Eight Adventures You Must Try On Mackinac Island

I recently came back from a few fun-filled days on Mackinac Island. I’ve been to Mackinac Island a few times, but staying on the Island was a first. While vacationing on the Island, I was able to try quite a few adventures for the first time, and I’m sharing my favorite ones, plus other adventures you must try on Mackinac Island. 

Eight Adventures You Must Try On Mackinac Island

Hiking: Mackinaw State Historic Park offers quite a few trails on the island. Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park has three miles of marked and interpreted trails. I found their trails easy to navigate and enjoy.

We got up early one morning to take a trek to Arch Rock and catch the sunset. I am not a morning person, but it was worth the early wake-up call to watch the island wake up.

Kayaking. This was a first-time experience for me, and I loved it. I was a little anxious about kayaking and what to expect. However, my guide with Great Turtle Kayak Tours was fantastic. It was a surreal experience kayaking the Straits of Mackinac, and being right under the bridge.

Explore Fort Mackinac. Fort Mackinac is a National Historic Landmark, playing an important role in the War of 1812. You will find guides dressed in period costumes. While we were there, we were able to witness a cannon firing. It was loud, but totally a cool experience. Fort Mackinac has 14 original buildings, filled with exhibits, videos, and other artifacts representing that time period.

Mackinac State Historic Park offers quite a few adventures to do on the Island and in Mackinaw City. You can visit the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, spend the afternoon at Colonial Michilimackinac, and find the best views to see the whole island. I recommend going to Fort Mackinac and Fort Holmes to get the best views of the island.

Horseback Riding. You can bring your own horse, or rent one and explore the island. If you don’t want to take a horseback ride, consider a carriage tour around the island. Carriage tours offer narrated tours through downtown to Surrey Hills, Arch Rock, Fort Mackinac, and Grand Hotel. We took a carriage tour around the island, and it’s a great way to see the island if you don’t want to walk or bike.

Bike Riding. Are you up for taking a bike around the island? If so, this adventure is just for you. You will find a variety of bikes to rent on the island, or you can bring your own bike. They also offer tandem bikes, as well as child carries, burly carts, and tagalongs.

Walking Tours. Take a Haunted History Tour into the realm of the unknown. You will learn the history of the Island, as well as be entertained with funny antics. Another tour to try is the Mackinac Revealed Tour. You will learn about the island from an insider’s point of view, which is easily enjoyed by walking or riding your bike.

Geocaching. This is a great outdoor activity to do, and a fun way to explore Mackinac Island.

There are many fantastic adventures you can have on Mackinac Island, and even in Mackinaw City. I didn’t mention one of my favorite experiences from my trip, which was food! Of course, y’all know the foodie in me had to try out several different spots. Stay tuned for my post on some of the best places to eat on Mackinac Island, including who has the best fudge! 

In the meantime, did you know there are quite a few FREE things to do on Mackinac Island and in the City? Read some of my tips, and tips left by readers on how to save vacationing to Mackinac Island. 

Have you gone to Mackinac Island before? What were some of your favorite things to do? Drop me a comment below and let me know, or tell me which adventure you would do while vacationing to Mackinac Island.