Ski Mackinac – Winter Adventures on Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island in winter is the perfect place for travelers who want to enjoy all of the beauty and exhilaration of a snowy winter vacation up north. The uncrowded streets, lined with historic buildings, reveal the poignancy of the past to those who walk them while the snow quietly falls and the winter lights and holiday decorations celebrate a life lived simply.
The winter sports enthusiast can cross-country ski or snowshoe the trails that lead through the forests of Mackinac Island State Park, which covers 80 percent of the island. You can wind your way past Fort Mackinac up to the highest point on the island at Fort Holmes or venture to the natural landmarks of summer hikers – Sugar Loaf Rock and Arch Rock.
Although most of the hotels and restaurants on Mackinac Island are closed during the winter, there are a number of places to stay and few great spots to dine during the winter months. Doud’s Market is also open to supply any groceries or other provisions during your stay. The pages of Ski Mackinac were created to help you plan enjoy a wonderful winter vacation on Mackinac Island.
Featured Winter Lodging
Cottage Inn of Mackinac Island
Winter Lodging: Current Availability for December 2-3, December 8-10, December 15-17 and December 26-29, 2023 (Check website for latest winter availability.) Located on quiet Market Street, the Cottage Inn is just one block from the downtown area. Ferry Docks, Mackinac Island State Parks, historic Fort Mackinac and the Mackinac Island Marina are only a short… more...
The Mackinac House
Winter Lodging: Current Availability for December 27, 2023 thru January 1, 2024 (Check website for latest winter availability.) Mackinac Island has been charming visitors for decades with its beautiful landscape, history, shopping and sightseeing. The Mackinac House encompasses all the charm the island offers and is located steps away from it all. Mackinac House room… more...
Lilac Tree Suites
Winter Lodging: Current Availability for December 29, 2023 thru January 1, 2024 (Check website for latest winter availability.) With thirty-nine uniquely appointed suites, the Lilac Tree Suites and Spa reflects the French, English and American heritage of Mackinac Island. Each spacious suite has a living room and a separate sleeping room. No two suites are… more...
Pontiac Lodge
Winter Lodging: Open All Winter (with the exceptions of Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day and Easter Weekend) Pontiac Lodge is an intimate, boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Mackinac Island. The Pontiac Lodge has 11 distinct rooms, most with wet bars, private baths with showers and some with Jacuzzi tubs. Included in these… more...
Featured Winter Dining
Mustang Lounge
Mustang Lounge: Michigan’s Most Historic Tavern! Mustang Lounge, family owned and operated since 1964 was originally built in the 1780’s as a fur trading warehouse. The original building was constructed using a French- Canadian technique known as piece on piece joined by mortise and tenon. The building was remodeled in 2008 using the original timbers.… more...
Kingston Kitchen at the Village Inn
A Mackinac Island tradition continues on, serving up traditional American fare with Jamaican inspiration. Enjoy renowned planked whitefish from the Straits of Mackinac alongside scratch-made dishes with vibes of the Islands. This fusion cuisine is designed and prepared by Chef Shawn of Kingston, Jamaica. Chef Shawn began his American culinary career on Mackinac Island nearly… more...
Winter Events
Great Turtle Drop – Mackinac Island – December 31, 2024
The Great Turtle Drop – a festive celebration of the arrival of the New Year on Mackinac Island – will take place once again this year on Main Street. The Great Turtle will be lowered from top of the Lilac Tree Hotel at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve. Ring in the New… more...
Mackinac Island – Twilight Turtle Trek – January 11, 2025
Mackinac Island Turtle Trek – A lantern-lit ski and snowshoeing trek through some of Mackinac Island’s natural winter wonderland. The trail begins at Greany Grove (corner of Arch Rock Road and Huron Road) with a bonfire and hot chocolate. The trail is groomed, track set, lit by lanterns and approximately two miles long. This is… more...
Mackinac Island – Twilight Turtle Trek – February 1, 2025
Mackinac Island Turtle Trek – A lantern-lit ski and snowshoeing trek through some of Mackinac Island’s natural winter wonderland. The trail begins at Greany Grove (corner of Arch Rock Road and Huron Road) with a bonfire and hot chocolate. The trail is groomed, track set, lit by lanterns and approximately two miles long. This is… more...
Mackinac Island – Twilight Turtle Trek – March 1, 2025
Mackinac Island Turtle Trek – A lantern-lit ski and snowshoeing trek through some of Mackinac Island’s natural winter wonderland. The trail begins at Greany Grove (corner of Arch Rock Road and Huron Road) with a bonfire and hot chocolate. The trail is groomed, track set, lit by lanterns and approximately two miles long. This is… more...
Getting To Mackinac Island in the Winter
- Fresh Air Aviation – RESERVATIONS NEEDED, 231-237-9482
- Mackinac Island Ferry Company – UNTIL ROUTE FREEZES OVER, 906-643-7635
Getting Around Mackinac Island in the Winter
- Taxi Service – RESERVATIONS NEEDED, 906-847-3323
<>
Mackinac Island Winter Services Listing
For more information visit the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau Winter Page at: https://www.mackinacisland.org/2021-2022-mackinac-island-winter-season/
<>