About the Island

Mackinac Island is an island and resort area, covering 4.35 square miles in land area, in the U.S. state of Michigan.
The name of the island in Odawa is Michilimackinac and "Mitchimakinak" in Ojibwemowin, meaning "Great Turtle". It is located on Lake Huron, at the eastern end of the Straits of Mackinac, between the state's Upper and Lower Peninsulas. The island was long home to an Odawa settlement and previous indigenous cultures before European colonization began in the 17th century. It was a strategic center of the fur trade around the Great Lakes. Based on a former trading post, Fort Mackinac was constructed on the island by the British during the American Revolutionary War.
It was the site of two battles during the War of 1812 before the northern border was settled and the US gained this island in its territory.
As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 583.

Fun Facts About The Island

1. Mackinac Island was our nations second National Park !,
   it became Mackinac National Park on March 3rd 1875 when President Ulysses S. Grant signed Mackinac National Park into law. This act set aside more than 50% of Mackinac Island for the enjoyment of the public,
   where they could enjoy the island’s natural beauty and historical significance.
   in 1895 it was transfered to the State of Michigan to become Michigan's first State Park

2. While fudge was not invented on Mackinac Island, it most certainly – and most deliciously – was perfected here.
   For over a century a distinguished line of candy makers on Mackinac Island have worked their magic on marble slabs and created a treat so sweet and creamy that it embodies the essence of bliss.
   

Watch how Mackinac island fudge is made!

Now that you've seen how Mackinac island fudge is made i bet you want to get some for yourself
Below you will find all you'll need to get your hands on some world famous Mackinac Island fudge !

Where You can Buy fudge

• Murdick's Fudge
• Joann's Fudge
• Ryba's Fudge

3. With the exception of emergency vehicles cars have been banned on Mackinac Island since 1895!
   the only way to get around is Either by Walking,Biking, or by horse

Pictures of Mackinac Island

4. There are 2 ways of getting to mackinac island:
   • By Ferry
   • By Plane

The most common way people get to Mackinac Island is by ferry
you can take the ferry from either Mackinaw City or St Ignace

Take a virtual Ferry ride to Mackinac island

its always more fun to experince a ferry ride in person!
provided below are links to buy ferry tickets

Places To Get Ferry tickets from

• Arnold Mackinac Island Ferry
• Shepler's Ferry

Maps

Provided Below are a few maps
one map is showing Mackinac Island itself
the other 2 are showing directions on how to get to the ferry docks of Arnold and Sheplers
also provided are some usage instructions

Map Usage Instructions

1. To zoom in and out in these maps press control and then use your scroll wheel to zoom in and out
2. To view a bigger version of the mackinac island map click the View larger map text
3. To Customize the starting point of the maps showing directions click the More Options text

Map of Mackinac Island

Directions To Ferry Docks