Curator’s statement
Mackinac Island is a destination that holds deep personal meaning for me because it represents some of my happiest childhood memories of growing up in Michigan. As one of the few vacations my family took when I was young, the island became a symbol of togetherness, tradition, and simple joy. Its timeless charm—from car-free streets and scenic bike rides to historic sites and beautiful lake views—creates an experience that families and travelers of all ages can enjoy. Returning there feels like revisiting the past while sharing a place that continues to make lasting memories for others as well.
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Day 1: Arrive & Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
After getting settled into your Traverse City hotel, grab lunch downtown at one of the many family-friendly spots.
After lunch, hop in the car to explore the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. Make sure to stop at the Glen Lake and Lake Michigan overlooks.
Head to Glen Arbor for dinner at Cherry Public House or Supper at the Mill and, afterwards, enjoy the sunset at Empire Bluff Trail.
Day 2: Beaches, dune climb & Traverse City fun
Start the day off by packing a picnic and heading to Sleeping Bear Dunes, getting there early to avoid crowds and heat. Pay attention to the signs that warn visitors about donning proper footwear and SPF and packing enough drinking water—they're serious!
If you're more interested in thrill seeking and you have kids older than 8, head to Mears, where you can rent a four-wheeler and zoom around the Silver Lake Sand Dunes.
After your adventure at the dunes, head to Glen Haven Beach to enjoy that picnic you packed and maybe enjoy a relaxing swim afterwards.
End day two by heading back to Traverse City and strolling along Front Street. Make sure to stop by Grand Traverse Pie Company for dessert.
Day 3: Drive to Mackinac Island
Drive about two hours north of Traverse City to St. Ignace. On your way, make sure to stop at Petoskey State Park to see the Petoskey stones, which are actually made of 350-million-year-old fossilized coral. On your way to St. Ignace, you'll drive over the Mackinac Bridge, which at a whopping five miles is the longest suspension bridge between anchorages in the Western Hemisphere. You'll be able to take a ferry from St. Ignace to Mackinac Island.
The must-dos for Mackinac Island include the Butterfly Conservatory, Fort Mackinac, and the Grand Hotel gardens. You can rent bikes to get around the island, or you can take a horse-drawn carriage. Make sure to stop for some famous Mackinac fudge before you leave the island.
Once you're back in St. Ignace, make sure to stop at Mystery Spot, where gravity acts a little wonky and the entire family can enjoy miniature golf and zip-lining. Grab dinner at Dusty's Gourmet Dog House then head to your St. Ignace hotel.
Day 4: Scenic drive to the UP & Tahquamenon Falls
Drive about 1.5 hours from St. Ignace to Tahquamenon State Park. The walk to the upper falls is doable for the whole family. After your hike, grab lunch at Tahquamenon Falls Brewery & Pub.
After lunch, head to your Munising hotel and have a relaxing evening doing whatever works for your family—maybe walking along Munising Falls Trail or swimming at Sand Point Beach.
Day 5: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Right off the bat, head to your Pictured Rocks boat tour, which is the best way to see the cliffs and is absolutely unforgettable.
After your lunch at one of the many options in Munising, head out to explore Miners Castle Overlook, Miners Falls, Chapel Rock Trail, and Beaver Basin Wilderness. Enjoy sunset on the beach and celebrate your trip with ice cream at Pictured Rocks Trading Company.
Need to know
Other major attractions
Manitou Island
Headlands International Dark Sky Park (for astrology enthusiasts)
Kitch-iti-kipi
Trip notes
This route works best as a loop, where you travel from Traverse City to Mackinac, then Munising.
The Pictured Rocks boat tour should be booked as early as possible.
For every outing, pack water shoes, beach gear, bug spray, and light jackets.
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