Mackinac Island With Kids: No Cars, Fudge, Bikes and the Grand Hotel Porch

By Nicole Damiano, ASTA Verified Travel Advisor with FG Luxury Travel · Updated October 2026

Mackinac Island bans cars, so everything moves by horse, bike or foot, and kids find that completely magical. Add fudge shops on every corner, a fort with a cannon firing and an eight mile loop road that a seven year old can ride, and you have one of the best family days in the Midwest.

Getting there

Ferries run from Mackinaw City on the lower peninsula and St Ignace on the upper, about twenty minutes, and some go under the Mackinac Bridge for the view. Bring your own bikes on the boat or rent at the dock. Strollers and wagons are fine.

The loop

M 185 is the only state highway in the country with no cars, eight flat miles around the shore with the lake on one side and the cliffs on the other. Stop at Arch Rock, a limestone arch high above the water, at the small beaches and at the picnic tables. It takes a family two hours with stops. Tandem bikes and kid trailers are rentable.

The fort

Fort Mackinac sits on the bluff above town with costumed soldiers who fire the cannon and the rifles on a schedule, a kids’ quarters with dress up and games, and a tea room with the best view on the island for lunch. The ticket covers several small museums in town.

Carriages

The horse carriage tour climbs to the fort, Arch Rock and the stables, and it is the way to see the island with grandparents and toddlers. The horses are everywhere and kids can pet the ones at the stable.

Fudge

A dozen shops make it in the windows on marble slabs and give out samples. Murdick’s and Ryba’s are the classics. Everyone buys too much and nobody regrets it.

The Grand Hotel

The longest porch in the world, with rocking chairs, and a small fee to walk in for non guests. Afternoon tea and the lunch buffet are family events. Staying there is a splurge with a dress code at dinner that kids find either hilarious or exciting.

Overnight

A day trip covers the island. A night lets you see it after the last ferry leaves and the streets go quiet, with the horses coming home and the stars over the straits. Small inns in town and the Grand are the options.

Nearby

Mackinaw City has the Mackinac Bridge to drive across, Colonial Michilimackinac fort on the shore, and a lighthouse. Season is May to October and July is busiest.

Planning Michigan with kids? Start with the full Michigan family travel guide, or send me the ages and the dates and I will come back with what is really available.