Mackinaw City travel guide

Mackinaw City travel guide

National Airports

Mackinaw City is a small town in Michigan and does not have its own airport. However, there are several national airports located within driving distance of Mackinaw City, including:

Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City, Michigan – located approximately 70 miles southwest of Mackinaw City.

Pellston Regional Airport (PLN) in Pellston, Michigan – located approximately 15 miles south of Mackinaw City.

Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) in Detroit, Michigan – located approximately 265 miles southeast of Mackinaw City.

Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids, Michigan – located approximately 230 miles southwest of Mackinaw City.

While there are no airports in Mackinaw City, there are several transportation options available to get to and from these national airports, including car rentals, taxis, shuttles, and private transportation services.

Trains in Mackinaw City

Mackinaw City does not have its own train station, and there are no passenger train services directly to the town. However, there are Amtrak stations located in nearby cities, including:

Traverse City, Michigan – approximately 70 miles southwest of Mackinaw City

Cadillac, Michigan – approximately 100 miles south of Mackinaw City

Escanaba, Michigan – approximately 110 miles north of Mackinaw City

From these Amtrak stations, there are transportation options available to get to Mackinaw City, including car rentals, taxis, and private transportation services. Additionally, some local tour companies offer guided tours and transportation services to and from Mackinaw City, which may include transportation to and from the nearest Amtrak station.

Buses in Mackinaw City

There are several bus companies that offer transportation services to and from Mackinaw City. These include:

Indian Trails – Indian Trails is a bus company that offers daily service to and from Mackinaw City. They operate buses throughout Michigan and offer connections to other major cities in the Midwest.

Greyhound – Greyhound is a national bus company that offers daily service to and from Mackinaw City. They operate buses throughout the United States and offer connections to other major cities.

Michigan Flyer – Michigan Flyer is a bus company that offers transportation services between Mackinaw City and the Detroit Metropolitan Airport. They operate daily bus service and offer connections to other airports in the area.

Northern Michigan Escapes – Northern Michigan Escapes is a local tour company that offers shuttle services to and from Mackinaw City. They provide transportation services to nearby attractions, including Mackinac Island, as well as airport and hotel transfers.

Overall, there are several transportation options available for travelers to and from Mackinaw City, including buses, shuttles, and private transportation services.

How to get to Mackinaw City

Mackinaw City is located in the northern part of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, and there are several transportation options available to get there:

By Car – Mackinaw City is accessible via I-75, which runs north-south through the state of Michigan. From the south, travelers can take I-75 to exit 337 and follow the signs to Mackinaw City. From the north, travelers can take I-75 to exit 338 and follow the signs to Mackinaw City.

By Bus – Several bus companies offer daily service to and from Mackinaw City, including Greyhound, Indian Trails, Michigan Flyer, and Northern Michigan Escapes. Buses generally arrive and depart from the Mackinaw City Transportation Center, located at 101 South Huron Avenue.

By Plane – The nearest major airport to Mackinaw City is the Pellston Regional Airport (PLN), located approximately 15 miles south of the city. Alternatively, travelers can fly into the Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City, Michigan, or the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and drive to Mackinaw City from there.

By Ferry – Mackinaw City is connected to Mackinac Island via ferry service. Several ferry companies offer daily service between Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island, including Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry, Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry, and Arnold Mackinac Island Ferry.

Overall, there are several transportation options available to get to Mackinaw City, including driving, taking a bus, flying, or taking a ferry.

What is the best time to travel to Mackinaw City

The best time to travel to Mackinaw City depends on your preferences and interests. Here is some general information about the weather and tourism season in Mackinaw City to help you plan your trip:

Weather: Mackinaw City experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are generally warm with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to low 80s Fahrenheit (about 18-27°C) and occasional rain showers. Fall is a popular time to visit, with cooler temperatures and colorful foliage. Winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures ranging from the single digits to the low 30s Fahrenheit (about -13 to 0°C). Spring can be unpredictable, with a mix of chilly and mild temperatures and occasional rain showers.

Tourism season: The peak tourism season in Mackinaw City is during the summer months, from June through August, when the weather is warm and sunny. During this time, many of the local attractions, including Mackinac Island, are open and offer a variety of activities and events. Fall is also a popular time to visit, especially for those interested in seeing the fall foliage and participating in seasonal activities such as apple picking and pumpkin patches. The winter season can be a quieter time to visit, but it offers unique winter sports activities and holiday events. Spring is generally considered the shoulder season, with fewer crowds and lower prices.

Overall, the best time to travel to Mackinaw City depends on your interests and preferences. If you enjoy warm weather and outdoor activities, the summer months may be the best time to visit. If you prefer cooler temperatures and fall foliage, the autumn season may be more appealing. Winter is ideal for those interested in winter sports and holiday events, while spring offers the opportunity to explore the area without the crowds.

How to get around Mackinaw City

Mackinaw City is a small town, and it is easy to get around on foot. However, there are several other transportation options available for visitors:

Car – If you have your vehicle, driving is an easy and convenient way to get around Mackinaw City and the surrounding area. There are several parking options available in town, including free parking at the Mackinaw City Municipal Marina and paid parking lots throughout the downtown area.

Bicycle – Biking is a popular way to explore Mackinaw City and the surrounding area, especially during the summer months. Several local bike rental shops offer a variety of bike styles and options, including tandem bikes, child trailers, and electric bikes.

Taxi – Several local taxi companies offer transportation services throughout Mackinaw City and the surrounding area, including Mackinaw Shuttle, Straits Area Cab, and Mackinaw Trolley Company.

Shuttle – There are several shuttle services available for visitors, including the Mackinaw Trolley Company, which offers narrated tours of the area and transportation to local attractions. The Mackinaw Shuttle provides transportation services to and from the Pellston Regional Airport and other locations throughout the area.

Ferry – If you are planning a trip to Mackinac Island, several ferry companies offer daily service between Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island.

Overall, getting around Mackinaw City is relatively easy and convenient, with several transportation options available to visitors, including driving, biking, taxi, shuttle, and ferry services.

Accommodations in Mackinaw City

Mackinaw City offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are some of the most popular types of accommodations in the area:

Hotels and motels – There are several hotels and motels in Mackinaw City, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxurious resorts. Many hotels and motels offer amenities such as indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, free breakfast, and complimentary shuttle services to local attractions.

Vacation rentals – Mackinaw City has several vacation rental options, including cabins, cottages, and vacation homes. These rentals are ideal for families or larger groups and offer amenities such as full kitchens, outdoor grills, and private outdoor spaces.

Bed and breakfasts – If you are looking for a more intimate and unique lodging experience, there are several bed and breakfast options in the area. These typically offer cozy rooms, home-cooked breakfasts, and personalized service.

Campgrounds – There are several campgrounds in the area, including state parks and private campgrounds. These offer a variety of camping options, including tent camping, RV camping, and cabins. Many campgrounds offer amenities such as showers, laundry facilities, and campfire pits.

Resorts – If you are looking for a luxurious and all-inclusive experience, there are several resorts in the area that offer amenities such as spa services, fine dining, and golf courses.

Overall, Mackinaw City offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets, from budget-friendly motels to luxurious resorts. When planning your trip, be sure to book your accommodations in advance, especially during the peak tourism season.