Last Updated: July 2, 2026
Mackinac Island is accessible by plane or boat, except in the winter when the water freezes over connecting Mackinac with the mainland. There are no motorized vehicles on the island other than emergency or snowmobiles in the winter. Horses are the main mode of transportation.
Mackinac Island
Getting there: Mackinac Island is reached by ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace — Shepler’s Ferry and Arnold Line both depart from Mackinaw City, with Star Line running from St. Ignace. Ferries run frequently May through October. Year-round access is available by small plane. Ferry fares: Approximately $28–$31 round trip per adult; dogs travel for a small additional fee. On the island: No cars permitted — getting around is by foot, bicycle rental, or horse-drawn carriage. Mackinac Island Carriage Tours: (906) 847-3325, open seasonally May–October. Website: mackinacisland.org.
From Pictured Rocks in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, we traversed the Mackinac Bridge to Mackinaw City. Lake Huron meets Lake Michigan in the Straits of Mackinac. Hydrologically, the two lakes are one. In the winter, the straits freeze over, but because of year round shipping, an ice breaker is used to keep the waterway open.
We took the ferry from Mackinaw City. Dogs are allowed, so Jake got to come with, although he preferred the upper deck because there is less engine vibration under his feet.
Mackinac Island is unique. Since no motorized vehicles are allowed, people walk, bike, or use horses to get around. It’s located in Lake Huron and is a popular vacation destination. Much of Mackinac has undergone restoration and the entire island is a National Historic Landmark.
The downtown business strip is loaded with stores and restaurants. A draft horse drawn taxi.
Mackinac Island Carriage Tours
We took a tour of the island. Other options were; to walk it, ride a horse, or rent a horse and carriage. We opted for a guide to provide a bit of history of the island. Jake was allowed on the carriage. The draft horses wear rubber shoes and are well taken care of. The horses weigh around 2000 pounds, need their regular work out, and get two baths a day.
The tour was under 2 hours and a nice carriage ride around part of the island.
Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City has numerous beaches and things to see and do. We stayed at the Traverse Bay RV Resort which was a very nice luxury rv park with concrete pads, grass, beautiful landscaping and ponds with fountains. The area is known as the largest producer of tart cherries in the United States. There are also numerous other fruits and vegetables grown here. Unfortunately, we wound up with a bunch of gnats inside the RV. Thank God for red wine vinegar.
We were surprised by the number of wineries in the area. Chateau Chantal is on a hill with nice views of Lake Michigan. They had a charcuterie board and an ok selection of red wines. We had to eat fast because the wind threatened to send our salami flying!
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Address: 9922 Front Street, Empire, Michigan 49630. Phone: (231) 326-4700. Hours: The park is open year-round; visitor center hours vary by season — check ahead in winter. Admission: $25 per vehicle (valid 7 days); $20 per motorcycle; $15 per individual. America the Beautiful annual passes accepted. Website: nps.gov/slbe.
Sleeping Bear Dunes rise to over 400 feet above Lake Michigan giving spectacular views. Kind of reminded us of San Diego.
A paraglider was entertaining to watch.
Grand Haven, Michigan
We stayed at the Eastpointe RV Park in Grand Haven. They had full service and views of the Grand River. There was a constant stream of pontoon and speedboats going by.
Grand Haven is a beach resort city on the eastern shores of Lake Michigan.
Lunch at the Paisley Pig Gastropub was delicious. The sweet potato fries were the best we’ve had yet. We also went to Culvers restaurant to try frozen custard (tastes like ice cream but melts faster and has more calories) and a butter burger which tasted like a healthy Big Mac.
Monroe, Michigan
We were only here a couple of nights to catch up on things, like getting our teeth cleaned. The Harbortown RV Resort was full service and only about a 1/4 full, so we enjoyed the quietness and good internet.
Practical Tips for Visiting Mackinac Island & Sleeping Bear Dunes
Book the Mackinac Island ferry in advance — especially on summer weekends, ferries fill quickly. Reserve tickets online before you go and try to catch an early morning departure when the island is quieter and the downtown streets haven’t filled with day-trippers yet. Dogs are genuinely welcome on Mackinac Island — Jake took the ferry both ways, walked the entire island, and joined us on the carriage tour without any issues. Just keep them leashed in busier downtown areas and bring water; it can get warm on the exposed streets in summer. Wear real shoes at Sleeping Bear Dunes — the Dune Climb is steep and the sand is extremely deep, making the ascent significantly harder in flip flops or sandals. Allow more time than you expect if you plan to reach Lake Michigan at the bottom, since the hike back up is genuinely strenuous. Arrive early at Sleeping Bear Dunes — the Dune Climb parking fills quickly on summer mornings, often by 10 am. The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is an excellent alternative — this 7-mile loop through the park offers stunning Lake Michigan overlooks accessible from your car, making it perfect if the Dune Climb feels like too much or if you have dogs who shouldn’t be on the exposed sand in summer heat. Traverse City winery tip — the Old Mission Peninsula AVA has over a dozen tasting rooms along a 20-mile stretch. Chateau Chantal is the most scenic, but allow a full afternoon if you want to hit two or three stops. The wineries specialize in cooler-climate varietals like Riesling, Pinot Grigio, and Pinot Noir.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mackinac Island worth visiting? Absolutely — it’s one of the most unique destinations in the Midwest. The complete absence of motor vehicles gives it a peaceful, almost timeless atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the country. Even a day trip by ferry gives you time to explore the historic downtown, take a carriage tour, enjoy lunch, and sample the famous Mackinac Island fudge. If you can stay overnight, the island after the day-trippers leave is a completely different and far quieter experience.
Can you bring dogs to Mackinac Island? Yes — dogs are welcome on all ferry lines and throughout the island on leash. Many carriage tours allow well-behaved dogs as well. Jake rode the ferry both ways and joined us on the guided carriage tour without any issue, which made it one of his favorite stops on the entire road trip.
How long do you need at Sleeping Bear Dunes? Plan at least half a day. The Dune Climb alone takes 1–2 hours depending on fitness level and how far you push toward Lake Michigan. Adding the 7-mile Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive brings you to a full day. The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is also excellent for cycling. If you’re combining a Sleeping Bear visit with Traverse City wineries, plan on a full day for both.
Is Sleeping Bear Dunes dog friendly? Dogs are allowed in most areas of the park on a 6-foot leash, including beach areas and many trails. They are not permitted inside the visitor center. Do be cautious in summer — the exposed sand gets extremely hot in the afternoon and can burn paws. Early morning or evening visits are much better for dogs.
What is the best time to visit Traverse City, Michigan? Late July for the National Cherry Festival, or early to mid-October for fall foliage with fewer crowds than peak summer. The wineries are excellent year-round, and the shoulder seasons — May through June and September through October — offer the best combination of good weather and manageable visitor numbers. We visited in September and found it nearly perfect.
