Traveling these days usually means bracing for chaos: massive airports, endless security lines, and the low-level anxiety of keeping track of your passport. We have been conditioned to believe that if you want a truly historic, pedestrian-friendly, and breathtaking island escape, you have to cross an ocean to find it.
I just got back from a trip that completely shatters that narrative.
Tucked away in the pristine waters of northern Michigan lies Mackinac Island. It is a place where motor vehicles have been strictly outlawed for over a century, the architecture looks like a Victorian time capsule, and the only traffic you will encounter is a horse-drawn carriage. It delivers all the romance, safety, and walkability of an elite European destination, but you don’t even need to pack your passport.
Here is exactly how I spent my time on Mackinac Island, and why it needs to be your next domestic escape.
The Ultimate Arrival Hack: Skip the Ferry
Getting to Mackinac is supposed to be part of the adventure, but most people default to taking the standard ferry from the mainland.
I got to try something entirely different.
I flew into Pellston Regional Airport and immediately hopped aboard a tiny puddle-jumper flight with Northwoods Aviation. The flight takes exactly seven minutes.
Getting to soar low over the Straits of Mackinac with unobstructed, aerial views of the deep blue water was absolutely unreal.
But the craziest part?
The second the plane touched down at the tiny Mackinac Island Airport, there was a literal horse-drawn carriage waiting for me right off the runway to take me to my hotel.
No Ubers, no rental cars—just the clip-clop of hooves on the pavement. It instantly unplugs you from the modern world.
The Basecamp: The Inn at Stonecliffe
If you are going to do Mackinac Island, you have to stay somewhere that matches the history of the island. I checked into The Inn at Stonecliffe, and I cannot say enough good things about it.
- The Vibe: Originally built in 1904 as a massive summer estate, the property just went through a stunning $30-million renovation. It sits on 15 incredibly peaceful acres overlooking the water, completely removed from the bustle of downtown.
- The Room: It is the perfect blend of historic Edwardian elegance and modern luxury. The room was crazy comfortable, and having snacks waiting after a long travel day was the ultimate welcoming touch.
- The Best Part: Sitting on the expansive lawn at night, making fireside s’mores, and taking a quick walk over to Sunset Rock. Watching the golden hour light stretch across the water from that vantage point at 9:30 PM is pure magic.
Biking The Only Car-Free Highway In America
Because cars are banned, the entire rhythm of the island is different. You walk, you ride a horse, or you bike.
I grabbed a bike with some friends and tackled Michigan Highway 185 (M-185)—an 8.2-mile paved loop that wraps around the entire perimeter of the island. It is the only state highway in the country where motor vehicles are illegal.
Riding the loop is an absolute must. You get the cool lake breeze the entire time, with breathtaking limestone bluffs on one side and the shoreline on the other. We stopped to explore natural landmarks like Arch Rock, and eventually pulled over at British Landing.
If you make the ride, you have to stop at Cannonball—a beloved local stand right on the water—for their famous fried pickles to refuel.
A Masterclass in Local Food and Wine
I managed to time my trip perfectly with the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival. We took a walking tour right through the heart of downtown, and the entire island smelled incredible, with thousands of vibrant lilacs in full bloom lining the streets.
But the real highlight of downtown is the culinary scene:
- Lunch at Pink Pony: This spot is legendary on the island. You absolutely have to order their famous whitefish dip and grab a burger. It is the perfect, hearty lunch after walking the historic downtown streets.
- Elevated Fudge Tasting: Mackinac is famously known as the fudge capital of the world. But instead of just grabbing a slice in a crowded shop, we did a curated fudge and wine tasting. Pairing the rich local sweets with incredible global wine pours is the ultimate insider move.
- Dinner at The Straits: Back at Stonecliffe, the food was spectacular. The menu is heavily focused on Great Lakes flavors.
- Dinner at The Woods: Right next to Stonecliffe, dinner was a vibe. Grab a drink at Bobby’s Bar (same building) beforehand and try out some duck pin bowling on the oldest alley in the U.S.! Pro tip: you don’t have to chuck it as hard as you think. Once you enter the dining hall for dinner, you’ll feel like you just stepped through a portal in Bavaria.
The Final Verdict
If you want to completely disconnect from the chaotic pace of modern life, leave your car behind, and experience one of the safest, most visually stunning islands in North America, Mackinac Island is the absolute perfect move.
Book the puddle jumper, rent a bike, and enjoy the silence.
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