Top Mackinaw City How to Get Around in 2026

Mackinac Island's West Bluff is one of the Midwest's finest collections of Victorian architecture, built by industrialists escaping the heat and grime of post-Civil War cities. On this self-guided walking tour, you'll trace the stories behind eleven of these grand cottages, from the lumber barons and meat-packers who built them to the governors and immigrants who shaped their legacy. The tour starts at the Walter C. Newberry Cottage, the first home past the Grand Hotel. You'll walk along the bluff, passing Queen Anne turrets, wraparound verandas, and shingle-style facades, while hearing how wealthy families competed for leases on this National Park land starting at just $25 a year. Along the way, you'll discover how business partnerships, family dynasties, and architectural rivalries played out side by side on this single stretch of shoreline.

Mackinac Island’s East Bluff is home to some of the island’s most elegant summer cottages, where prominent families have retreated for over a century. On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll hear how the area earned its reputation as “the quiet bluff” as you stroll past a collection of private Victorian and Edwardian homes. Starting outside the Michigan Governor’s summer residence, this leisurely walk covers just over a mile through scenic roads. You’ll pass charming cottages. Each home tells a different story about island life. Among them is the summer retreat for the groundbreaking Hamilton sisters – one taught America about Greek mythology, and the other became Harvard’s first female faculty member. As you make your way to Cedar Hill cottage, where the tour ends, you’ll enjoy views of Fort Mackinac. You’ll learn why the fort’s commanding position had one critical vulnerability and how British forces exploited it during their nighttime invasion in 1812.

Explore Michigan’s Mackinac Island on a self-guided walking tour highlighting Somewhere in Time's filming locations. This picturesque island, with its preserved Victorian architecture and car-free charm, was the perfect backdrop for the 1912-set film. Starting at the iconic "Somewhere in Time Tree," you’ll visit spots like Windermere Point and Marquette Park while hearing insider stories from Dan Dewey, a production assistant and island resident. Along the way, gain behind-the-scenes insights into how the movie was made and the challenges of filming on this unique, timeless island.

Explore the charm of Mackinac Island on a guided bike tour that showcases its stunning landscapes and rich history. Cycle along car-free roads and beautiful trails, feeling the breeze as you take in spectacular views of Lake Huron. Your knowledgeable guide will share stories about the island's past. Visit iconic sites like Arch Rock and Fort Mackinac while enjoying the vibrant Victorian architecture and lush floral surroundings. This tour is suitable for all skill levels, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone. - Guided tour around the perimeter of Mackinac Island - View historical sites including Arch Rock and Fort Mackina - Suitable for all cycling skill levels with well-maintained bikes - Expert guides provide fascinating historical insights throughout the ride

Get in and amongst Mackinac Island’s art, culture, and history, without needing to stick to a group tour or follow a guide around, with this interactive, app-led scavenger hunt. Instead, solve challenges with your group, compete with others on the app to climb higher on the leaderboard, and learn all about Mackinac Island as you play the game.

Our very unique, immersive adventures are the only ones of their kind. We, unlike other companies, provide your very own remote, interactive, live host to assist and encourage you along through your phone. We are an Austin, TX-based global custom event design company offering scavenger hunts and other events in 300+ cities in North America and beyond. Our specially hand-crafted adventures are equal parts tour, creative challenge, detective hunt, and social experiment! Guests get to discover in an alternate reality our favorite hidden gems off the beaten trail and creatively interpret fun art, history, and culture clues - for points! They get to enjoy fame and glory while appearing on our website’s international leaderboard, no matter what their score. They get to essentially race other teams in other cities, even if they don’t have competitors who have signed up in their city that day. Get ready to discover unusual oddities, laugh out loud, and make the experience your own!