How to Visit Mackinac Island in the Winter
How to Visit Mackinac Island in the Winter
Visiting Mackinac Island in the winter is a unique experience that I highly recommend to every Mackinac Island fan. For anyone used to the crowds that frequent Mackinac Island during the summer, it will be a shocking experience to feel like you are on the island by yourself.
I visited Mackinac Island in December 2016 and January 2022. During both visits, there were many times when I felt like I was the only one on Mackinac Island.
When you visit Mackinac Island in the winter, don’t expect the same experience as a summer visit. Almost all of the hotels, restaurants, and shops will be closed. Also, snowmobiles will replace bicycles, and you may even see a few vehicles on the island assisting with construction.
To learn more about what is open during the 2021-22 Winter Season on Mackinac Island click HERE.
Still, even without the typical amenities that Mackinac Island offers, a winter visit gives tourists a chance to see a side of Mackinac Island that typically only the locals see. There is nothing more beautiful than a fresh snowfall on Mackinac Island.
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How to Visit Mackinac Island in the Winter - Table of Contents
Updated: April 14, 2024
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How to Visit Mackinac Island During the Winter - Getting to Mackinac Island
The two most common methods of getting to Mackinac Island in the winter are taking the ferry or flying. A third method is sometimes available if the ice bridge has formed connecting British Landing to St. Ignace. In this section, I am going to focus on the first two methods.
During the winter season, Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry operates winter service via the steel-hulled “Mighty” Huron. The Huron has been providing winter service for many years and was originally owned by Arnold Transit Service. In addition to having ice-breaking capabilities due to its steel haul, the Huron also has a heated interior.
The Mighty Huron runs between St. Ignace and Mackinac Island up to three times a day until the ice fully freezes. During my visit in December of 2016, I took the Mighty Huron to and from the island. The ride on the Huron takes around 30 minutes from St. Ignace to Mackinac Island. You can access Star Line’s Winter Schedule by clicking HERE.
Please note that Shepler’s does not offer winter service and that there is no winter service from Mackinaw City. It is advised to check Star Line’s website often as ice conditions can deteriorate quickly.
Shepler’s dry docks their ferries in Mackinaw City. Star Line dry docks their ferries (except the Mighty Huron) in St. Ignace. It is quite a sight to see all of the ferries out of the water. In Mackinaw City, you can walk right up to the Shepler’s Ferries
Once the harbor freezes, Mackinac Island is only accessible by airplane. Great Lakes Air offers air taxi service from St. Ignace for $35 each way. Although it is sometimes possible to get a flight by showing up at the airport, reservations are always recommended.
Great Lakes Air requires two paid fares per flight, meaning that if you are traveling by yourself, you will have to pay for two seats.
The flight from St. Ignace takes between six and ten minutes, depending on if you have to circle the island before landing.
There is also an option to fly from airports that are further away. Recently, I was quoted the following prices: Pellston to Mackinac Island – $350 each way, Alpena to Mackinac Island – $750 each way, Sault Saint Marie (MI) to Mackinac Island – $350 each way, and Traverse City to Mackinac Island – $800 each way. These quotes were per flight and included luggage and up to four passengers.
Freight service is offered by the Arnold Freight Company as long as ice permits. Otherwise, all freight will have to be flown in by plane.
The final method of transportation is by snowmobile across the ice bridge. Some years, the ice is thick enough for travel between British Landing and St. Ignace. I do not recommend this method as it is difficult to tell how safe the ice is, and there is always a risk associated with this transportation method.
How to Visit Mackinac Island During the Winter - Where to Stay
During a winter visit to Mackinac Island, there are limited accommodation options. Three properties, Above Mackinac Condos, the Pontiac Lodge, and the Village Inn Suites, are open all winter.
In addition, the Cottage Inn, Mackinac House, Small Point Bed and Breakfast, and Lilac Tree Hotel are open for a limited period of time during late December and early January.
During my most recent winter stay, I stayed at the Pontiac Lodge. Located on Main Street, I found that this hotel was the perfect place to stay in the winter. In addition to its location, the Pontiac Lodge has a kitchenette area that includes a microwave and refridgerator. With limited dining options, a kitchenette allowed me to microwave my own food.
How to Visit Mackinac Island During the Winter - Where to Eat
There are three dining options during the winter season on Mackinac Island. For sit-down dining, the Mustang Lounge is open year-round.
Another option is the local grocery store, Doud’s Market. Doud’s Market has many prepackaged meals that can be microwaved.
A third option is the Broken Spoke, which has limited hours. I was told they were open as of December 1st, but during my visit to the island, they were closed. It appears that the Broken Spoke is currently (as of 1/20/22) open on weekdays.
How to Visit Mackinac Island During the Winter - Getting Around Mackinac Island
There are a few different ways to get around Mackinac Island in the winter. These methods include walking, riding a fat-tired bicycle, snowmobiles, and a horse-drawn taxi.
For locals, snowmobiles become the main method of transportation after the first snowfall. There are no options for renting snowmobiles on Mackinac Island, so tourists will have to bring their own. Snowmobiles are allowed on the Huron if space permits. Once the ferry stops running, there is no way to get your snowmobile to Mackinac Island unless the ice bridge has formed.
There is a strictly enforced speed limit on Mackinac Island. 25 miles per hour is the maximum speed allowed. The limit drops to 20 miles per hour in town.
There are 12 pairs of horses (24 total) that remain on Mackinac Island during the winter. Some of these horses pull horse-drawn taxi carriages. Taxis must be reserved in advance, and I highly recommend calling multiple days in advance. The number for Mackinac Island Taxi Service is 906-847-3323.
If you are arriving by plane, you will need a taxi to get from Mackinac Island Airport to the downtown area. Only one or two taxis are operating, so the more notice you give the taxi service, the better.
It is much more common to see cars on the island in the winter. In addition to police, fire, and ambulance, there are often a variety of construction vehicles on Mackinac Island during the winter.
I spent a lot of time walking around Mackinac Island. Be sure to dress warmly as the temperature can often fall below zero. Factor in the windchill, and it can feel as cold as 20-30 below.
Visiting Mackinac Island During the Winter - Photos of Mackinac During the Winter Season
I am constantly asked by people visiting my website and following me on social media for photos of Mackinac Island during the winter. The photos below are of some of Mackinac Island’s most popular tourist destinations. To make it easier to navigate, I’ve divided this section by location.
This photo is available for purchase. To purchase, click HERE.
Main Street
One of the highlights of the winter season on Mackinac Island is the annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. The Christmas Tree is located in the middle of Main Street across from Star Line Dock and is typically lit during a ceremony during the first week of December. This year’s ceremony took place on December 3rd.
This photo is available for purchase. To purchase, click HERE.
For tourists that have visited Mackinac Island in the past, a winter visit will offer the chance to see a virtually empty Main Street. It is an odd feeling to walk down Main Street seeing the businesses, restaurants, ferry docks, and hotels closed.
This photo is available for purchase. To purchase, click HERE.
With so many colorful buildings on Main Street, tourists will be able to capture some beautiful pictures of the bright-colored buildings contrasting with the white snow.
There are very few buildings open during the winter on Mackinac Island. One building that is typically open is the Mackinac Island Public Library. If you are looking for a place to warm up, consider spending a few minutes inside the library.
Market Street/Cadotte Avenue
During a winter visit to Mackinac Island, it is common to see more people on Market Street than on Main Street. Market Street is the street located directly behind Main Street and has a mix of hotels, shops, and services for Mackinac Island’s permanent residents.
During a winter visit, be sure to check out the yellow house on the corner of Market Street and Cadotte Avenue. This house is one of my favorite homes on Mackinac Island, and the yellow house provides a great photo opportunity with a snowy background.
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Despite the fact that the Carrousel Shops had a sign saying they were open, that was incorrect. The shops were definitely closed.
Another one of my favorite buildings is the Lilac House Bed and Breakfast. Its purple-colored exterior is another one of my favorite winter photo opportunities.
Market Street is home to many essential services on Mackinac Island. These include the courthouse, fire department, medical center, post office, and bank. With these buildings all being located on Main Street it is obvious why it has so much winter traffic.
The public restrooms on Market Street are closed during the winter season. There are no public restrooms available during winter on Mackinac Island.
Cadotte Avenue is the street that leads up towards the Grand Hotel from Market Street. During the winter, it is definitely worth the walk up Cadotte Avenue to photograph the Little Stone Church.
Further up Cadotte Avenue is the Grand Hotel. During my December 2016 visit, the Grand Hotel had some major renovation work done. It is common to see construction and renovations on Mackinac Island during the winter.
The Water
When visiting Mackinac Island in the winter, tourists are often stunned by the beautiful ice formations that form in the waters of Lake Huron. As the ice freezes, it creates chunks of floating ice that can look like anything from squares to pancakes.
This photo is available for purchase. To purchase, click HERE.
This photo is available for purchase. To purchase, click HERE.
Eventually, Lake Huron freezes enough that visitors can walk out onto the lake. Please be careful, as it should never be assumed that walking out on the ice is 100 percent safe.
As the winter progresses, blue ice forms on the shores of Mackinac. Blue ice has a bluish tint to it that is a result of a lack of bubbles in the water. This lack of bubbles allows the light to pass through the ice without interference causing it to appear blue.
In the photos, the blue ice did not appear to be very blue. I believe it was because of the angle of the sun. It was still a unique experience seeing the sections of ice that appeared to be perfectly cut.
During my January 2022 visit, it was interesting to see how the ice doesn’t freeze equally. The area Straits of Mackinac area froze quickly while the open waters near the end of the Shoreline Trail still had plenty of unfrozen water.
Mackinac Island State Harbor closes in the middle of October. Walking by the harbor, winter visitors will experience a strange view of the normally busy harbor completely empty.
This photo is available for purchase. To purchase, click HERE.
Fort Mackinac and Marquette Park
Marquette Park is beautiful in the winter and is a great place to let children play in the snow. The park is open 24-hours and is one of the few places that still has picnic tables, benches, and trash cans available during the winter season.
Fort Mackinac is not open during the winter season. This closure doesn’t mean that you can capture great photos of the fort from Marquette Park.
This photo is available for purchase. To purchase, click HERE.
Be sure to walk up to the top of Fort Street for one of the best views on Mackinac Island.
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Once you have climbed the hill, I also recommend spending some time in the interior viewing attractions such as Skull Cave, Arch Rock, and Fort Holmes.
Windermere Point
Windermere Point is one of my favorite places for photographs, regardless of the season. This belief is especially true during the winter season. Located just before the beginning of the Mackinac Island Boardwalk and across from the Windermere Hotel, Windermere Point provides a great view of the Round Island Passage Light, Round Island Lighthouse, and the Straits of Mackinac.
There are two trees that I love to photograph during each visit to Mackinac Island. I have never taken a bad picture of the birch and ash trees at Windermere Point.
This photo is available for purchase. To purchase, click HERE.
This photo is available for purchase. To purchase, click HERE.
During my January 2022 visit, it was interesting to see how the ice froze overnight. When I photographed Windermere Point the first day, there was open water. The next day, the ice had completely frozen over the area.
The Boardwalk and Shorline Trail
Two of the best places for winter hiking are the Mackinac Island Boardwalk and Shoreline Trail. Both of these paths are typically cleared during the winter, making hiking much easier once substantial snowfall has occurred.
The Mackinac Island Boardwalk begins just past Windermere Point and ends just past Mackinac Island Public School. When walking the Mackinac Island Boardwalk visitors, will have great views of Lake Huron and the Mackinac Bridge.
The Shoreline Trail begins at the Greens of Mackinac, just before Mission Point. Following the Eastern Shoreline of Lake Huron, the Shoreline Trail provides beautiful views of the open water.
This photo is available for purchase. To purchase, click HERE.
During my January 2022 visit, I captured some amazing photos of the sunset while walking the Shoreline Trail.
This photo is available for purchase. To purchase, click HERE.
The Interior
Some of Mackinac Island’s most famous sights are located in the interior of the island. These sights include Arch Rock, Fort Holmes, Skull Cave, Sugar Loaf, Lookout Point, and more. I highly recommend a winter hike through the interior of Mackinac Island to see a side of these beautiful places that most Mackinac tourists don’t have a chance to see. The easiest way to get into the interior is to walk up the hill on Fort Street.
Once at the top of the hill, turn left at the Governor’s Summer Residence and head towards the interior entrance to Fort Mackinac. From there, all of the top attractions are within a one-mile walk.
Some of the hiking paths are closed to hiking in the winter as they have been groomed for cross country skiing. As a result, hikers should use the roads. For example, instead of taking the Arch Rock Nature Trail, hikers should take Arch Rock Road to get to the Arch Rock Viewing area.
For those interested in a night hike, there are a few scheduled Turtle Treks. These hikes follow a path lit by hanging lanterns.
Arch Rock
The first place that I visited during my hike of the interior was Arch Rock. There was no one else at Arch Rock during my time of visit. Be sure to walk out on the platform to get a great view of M-185 and Lake Huron.
This photo is available for purchase. To purchase, click HERE.
This photo is available for purchase. To purchase, click HERE.
I do not recommend trying to climb the steps to Arch Rock in the winter. They can be covered in ice and snow and are a hazard for falling.
Fort Holmes
One of the best views on Mackinac Island is from the top of Fort Holmes. This location is the island’s highest point. To avoid walking up the steps, Fort Holmes can be reached by walking up the path behind the cemeteries. The path first stops at Point Lookout. From Point Lookout, it is a short walk to Fort Holmes.
In addition to going inside Fort Holmes, be sure to spend some time looking and photographing Lake Huron from all angles. Visitors should get great views of the lighthouses and the Mackinac Bridge.
This photo is available for purchase. To purchase, click HERE.
Point Lookout and the Sugar Loaf
Like Fort Holmes, the easiest way to get to Point Lookout is to take the path that begins behind the cemeteries. This path will make it so winter tourists can avoid the snow-covered stairs.
This photo is available for purchase. To purchase, click HERE.
Point Lookout provides a great view of the Mackinac Island Sugarloaf. Once at Point Lookout, be sure to walk to Fort Holmes, which is just a few hundred feet further up the path.
Skull Cave
Another interior attraction that I stopped at during my winter hike through the interior of Mackinac Island is Skull Cave. Skull Cave gets its name based on a story told in the Memoirs of Alexander Henry.
Henry said he went into the cave and realized it was too small to be explored. After breaking some tree branches to serve as bedding, Henry fell asleep. At daybreak, he felt an object under him that was not part of his tree branch bed, and to his horror, he realized that the cave was full of human bones and skulls.
The Cemeteries
On the way to Point Lookout and Fort Holmes are three cemeteries. The first cemetery I stopped at was the Post Cemetary. The Post Cemetery is the most interesting and historic cemetery on Mackinac Island. During early US military history, soldiers were buried in the location where they died instead of being sent home to be buried by their families. As a result, there are 108 fallen soldiers buried on Mackinac Island.
Since the burials date back to the War of 1812, many of the original wooden crosses have long decayed or disappeared. Of the 108 buried in Post Cemetery, only 39 have their names on their tombstones. The rest of the tombstones say “US Soldier” or “Unknown Soldier.” The US Flag at the Post Cemetery is one of only a handful of flags in the US that continually flies at half-mast. This is even true during the winter season.
The other cemetery I visited was St. Anne’s Cemetery. An interesting side note is that during the creation of the entrance gate, the architect asked for the exact dimensions of the horse-drawn hearse. The gate was built at the precise height of the hearse not taking into consideration that there would be a driver sitting on it. As a result, the road in the picture below goes around the gate instead of through it.
Everything Else
There are a few things that don’t fit any of the other categories. As a result, I made an extra section called “everything else.”
M-185
M-185 is the only state highway in the State of Michigan that doesn’t allow motorized vehicles. In the summer, M-185 is typically full of bicyclists attempting to peddle all eight miles around the island.
During the winter season, the bicycles are replaced by snowmobiles. Remember that the speed limit is 25 MPH and is strictly enforced.
Mackinac Island Public School
Mackinac Island Public School is a fully functioning school that is in session during the winter season. During my visit, a team from Na Tah Wahsh, Michigan, was competing against Mackinac Island in boys basketball. The team played the Mackinac Island Lakers on Friday evening and then again on Saturday morning. Typically, Mackinac Island’s opponents spend the night in the gym and almost always play the Lakers in back-to-back games. Na Tah Wahsh won the first game 66 to 34 and the second game 67 to 30.
As I was arriving at Mackinac Island Airport, the Na Tah Wahsh basketball team was waiting to depart. To get to the airport, they were given a ride inside the Mackinac Island Ambulence.
Lighthouses
One of my favorite places to photograph on Mackinac Island is the two lighthouses.
The Round Island Lighthouse was initially built in 1895 and served as a manned lighthouse until 1947.
In 1972, a storm almost destroyed the Round Island Lighthouse. As a result, the Round Island Lighthouse became a Michigan historical sight in 1978. The lighthouse was refurbished to prevent additional damage. In 1996, the Round Island Lighthouse was relit.
In 1947, the Round Island Passage Light was constructed. It serves as an unmanned lighthouse, marking the narrow channel between Round Island and Mackinac Island.
