“You don’t have to be rich to travel well.” — Eugene Fodor
After arriving on Mackinac Island on Labor Day and checking into our hotel, we decided to have a customary welcome drink — a rum runner — from the infamous Pink Pony. This trip, we were going to visit Mackinac Island on a budget, or at least try. It didn’t take long for sticker shock.
We were in the Chippewa Hotel’s jacuzzi, toasting to our lakeview room, soaking up the atmosphere, and recovering from our 5-mile Bridge Walk. Ah, four glorious days awaited us on the island. And then we got the tab — $30 for two drinks without the tip. Yikes. We knew we had to figure out a cheaper way to eat and drink.
Mackinac Island on a budget
We’ve become regular Mackinac Island vacationers in the last few years, and there are ways to visit on a budget. Or you can forget your real-world obligations and easily blow through a grand in a few days.
Mackinac Island draws vacationers from across the globe for the unique chance to step back in time, leave the noise of the city behind, and explore the island’s natural wonders. For the most part, the island’s hotels and businesses do a decent job of catering to every class of people — from the high rollers staying at Grand Hotel to folks who book a room with a shared bathroom at a historic Bed & Breakfast.
We fall in the middle. I’m definitely a budget-conscious traveler who constantly scouts for deals. But I am willing to splurge (a little) for a room with a view.
Real world versus Mackinac Island
For many people, including us, Mackinac Island feels like a fairy tale. A place that is truly magical, and money has nothing to do with it. After stepping off the ferry, it’s easy to forget real life and indulge in food, drinks, attractions, and souvenirs. Did someone say visit on a budget?
If you’re staying at Grand Hotel, you’re probably not worried about a budget. But for the rest of us, a multi-day trip to Mackinac Island quickly adds up between the ferry, parking and bicycle license, lodging, eating out for most meals, and splurging on a few attractions.
Plus, you can’t leave without buying fudge and a few souvenirs. It’s not hard to blow through all your cash and pull out the credit card. I’m a freelance writer, and while I like to travel, I’m always mindful of the budget.
We also love the history, charm, and bikes-only vibe of the island. For the last two years, we’ve taken two trips per season. And my longtime partner even surprised me with an engagement ring in October (but that’s for another post).
10 tips for visiting Mackinac Island on a budget
Deals are out there if you take time to do your research. But it takes some planning and stalking websites. It also helps to book months in advance if you can.
1. Go with a plan and a budget in mind
As Dave Ramsey would say, Murphy hit before our planned 2021 trip (a new $5,500 transmission for starters). I wasn’t going to ignore the pragmatic, budget-conscious voice in my head as we stepped off the ferry this time. If I was listening to financial guru Ramsey, we would have canceled the trip! But we’re addicted to the island, and I had already paid for the ferry tickets and most of our room charges. Plus, we’ve learned a few things.
After blowing our budget on the previous year’s vacation, I knew we needed to be more mindful of our spending. In 2020, we spent three nights over Labor Day on the island and splurged on the pirate ship ferry, dinner at The Woods, Forge a Memory, and other frivolous souvenirs.
Budget buster: Returning the next weekend
Last year, we departed the island on a Tuesday and stayed three nights in a cabin in Mackinaw City. It had a nice view of the Straits and Mackinac Bridge, but the weather turned rainy and cold.
After looking at the island for three days, we made a last-minute decision to go back. We booked the last available room at Island House Hotel. After a rainy Saturday of exploring, we still didn’t want to go home. So, we walked into Murray Hotel and booked the last room there, forking out an unplanned $600 for two nights’ lodging.
That wasn’t counting another ferry ride, tickets to Fort Mackinac and lunch at the Tea Room, a tour of Grand Hotel, and more eating and drinking.
2. Take advantage of Black Friday/Cyber Monday specials
Now that we’ve been to Mackinac Island several times, we have a few favorite places to stay. But it’s fun trying different hotels and B&Bs, especially if you can find a deal. Sign up for emails from hotels where you want to stay, and look and book early.
The Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau posts updated island information and deals and specials throughout the season. It’s a great starting point if you’re a first-time visitor or budget traveler. Click here for the current Black Friday/Cyber Monday specials.
In 2020, due to the pandemic, Metivier Inn offered a 35% off special during the month of June. We planned a last-minute weekend trip during lilac season (usually an expensive time to visit). Not only did we score a deal, but we discovered a lovely Bed & Breakfast with a great front porch and gardens right on Market Street.
I also booked a 25% off special at Hart’s Inn (owned by the same people) over Labor Day weekend. This small, French-style inn was great during COVID-19 because each room has its own entrance. It has a small garden area with tables for outdoor dining and a bench right on Market Street. You can watch all the carriage action going to and from Cadotte Avenue.
Pro tip: If you see a deal, go ahead and book it. And regularly check websites for last-minute cancellations or unannounced deals. Many Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals are nonrefundable, but some specials are, so make sure to read the fine print.
3. Plan a trip during the off-season
Mackinac Island has a short season, so expect to pay full prices during June, July, and August. That’s just the reality of visiting the island during peak summer. I actually enjoy going during the off-season because there are fewer people (and families). You just have to pack and plan for all kinds of weather.
Some B&Bs offer early and late season weekday deals, along with reduced rates on select dates. Harbour View Inn had some affordable rates for select dates in September when I looked at the website in March. I kept checking the website every few days. The deal sold out and the rate increased. Lesson learned: Don’t delay if you come across a good deal.
I’ve also found discounted rates at Mission Point Resort, Chippewa Hotel Waterfront, Lake View Hotel, and Island House Hotel. You can read more about staying at Island House Hotel in my blog, Island House Hotel offers modern amenities, historic island charm or my story for Michigan BLUE, Live-In History.
Some of the cheaper lodging options include Murray Hotel, Sunset Condos, Haan’s 1830 Inn, Pontiac Lodge, and Small Point Bed & Breakfast. Pontiac Lodge and Small Point stay open during the winter. We haven’t stayed overnight in the winter yet, but it’s a goal! And we were lucky enough to cross the Ice Bridge a few years ago. You can read about that adventure in my blog, Ice, ice baby: Crossing ice bridge to Mackinac Island adventure to remember.
Pro tip: Find out if baggage handling fees are included in the cost of your stay. Luggage porters work extra hard on the island since they haul everything on a bicycle. They expect a tip, and they should get one. But if you’re a DIYer (like us), you can pack light or take a wheeled carry-on bag and transport your luggage yourself. It will save you $20-$40 or more, especially if you change hotels like we seem to do.
4. Prioritize ticketed attractions
Don’t try to do all of the touristy things in one trip. The island has plenty of ticketed attractions that are worth seeing: Fort Mackinac, Grand Hotel, Wings of Mackinac, Original Butterfly House, private, group, and self-guided Carriage Tours, Forge a Memory, Great Turtle Kayak Tours, Mission Point’s Glow Golf, Haunts of Mackinac Tours, Themed Ferry Cruises, and Sip n’ Sail Cruises. But you’ll definitely cut into the budget — and your free time — if you try to do too many.
We finally took a carriage ride in September, and it was almost $70. If you’re a first-time island visitor, the carriage tour is probably worth it. I would have rather tried a drive-your-own carriage or booked a private tour. The group tours take you to Surrey Hill, Arch Rock, and past a few other points of interest. It definitely takes longer than the 90 minutes they tell you, so give yourself some time to spare when you book it.
Both Fort Mackinac and Grand Hotel are worth the price of admission. I’d recommend spreading out tours and scheduled events over a few visits. Otherwise, you have to keep track of time. And ticketed attractions add up quickly.
5. Opt outside, explore for free
The great thing about vacationing on Mackinac Island is that most of the island is a state park. You’ll find plenty of free things to do if you get away from downtown. We always bring our bicycles and enjoy bicycling around M-185. It’s a must-do activity. We normally ride the 8.2-mile loop two or three times.
It’s fun to venture into the interior for a day of exploring and hiking. The island has historic cemeteries, churches, golf courses, and ancient rock formations – most of which are free to see. We’ve headed into the interior on all of our recent trips.
If you prefer to hike, Tranquil Bluff Trail runs parallel with Leslie Avenue and follows the bluff, offering secluded and scenic overlooks of Lake Huron.
We enjoy biking up to Stonecliffe for a view of the Mackinac Bridge. If you time it right, you can walk to Sunset Rock for the sunset.
It’s also fun to ride Annex Road to the airport and watch a few planes land or take off. This year, we also visited Cave of the Woods, Crack in the Island, and the historic Wawashkamo Golf Club – the state’s oldest, nine-hole public golf course.
Mackinac Island airport sees a lot of action for a small airport. If you don’t want to take the ferry, you can book an airplane taxi from St. Ignace. Park your bikes, have a snack, and watch the planes come in for a landing.
Or you can bike off the beaten path and visit Fort Holmes, Arch Rock, Eagle Point Cave, and Friendship’s Altar.
Friendship’s Altar is another ancient rock formation, similar to Sugar Loaf Rock but smaller, that many people miss. It’s on the north end of the island off Scott’s Road and British Landing Nature Trail.
Walk around at night for free
Pro tip: Get out and walk around at night, even if you stick to downtown and the boardwalk. The island transforms after the last ferry boats leave. Mackinac Island after dark is a totally different experience. That’s why it’s worth staying overnight, but you’ll find one night is not long enough. We always love walking around in the evening. We usually stroll to the boardwalk to see the Mackinac Bridge lit up or sit by the marina. Another free and unique feature is the playing of “Taps” at 10 p.m. every evening from Fort Mackinac.
It’s possible to visit Mackinac Island on a budget and still have fun. Click here for the second installment and five more tips to help save money if you’re planning a trip to the island.
Marla R. Miller is an award-winning journalist, travel writer, and content marketing writer who lives in Norton Shores. Please “like” or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
