28 Pictures of Mackinac Island That Will Make You Want to Visit ASAP

Visiting Mackinac Island (pronounced Mack-i-naw) is like stepping back in time with its charming Main Street shops, quaint gingerbread cottages, and the clip-clop sounds of horse drawn carriages carrying everything from passengers to packages. Motorized vehicles were outlawed in 1898, so the only forms of transportation are bicycles, horses, and of course walking.

These are our favorite photos that we snapped while spending a week on this charming island. Maybe they’ll inspire you to plan a visit to Mackinac Island.

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Sites Around Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island is a great place to unplug from the world and spend time with family. Maybe its the lack of cars, but the whole island just feels like it moves at a slower pace. Don’t get me wrong. There’s plenty to explore. Go shopping on Main Street for local fudge and other favorites. Rent a bike and ride the only state highway where cars are not allowed. Take a carriage tour. Or, if you’re feeling brave rent a horse and carriage for a self guided trip around the island.

The Horses of Mackinac Island

Once of the first signs of Spring on Mackinac Island is the arrival of the horses. During the summer high season, 600 horses call Mackinac Island home. That’s more horses than full time residents! These beautiful horses are the primary source of transportation, carting supplies from the dock and carrying tourists around town. Even the Amazon truck is a horse drawn carriage. Don’t miss visiting The Grand Hotel Stables for an up close look at these majestic beasts.

The Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island

This iconic luxury resort has been welcoming visitors since 1887. Guest rooms and public spaces burst with color and pattern. In fact, every room is different from wallpapers to linens. Day visitors can tour the hotel for $10. So if you aren’t staying at The Grand Hotel, you can still stop by to enjoy a treat from Sadies Ice Cream Parlor or a cocktail from the Geranium Bar. Grab a seat in one of the 100 rocking chairs that line the massive front porch and watch the time pass in Victorian fashion. Be aware that there is a strict dress code after 6pm.

Houses and Inns of Mackinac Island

The houses and inns of Mackinac Island are at the heart of the island’s 19th-century charm and were my favorite things to photograph during our stay. We wandered the streets for hours photographing the vibrant gingerbread cottages, stately Victorian mansions, and cozy bed-and-breakfasts. .

We hope these photos inspire you to pack your bags and escape to Mackinac Island. It’s the perfect little haven to digitally detox and get lost in a simpler, horse-powered way of life, if only for a weekend. Seriously, this place is bucket list worthy.