10 Must-Do Winter Activities on Mackinac

Winter time on Mackinac Island is truly magical.  Here’s my top 10 must-do winter activities to add to your Mackinac Island winter bucket list before the snow melts:

1. Ride on a snowmobile.

2. View the ice patterns from Arch Rock’s lookout. 

3. Cross country ski to Sugar Loaf.

4. Walk through the Crack in the Island.

5. Snowshoe along the trails in the Mackinac State Park.  

  

6. Hike to Croghan’s Water Trail to where the natural spring flows.

  

7. Eat white fish tacos at the Mustang Lounge.

  

 

8. Hike to Brown’s Brook near the lakeshore.

9. Watch the sunset over the frozen Straits of Mackinac.  

10. View the ice patterns on the lake from the sky!

Travel options to the island depend on whether or not the lake is frozen.  Call 800-638-9892 or visit www.arnoldtransitcompany.com for current information about winter ferry service, which operates on a day-to-day basis due to ice conditions.  For up-to-date schedule and operating information text:  MackinacFerry to 41411.

To fly, reserve a flight from the Mackinac County Airport, 1220 N State, St. Ignace, MI 49781.  Visit the main airline’s website at www.freshairaviation.net for details.  Check out Mackinac Resorts for places to stay overnight. 

If you can't make it to the island before the snow melts, check out the Mackinac Island inspired book, Four Seasons of Mackinac, to take in more breathtaking views of winter and early spring when currents break up the ice.