historic sites and natural beauty, with forests, nature trails, rock formations with lakefront views and more, per the website. The park is open 24/7, 365 days a year.
Visitors can explore the island through tours, from walking, biking, kayaking to horse-drawn carriage tours. Dining is available from dozens of restaurants, ice cream parlors, bars and coffee and tea shops and beloved Mackinac fudge shops.
The downtown shopping district, along with art galleries, gift shops, grocery and hardware stores throughout the island, sells apparel, baked goods, art, home décor, books, sporting goods, deli goods, children’s and pets’ toys, jewelry and accessories, beverages and more.
When does Mackinac Island close?
Tourism season on Mackinac Island typically runs until October, the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau says, but the island remains open to visitors year-round. One of the sure signs of the end of the season is the closing of the Grand Hotel Oct. 26-27, 2025.
Despite many businesses closing after the season, the island itself is open year-round. Ferry service in the winter, however, is dependent on ice coverage in the straits.
Where can you stay on Mackinac Island?
The island offers more than three dozen hotels, resorts, condos, cottages and bed and breakfasts, including the famous Grand Hotel, the tourism bureau says.
Does anyone live on the island year-round?
Yes, Mackinac Island is home to about 500 year-round residents, according to the tourism bureau.
Where is Mackinac Island?
Mackinac Island is located within the Straits of Mackinac in Lake Huron. It’s a few miles offshore from both St. Ignace and Mackinaw City.
How can you get to Mackinac Island?
Ferry services take visitors to Mackinac Island from Mackinaw City in the Lower Peninsula and St. Ignace in the Upper Peninsula. You can also get to the island by private boat or cruise. Flight options include personal planes, commercial flights or Fresh Air Aviation’s air taxi service from St. Ignace.
Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry and Arnold Transit Company run ferry rides about every 30 minutes between April and October, during tourist season. Ticket rates can be found on the companies’ websites.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: When does Mackinac Island ‘close’? Opportunities for visitors extend into fall
Reporting by Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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