When Does Mackinac Island Close? Visit Michigan's Iconic Destination Now

A Unique Autumn Getaway to Mackinac Island

As the official start of fall approaches, there's still time for a peaceful and family-friendly escape to Mackinac Island before the summer destination "closes" for winter. While the tourism season typically lasts through October, some businesses may reduce their hours or close completely before that. However, the island itself remains open year-round, offering a variety of experiences for visitors.

Mackinac Island is a top destination, drawing over 1 million visitors annually. Popular attractions include Arch Rock, the Grand Hotel, and the Mackinac Island State Park. Visitors can enjoy relaxing bike rides or horse-drawn carriage tours around the island, followed by a taste of local specialties like Mackinac Island fudge or refreshing ice cream.

Most of the island’s hundreds of horses are ferried off the island in late fall to enjoy the winter on the mainland. According to the Mackinac Island website, these animals essentially go on vacation, frolicking, sunbathing, and eating a lot during their winter break.

Fall Events on Mackinac Island

The island hosts numerous events throughout the fall, with several key events before the end of the season:

• Mackinac Island Fall Fudge Festival takes place from October 2 to 4. This year's festival blends the island’s famous fudge with fall-themed festivities.
• "Somewhere in Time" weekend occurs from October 3 to 5, celebrating the movie starring Christopher Reeves and Jane Seymour. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Grand Hotel's iconic weekend, the 45th anniversary of the film, and the 50th anniversary of the novel it was based on.
• Halloween comes early on Mackinac Island, with the event running from October 24 to 26. This is typically the last big weekend before most island businesses close for the season, featuring trick-or-treating for kids and Halloween costume parties for adults.
• The Great Turtle Trail Run happens on October 25. This year marks the 29th running of one of the most scenic trail events in the state, with more than 2,200 participants taking part in the last open weekend of the season.

Things to Do on Mackinac Island in the Fall

Attractions on the island include Fort Mackinac, the Michigan Governor's Summer Residence, Arch Rock, and the Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum. Visitors can explore the landscape by renting bicycles from several local shops and biking around the island.

The Mackinac Island State Park, Michigan's oldest state park, covers 80% of the island's area. It combines historic sites and natural beauty, with forests, nature trails, rock formations, and lakefront views. The park is open 24/7, 365 days a year.

Visitors can explore the island through various tours, including walking, biking, kayaking, and horse-drawn carriage tours. Dining options include dozens of restaurants, ice cream parlors, bars, coffee and tea shops, and beloved fudge shops.

The downtown shopping district features art galleries, gift shops, grocery and hardware stores, offering a wide range of items such as apparel, baked goods, art, home décor, books, sporting goods, deli goods, children's and pet toys, jewelry, and beverages.

When Does Mackinac Island Close?

Tourism season on Mackinac Island typically runs until October, but the island remains open to visitors year-round. One of the sure signs of the end of the season is the closing of the Grand Hotel from October 26 to 27, 2025. Despite many businesses closing after the season, the island itself is open all year.

Ferry service in the winter is dependent on ice coverage in the straits. Visitors can stay at more than three dozen hotels, resorts, condos, cottages, and bed and breakfasts, including the famous Grand Hotel.

Year-Round Residents and Location

Yes, Mackinac Island is home to about 500 year-round residents. The island is located within the Straits of Mackinac in Lake Huron, a few miles offshore from both St. Ignace and Mackinaw City.

Getting to Mackinac Island

Ferry services take visitors to Mackinac Island from Mackinaw City in the Lower Peninsula and St. Ignace in the Upper Peninsula. Private boats, cruises, and flight options including personal planes, commercial flights, and Fresh Air Aviation's air taxi service from St. Ignace are also available.

Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry and Arnold Transit Company operate ferry rides approximately every 30 minutes between April and October during tourist season. Ticket rates can be found on the companies' websites.