Exploring Fall Colors on Mackinac Island: 11 Family-Friendly Things to Do
It's no secret that we've fallen in love with Mackinac Island. It's the perfect getaway for Summer, picturesque in Fall, and fabulous for family fun. Just close your eyes and imagine this scene: A backdrop of the Great Lakes, crisp air, and gorgeous, vibrant fall foliage… Now you have Mackinac Island in the Fall. It's absolutely one of the best places and a unique experience for families seeking outdoor adventure and beauty in Autumn! Stick with us - we're sharing 11 family-friendly things to do on the Island in Fall, starting after Labor Day.
First, what is Mackinac Island?
Mackinac Island is a car-free oasis in Northern Michigan (between the Upper Peninsula and Lower Peninsula!) with historic charm and family-friendly fun. It's home to two American Revolution-era forts - Historic Fort Mackinac and Fort Holmes, contains over 70 miles of trails, and requires visitors travel by foot, bike, or a horse-drawn carriage ride. Access to the Island is only available via ferries thru the Straits of Mackinac from neighboring Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, running past the majestic Mackinac Bridge.
What is Island traffic like in Fall?
I'll be frank: Once Mackinac was selected by USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice voters as the Best Summer Travel Destination in both 2023 and 2024, it's been busy on the island during Summer. As a frequent traveler, I've learned to master the bustling streets of pedestrians, and explore some of the Island’s quieter spots with the kids. But when Fall hits, crowds start to calm, ferries run a little less frequently, and the Island explodes with color. It's a great time to visit!
Photo courtesy of Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau
Photo courtesy of Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau
Exploring Fall Colors on Mackinac Island: 11 Family-Friendly Things to Do
1. Hike Mackinac Island State Park
The State Park makes up 80% of the Island's total footprint, and it is stunning. There are plenty of evergreens interspersed among the cedars and spruces, which means there is a wide depth of color all throughout. There are also miles of trails to explore - if you're feeling adventurous, we love the Fort Holmes Loop which is around 3.5 miles. With littler kids in tow, the Arch Rock paved trail thru the woods is a great escape at only 2.1 miles.
2. Take a Fall Color Tour via a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride
We love embarking on a fall color tour in this so Island-chic way! Horse-drawn carriage rides are available near the Visitor Center. Reservations aren’t needed, but recommended. Guides are super knowledgable about Island life (many live there year-round), and happy to ask and answer all your trivia questions during the trip. It's also a wonderful way to seek higher ground on the Island without wearing out little legs, and capture all the beautiful colors in one outing.
3. Go for a Leisurely Bike Ride
Bicycles are available to rent all over the downtown area of the Island. We love snagging them for the almost 8-mile Mackinac Island Inner Loop paved trail which curves around the exterior of the Island from downtown, to the northern British Landing, and back. Block out anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours for the trip, and expect lots of views of deep blue waters. It's spectacular!
Photo courtesy of Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau
Exploring Fall Colors on Mackinac Island: More Family-Friendly Things to Do
4. Shop Downtown Mackinac Island
If you ask my daughter, she'll encourage you to visit her favorite book shops (hello Island Bookstore!). If you ask me, I'll send you to the ever-adorable Little Luxuries who I always seem to return home from with gobs of souvenirs. Where the intensity of summer shopping has me sometimes in a grab and go mode, Fall shopping on the Island affords me a little more time to browse, and I love it.
5. Snag Pumpkin Fudge (or any flavor really!)
ICYMI, Mackinac Island is the Fudge Capital of the World, and boy do they know how to celebrate. Fudge shops offer demos throughout the day so patrons can watch fudge being made in person, and every one of the 13 shops on the Island gift visitors with fudge samples. Just ask.
6. Stay at Mission Point Resort
This is by far one of our favorite hotels on the Island, and not just because a wonderful family of our hometown Indianapolis, Indiana own it (but they do - say hi to the Ware family for us!). Mission Point Resort spans 18 acres on the SE side of the Island, has incredible on-site accommodations like a spa, restaurants, shops, and a theater, but every lake view from their property this time of year is breathtaking. Go, just go.
Side note: Quite a few hotels and b&bs offer discounted rates beginning in late September and early October, right when peak fall color season arrives. Check websites for deals!
7. See Arch Rock
Visit the iconic Arch Rock and witness the peak colors of fall in all their splendor. The panoramic views from one almost the highest point on the Island (that honor is gifted to Fort Holmes!) means an applause-worthy color show of Fall shades, and the surrounding waters of Lake Huron. Make sure to read the plaques nearby - my kids love the stories of how Arch Rock came to be.
DAY TRIP ALERT - Mackinac Island to Tahquamenon Falls
On the Island for Fall Break? Here's a reason to leave for a few hours: Tahquamenon Falls State Park is only a 2-hour trip, and it's one of our favorite state parks in Michigan. Explore the upper or lower falls, take a scenic drive thru the 50,000-acre park, then enjoy the in-property Tahquamenon Falls Brewery & Pub (get the pasties). It's a great place for a perfect day trip away.
Need more Michigan travel ideas?
8. Do a Sunrise Kayak Trip
Okay disclaimer: I haven't been able to paddle Lake Michigan myself yet from Mackinac Island but it's on my bucket list. I hear great things about Great Turtle Kayak Tours and have them bookmarked for my next Fall trip. Fun fact: Mackinac is short for the Native word "Mitchimakinak" meaning "Great Turtle."
9. Go to the Grand Hotel
IYKYK, because The Grand Hotel knows how to indulge in its historic charm during the fall season. The hotel's elegant architecture and surroundings complement the beauty of fall, and some Hotel areas are even said to be haunted. But you don't need to be an overnight guest to enjoy the thrill of them all - the Grand Hotel Haunted Maze. My kids loved it, I cowered in a corner until being rescued by my 16yo. Either way, it's the perfect addition to Fall fun.
10. Time Your Visit During the Great Turtle Half Marathon and Run/Walk
Flex your family's fitness vibe - signup for a 5-mile run/walk together around the Island during your stay (or get some time away from the kids while you half-marathon. Shhh we won't tell if you stop off at Mackinac Island Pizza Company after). The Great Turtle race takes place annually in late October.
11. Go for Mackinac Island's Halloween Weekend
Celebrate Halloween weekend on Mackinac Island with costume parties, fall-themed activities, and fantastic deals. The island comes alive with the spirit of fall, offering a memorable experience for families looking to enjoy the season in a unique way.
