Mackinac Island in 5 days

No cars, all horses, fudge and Victorian porches Best time to visit: June-September (lilacs in June). Average daily budget: $180 to $300.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Main Street, Ferry docks, fudge shops, bike rentals and most restaurants packed into a few blocks.

Morning: Cycle M-185. The only US highway with no cars - eight flat shoreline miles, doable in about 90 minutes with stops.

Afternoon: Explore Main Street, Ferry docks, fudge shops, bike rentals and most restaurants packed into a few blocks.

Evening: Arch Rock. A natural limestone arch 145 feet above the lake, reached by bike path or a steep staircase.

Eat: Fudge - the island's defining export

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: The Bluffs, Victorian summer cottages and the Grand Hotel looking down over the straits.

Morning: Fort Mackinac. Restored 1780s fort with cannon firings, costumed interpreters and the best view over the harbour.

Afternoon: Explore The Bluffs, Victorian summer cottages and the Grand Hotel looking down over the straits.

Evening: The Grand Hotel porch. 660 feet of white columns and rocking chairs. Non-guests pay an admission fee; the dress code kicks in after 6:30pm.

Eat: Whitefish, planked, fried or in a sandwich

Day 3, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Mackinac Island State Park, Over 80 percent of the island - forest trails, limestone arches and quiet interior roads.

Morning: Fudge tasting. A dozen shops still pour it on marble slabs. Sampling is expected.

Afternoon: Explore Mackinac Island State Park, Over 80 percent of the island - forest trails, limestone arches and quiet interior roads.

Evening: Sunrise from the Grand Hotel lawn before day-trippers arrive.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Pasties, a northern Michigan staple

Day 4, Day trip or nature

Base: British Landing, The far side of the island loop, with a snack bar and a swimming beach.

Morning: The interior trails - Sugar Loaf and Crack-in-the-Island are almost empty at midday.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore British Landing, The far side of the island loop, with a snack bar and a swimming beach.

Evening: Sunset at Windermere Point with the bridge lit in the distance.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Cudighi sausage at a Main Street counter

Day 5, Slow finish

Base: Main Street, Ferry docks, fudge shops, bike rentals and most restaurants packed into a few blocks.

Morning: Butterfly houses tucked off the main drag, surprisingly good with kids.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Main Street, Ferry docks, fudge shops, bike rentals and most restaurants packed into a few blocks.

Evening: Dinner at A Grand Hotel afternoon tea if you are splurging, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Main Street.

Eat: A Grand Hotel afternoon tea if you are splurging

Hidden gems

Sunrise from the Grand Hotel lawn before day-trippers arrive.
The interior trails - Sugar Loaf and Crack-in-the-Island are almost empty at midday.
Sunset at Windermere Point with the bridge lit in the distance.
Butterfly houses tucked off the main drag, surprisingly good with kids.

Getting around

Ferries run from Mackinaw City and St. Ignace roughly every half hour in summer, taking 16 to 20 minutes. Once there it is bikes, horse carriages or walking - no cars, no exceptions. Luggage is moved by dray, so pack light.

Safety

Extremely safe. The real hazards are horse traffic on Main Street, sunburn on the shoreline loop and slippery limestone near the arches. Almost everything closes from November to April.

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