Top Things to Do Near Mackinaw City: Free and Paid Activities
Whether you lived your whole life in Michigan or just planning a visit, an iconic, must-see place is Mackinac Island and Mackinaw City. You can easily stay a day or two in the Mackinaw City area because there are dozens of free and paid activities nearby. Mackinaw City is a popular vacation destination for Michiganders, with the main tourist season from May-October. Mackinac Island can get pricey, so with a big family, we are always on the lookout for free activities and places to explore. Here are some of our favorite family-friendly activities in Mackinaw City and surrounding areas. If you decide to visit Mackinac Island, here is a guide for how to spend a Day at Mackinac Island with Kids.
FREE ACTIVITIES
Summer Fireworks
On the bay downtown on Friday nights are Mackinaw’s fireworks, while St. Ignace fireworks are on Saturdays during the summer. Conkling Heritage Park is one of the best places to view the fireworks.
Parks with Live Music
Conklings Heritage Park has various events and music throughout the summer. This spacious park is one of the best spots to watch the the fireworks, plus you can enjoy the lake breezes as you stroll to Alexander Henry Park.
Hike the Narnia Trail
The magical Narnia Trail
Cross the bridge to Saint Ignace and head East to Cedarville to hike the Bush Bay Trail, aka Narnia Trail. The trail is about 2 miles in length and takes you through mossy forests with large boulders and Lake Huron views. Both children and adults will love this scenic trail, especially if they are fans of the book, The Lion, the Witch and Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. A lovely trail that ends in a lamp post, hence how it gets its name. Here are the directions and details to The Narnia Trail.
Go on your own treasure hunt to find a cache or letter box. Check out Atlas Quest to find nearby letterboxes. Here is a guide to learning all about geocaching. This is a great way to explore the area.
Hike, Swim & Play at Wilderness State Park
Offering gorgeous beaches, numerous hiking trails and activities. It is only 15 minutes away from Mackinaw City. Plus you can borrow an explorer pack for the day while you’re hiking at the state park. Wilderness is a designated dark sky area for stargazing and during certain times of year you can see the Northern Lights. The park hosts activities for kids throughout the week including crafts, kickball, night hikes, and owl pellet dissection. Interested in camping, here is a review and guide to visiting Wilderness State Park. Admission is free with a Michigan State Parks recreation passport.
List of State Parks that you can check out an explorer pack.
You’re children will love hiking with this fully stocked backpack. Inquire at the listed Michigan state parks.
Stargaze at Headlands International Dark Sky Park
For all you star gazers, head to this designated dark sky park. Bring along a red filter headlamp and a blanket to make the most of your experience.
Swim in Lake Michigan
Splash and swim along Michigan’s Lakeshore off US Highway 2. After crossing over the Mackinaw Bridge you can pull off on the side of the highway and enjoy the sandy beach and jumping in the waves.
Sandy beach along US Highway 2
Catch a Parade
Check Mackinaw City Local Events because there are often parades. We randomly ran across a night time semi-truck parade during our trip.
Mackinaw Bridge Museum
Located on the second story of Mama Mia‘s Pizza Place. This spot is ideal for families because while your pizza is cooking, you can check out the free museum about the history of constructing the Mackinaw Bridge. Kids will also enjoy the arcade games.
Bike the North Central State Trail
If you brought your bikes check out the Top of Michigan Trail system. The trail system has been a work in progress for the last 30 years. It has sections that start in Charlevoix, heads to Mackinaw City and then goes to Alpena. It spans about 140 miles. Open to all non-motorized vehicles (snowmobiles in winter) which includes runners, bikers, and horseback riders.
PAID ATTRACTIONS
Just down the road, there is a crowd favorite show, where real lumberjacks compete in various activities from axe throwing to speed climbing. This hour long show is perfect for the whole family.
Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park
Fun for all ages. Traverse through the tree tops at this outdoor adventure park as you zipline or climb the rock wall. Watch and learn about how water powered sawmills operate and visit the the museum with historical exhibits.
Across from the bridge, you’ll find a reasonably priced mystery spot with science attractions, optical illusions, mazes and ziplines.
Visit this historic lighthouse and learn about the history of this historic landmark.
On a rainy day head to the movies. This small theater has decent pricing and friendly staff. Plus there is a playground in the center of the courtyard children will enjoy playing on.
Shepler’s Mackinaw Island Ferry
A 16-30 min ride on a ferry. If you get there before 10am, the ferry route takes you under the Mackinaw Bridge.
Children that are 4 years and younger are free. Tip: Take you bikes, instead of rent them on the island to save money.
RESTAURANTS
Darrows
A great spot for breakfast food with large portions. Although there is no kid’s menu, an order of the full stack of French toast or pancakes is easy to split. Don’t forget to grab a delicious pie to go.
Murdick’s Fudge
Murdick’s Fudge
A must while you’re shopping in downtown Mackinaw City, delight your tastebuds with Murdicks’s Fudge. Nibble on your favorite fudge as you peruse the nearby shops for souvenirs. Peanut butter fudge is the winner in our book!
Hunt’s Mackinaw Pastie & Cookie Company
When visiting the UP or the tip of the mitten, you must try a delicious pastie. These meat filled pastry is a popular meal in the Upper Peninsula. You can take them with you fresh or frozen.
Nearby Towns to Explore
Tunnel of Trees
During the Fall, drive through the tunnel of trees on M-119 up from Harbor Springs all the way to Mackinaw City for stunning colors.
Easily visit Cross Village, Good Hart, Cheboygan or cross the bridge to visit Saint Ignace.
Cross the Bridge
Saint Ignace
Music By The Bay Summer Series - During July and August, every night from 7pm - 8:30pm, there will be entertainment by local musicians.
Lehtos - once you’re officially over the bridge in the UP, don’t skip grabbing a pastie at Lehtos.
Only 40 minutes west of St. Ignace and the Mackinac Bridge. Enjoy seeing a variety of animals including: A Tiger, Cougar, Wolves, Bear, Alligator, Camel and more! Feed the deer, goats, llama, and even the bear! Kids and adults will love it because it’s fun for everyone! Open 7 days a week from May 1st until September 30th, 10am until 6pm. In October, open 7 days a week, 10am until 5pm.
Where to Stay
With numerous places to stay near Mackinaw City, there is a perfect vacation spot for everyone. Tons of options for campgrounds, cabins, cottage rentals and hotels. If your trying to find budget friendly options, it is substantially moer expensive to stay on Mackinaw Island.
Camping:
Visiting the island in one day is feasible and many people choose to spend the day exploring the charms of the island and then relax at their campsite in the evening. We love to pair our summer camping trips with a visit to this beautiful island for the perfect Michigan day trip. Although camping is restricted on the island, there is a wide variety of campgrounds that are nearby Mackinaw City and St Ignace. Here is a Guide to Camping near Mackinaw Island, which reviews and highlights all the nearby campgrounds, including ones with cabin rentals. Two of our favorites that we’ve visited include.
Mackinaw Mill Creek Campground is a large campground with views of the bridge, amenities like a heated pool and playground, plus they offer a shuttle to Mackinaw City. Options for cabins, tent sites and RV sites.
Wilderness State Park If you enjoy hiking trails and gorgeous remote beaches than head to this State Park, its also a designated dark sky area. Still only a 15 minute drive to Mackinaw City.
Hotels, house or cottage rentals are a great option in Mackinaw City or Saint Ignace. They provide easy access to Mackinaw Island and the surrounding areas to explore.
Vrbo has options for cabins and cottage rentals at differing price points. Check here for the best prices.
With a wide selection of outdoor activities and indoor attractions, you’re sure to enjoy the beauty of the Great Lakes. As you plan your next vacation to this destination spot in Northern Michigan make sure to Pin and Save for later.
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Venture into a magical fairy tale hike that will remind you of the beloved story of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. The Bush Bay Hiking Trail in Cedarville, Michigan, also known as the Narnia Trail, is only 30 minutes from St. Ignace and Mackinaw in the Upper Peninsula. Large moss covered boulders, sheltered coves, colorful mushrooms and a lamppost are just some of the unique features you'll find on the trail.