Bikes, fudge, Fort Mackinac, and Arch Rock. Two days covering the island's highlights — including the Grand Hotel grounds — without a car in sight.
Take the morning ferry and get oriented with a bike loop. The island is 8 miles around — you can ride the perimeter in 45 minutes or take the whole afternoon stopping at everything.
Half a dozen rental shops line Main Street within 200 feet of the ferry landing. Road bikes run –12/hour or –45/day. Get a road bike if you plan to do the perimeter loop — the interior trails have some elevation. Helmets are included.
Reliable dinner on the island without Grand Hotel prices — pub food, solid fish options, full bar. Located near the village center. Not the fanciest but consistently good.
Arnold Line runs frequently from Mackinaw City (south side of the Mackinac Bridge) through the summer. Book round-trip online. The 15-minute crossing gives a view of the bridge from the water. Park in the Mackinaw City ferry lot — typically –18/day. Bikes travel free.
The Grand Hotel grounds are open to non-guests ( access). Ride the full 8-mile perimeter road before your afternoon ferry — bluffs, forest, and open shoreline.
There are a dozen fudge shops on Main Street but Murdick's is the original (since 1887). Watch them pour fudge on the marble slab through the window. The chocolate pecan and dark chocolate are the best. Buy more than you think you need.
A low-key island tavern since 1948. Good burgers, a perch sandwich, or the fish tacos before catching the afternoon ferry. More locals-flavored than the tourist spots on Main Street.
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