I'm Crystal, a West Michigan photographer, and I spent 2 days on the island in September. This post is part travel diary, part photo guide, and all real.
Why I Went
The last time I set foot on Mackinac Island, I was just a kid. It was a quick stop on the drive home from a visit to my sister-in-law’s family cottage in the Upper Peninsula.
My husband and I love traveling internationally, but lately we’ve felt the pull to slow down and explore more of the beautiful state we call home. Mackinac felt like the perfect place to start, and the perfect place to bring my camera.
Getting There
We left Grand Rapids in the morning and made the drive north to Mackinaw City, pulling in by early afternoon. The first glimpse of the Mackinac Bridge stretched across all that sparkling blue water had us buzzing with excitement.
From there, we hopped on the Shepler’s Ferry for the roughly 30-minute ride to the island. We grabbed seats on the top deck, which was very windy, but the views of the bridge and the open water were absolutely worth it. Since we were staying on the island, we checked our luggage with the ferry staff at the dock, and they made sure it was delivered to our hotel.
Tip: Pack a small day bag with everything you’ll need for your first few hours on the island. Depending on when you arrive and when you’re able to check in, it can take a while before your luggage makes it to your room. Think camera gear, a jacket, water, and anything else you don’t want to be without while you wait.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at the Harbour View Inn, and we couldn’t have been happier with our choice. The hotel was recently renovated, so everything felt fresh and updated. Our room had a king-size bed and a private bathroom, which can be harder to come by on the island than you might expect.
The location was perfect, just a few minutes’ walk from downtown, close enough to be in the middle of everything but tucked away enough to feel peaceful. It’s a beautiful hotel, and we’re already planning to stay there again.
What I Photographed
Arch Rock
We rented bikes and set out to see Arch Rock, which meant walking those bikes up a very large hill. The view at the top was incredible and worth every step.
Afterward, we made the questionable decision to take an unpaved trail through the middle of the island instead of heading back down to the paved path that loops around the shoreline. It turned into a grueling but fun adventure, and one I hope never to repeat.
Tip: After visiting Arch Rock, head back down to the main road and stick to the paved path around the island. Your legs (and your bike) will thank you.
The Grand Hotel
No trip to Mackinac Island feels complete without a visit to this iconic landmark. We booked the buffet lunch, which also waived the $14-per-person entrance fee, and we went early enough to beat the mandatory evening dress code that kicks in after 6:30 p.m.
After lunch, we wandered through the hotel, grabbed drinks from the bar, and settled into the rocking chairs on the famous front porch to watch the boats drift by. It was one of the most peaceful moments of our entire trip.
Of course, we couldn’t leave without a stop at Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor, even though it was a cloudy 60 degrees outside. On our way out, we wandered through the Secret Garden for one last look around.
Tip: Book the lunch buffet to skip the entrance fee and the evening dress code, and leave time afterward to relax on the porch. Don’t rush it.
One of our favorite parts of the trip was getting up early, walking downtown for coffee, and simply soaking in the sights and sounds of the island waking up. It was the perfect time to bring my camera along. The streets were quiet, there was a calm over everything, and that soft morning light was just chef’s kiss 👌🏻
Tip: If you’re a photographer (or just love a slower pace), set your alarm early at least one morning. You’ll have the streets nearly to yourself before the first ferries arrive with the day-trip crowds.
Quick Tips for Your Trip
Best light: Early mornings, before the day-trippers arrive, are your best bet.
Getting around: There are no cars on the island, so it’s all walking, bike rentals, and carriage tours.
Gear I brought: Just my Fujifilm X100VI. That’s it!
Crowds: We visited at the tail end of peak season and went midweek, which made a big difference.
Weather: Pack layers. The temperature can feel completely different in the sun versus the shade, or while biking versus sitting back and enjoying the view.
Some of Our Favorite Spots
The Pink Pony: Great for lunch, dinner, or just a drink and a snack.
Mackinac Island Cookie Co: I would do just about anything for another one of their giant peanut butter cookies.
1852 Grill Room: We treated ourselves to a fancy dinner here, and it was amazing.
Mighty Mac Hamburgers: The perfect last stop before catching the ferry home. You can’t go wrong with a classic burger and fries.
Doud’s Market: A historic island staple, perfect for grabbing snacks for the day or something for your room at night.
Mackinac Island reminded me how much beauty there is to discover right here in Michigan, and I can’t wait to keep exploring (camera in hand, of course).
If you own or manage a hotel, inn, restaurant, or tourism business and are looking for fresh photography that captures what makes your place special, I’d love to connect. I’m open to creative partnerships, including commercial photography in exchange for accommodations. Let's talk about what we could create together.
