All Mackinaw City Tours & Excursions in 2026

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse was known as the "Castle on the Straits" upon its completion, and it's not hard to see why. The house and grounds are being restored back to its 1910 appearance, and interactive exhibits and galleries, informative demonstrations, and tours of the tower allow guests the opportunity to step back int time and see what life was like for keepers and mariners at the turn of the 20th century.

Immerse yourself in a world of history and engineering while taking in fresh air on a boat tour along the Straits of Mackinac. Travel under Michigan’s majestic Mackinac Bridge and learn about the many shipwrecks that happened below. Discover more than 100 years of history in the Straits of Mackinac and see Fort Michilimackinac and the Old Mackinac Point Light from the water.

Mackinac Island is a popular stop for cruise passengers and larger groups visiting the area. Skip the risk of missing out during your time on the island by securing your Fort Mackinac ticket in advance, as entry can sell out. Your ticket grants access to all 14 historic buildings, plus live demonstrations and guided tours throughout the day. Learn about the fort's history and enjoy free time to explore at your own pace.

Historic Downtown Mackinac is a collection of historic sites located throughout downtown Mackinac Island, presenting history from pre-European contact into the 1950s. This self-guided museum experience includes The Biddle House, featuring the Mackinac Island Native American Museum, explores the history of the Anishnaabek people of Mackinac Island through the lens of Agatha Biddle, an Odawa woman who lived in the house in the 1830s. The Benjamin Blacksmith Shop is a working blacksmith shop set in the 1950s, toward the end of the shop's life. The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum displays works inspired by Mackinac Island, including a juried exhibition. The American Fur Co. Store & Dr. Beaumont Museum was the site of a famous accident that altered the course of medical history, while the McGulpin House is a rare example of French Canadian architecture, and possibly the oldest residence still standing on Mackinac Island.

Explore Mackinac Island at your own pace, choosing to stop wherever you like with this self-guided audio tour. Rent your bicycles separately, and then choose your route. You don’t need to stick with a tour group or a fixed itinerary. You can start and finish when you like, and you also have offline access to maps, geodata, and your audio guide.

Colonial Michilimackinac is a National Historic Landmark, and is home to North America's longest ongoing archaeological dig. Costumed interpreters portraying British soldiers, merchants, voyageurs, Native Americans, and other tradespeople are on site daily, providing demonstrations, tours, and programs. Colonial Michilimackinac also offers unparalleled views of the Straits of Mackinac, Mackinac Bridge, and Mackinac Island. During the summer months, weather permitting, archaeologists are on site, digging through the layers of soil, pulling out bits of history in front of you.

Soar 600 feet above the water on this thrilling parasailing experience from Mackinaw City. After a safety briefing, get strapped into your equipment and head out with an experienced team. Fly high above Lake Huron, taking in incredible views of the famous Mackinac Bridge and Mackinac Island in the distance. No previous experience or special skills are needed, making this an exciting choice for first-time parasailers.

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

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.

Parasailing is a water sport in which a person is towed behind a boat while attached to a parachute-like canopy. The parasail is suspended from a harness that is attached to the boat, and as the boat moves, the parasailer is lifted into the air and glides through the sky. Parasailing in the Straits Area, you can see views of the famous Mackinac Bridge, see Mackinac Island from a distance and a birds eye view of the beautiful Lake Huron. To participate in parasailing, you do not need any special skills or training. The activity is typically supervised by trained staff who will provide you with all the necessary equipment and instruction.

Enjoy a relaxing evening on the Harbor Princess as you cruise across Little Traverse Bay, soaking in stunning sunset views. With the bar opening 30 minutes before departure, guests can purchase refreshing beverages and snacks to enhance the experience. Departure times shift with the sunset, offering you the chance to witness the changing colors of the evening sky. Perfect for those looking for a scenic and tranquil outing on the water.

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.

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.

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.

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!