Mackinac Island in upper Michigan has a way of making you feel like you’ve stepped into another era. With no cars, horse-drawn transportation, and beautifully restored Victorian architecture, time seems to slow the moment you arrive. It’s no surprise that the island, and especially the centerpiece Grand Hotel, became the setting for one of my favorite movies as a teenager, Somewhere in Time. If you only have one day, this itinerary captures the magic, elegance, and nostalgia that make Mackinac Island unforgettable.
Start with an Early Ferry Ride
Begin your day with an early ferry ride from the mainland. Morning crossings are calmer and quieter, giving you time to take in the open water and imagine what it must have felt like arriving here a century ago. As the island comes into view, it’s easy to understand why Mackinac feels suspended in time.
There are two main ferry companies that transport visitors to Mackinac Island: Shepler’s Ferry and Star Line Ferry. Both are reliable, fast, and operate from multiple mainland ports, including Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, but they offer slightly different experiences.
Shepler’s Ferry is known for its classic, no-frills approach and larger vessels. The ride typically takes about 16–18 minutes, and the boats are spacious with both indoor seating and open-air decks. Shepler’s ferries often feature narrated rides that share history of the Straits of Mackinac, the Mackinac Bridge, and the island itself, making the journey feel like the start of your adventure. Their frequent departures make it easy to catch an early morning ferry, which is ideal for a full-day itinerary.
Star Line Ferry, on the other hand, offers a more flexible and sometimes faster experience. Their high-speed hydro-jet ferries can make the crossing in as little as 15 minutes, while traditional ferries take slightly longer. Star Line is popular for its “Ride Free” promotions and open-ended return tickets, which are perfect if you want flexibility with your departure time. The open decks and energetic atmosphere make the ride feel fun and modern, especially on sunny days. We chose this ferry for the flexibility.
Both ferry services allow bicycles (for an additional fee), making it easy to bring or rent a bike for riding the island loop. No matter which option you choose, the ferry ride itself is part of the Mackinac Island experience — offering stunning views of Lake Huron, passing freighters, and that unmistakable feeling of leaving the modern world behind as the island comes into view.
Rent a Bike and Ride the Island Loop
After arriving, rent a bike near the ferry docks and head out on the 8.2-mile loop road that circles the entire island. You can bring your bike, but we found it much more convenient to rent one. The paved path hugs the shoreline, offering constant views of the lake, forested cliffs, and rocky beaches. Even in the height of summer the temperatures are cool and the air is crisp, making a bike ride a wonderful way to circle the island.
This ride is peaceful and meditative, with very little elevation change. As you pedal past Arch Rock and quiet stretches of shoreline, it’s easy to imagine characters from another era gliding along the same path, lost in thought. The full loop typically takes one to two hours, depending on how often you stop, and you’ll want to stop often. Don’t lose track of time, though, because you have a horse and carriage ride to catch and afternoon tea reservations!
Explore by Horse and Carriage
Once you return your bike, embrace Mackinac Island’s most iconic mode of transportation: the horse and carriage. A guided carriage tour offers insight into the island’s history, architecture, and traditions, while allowing you to slow down even more.
We bought a ticket for our tour before taking off on our bike ride, as they did not accept advance reservations for the regular public tour. The most popular option is Mackinac Island Carriage Tours, which offers narrated group tours as well as private carriage rides. Check their website for all the details as options change.
Tours typically do not require advance reservations and can be booked the day of your visit near the ferry docks, where carriages line up throughout the day. However, if you want a private carriage or a tour with a specific drop-off location, such as the Grand Hotel, it’s best to reserve in advance through their official website or by phone. Advance booking ensures availability and allows you to coordinate your timing with other plans, like afternoon tea. Once reserved, simply check in at the carriage tour office near Main Street, where friendly drivers help you get matched with your horse and carriage for a relaxed, memorable ride through the island.
Choose a tour that drops you off at the Grand Hotel, just as Elise McKenna’s carriage does in Somewhere in Time. We got lucky and asked our driver to let us off at the hotel, but you may want to ask in advance to be sure.
Afternoon Tea at the Grand Hotel
Visiting the Grand Hotel is essential, as it is the centerpiece of the island. The hotel’s sweeping staircase, chandeliers, and grand halls feel frozen in time.
Afternoon tea at the Grand Hotel has been a cherished tradition since 1887, and it’s still an experience that feels as elegant and timeless as the hotel itself. Served in the hotel’s beautifully appointed lobby, tea begins with a selection of fine loose-leaf teas accompanied by a glass of champagne or sherry, which adds a celebratory touch to the occasion.
Tiered trays arrive filled with fancy delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and preserves, and an assortment of pastries and desserts that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Service is excellent, and I felt like the Queen Mother herself. Yes, I held my pinky out.
Sit on the World’s Longest Porch and Explore the Grounds
After tea, step out onto the Grand Hotel’s legendary front porch, the longest porch in the world. Settle into one of the iconic rocking chairs and take in sweeping views of the Straits of Mackinac. This porch plays a starring role in Somewhere in Time, and sitting here feels like stepping into the film itself. You simply have to sit in one of those rocking chairs.
If you opt not to have afternoon tea, note that the Grand Hotel requires you to purchase a one or two-day admission pass to tour the grounds, the hotel, and enjoy the porch. You can purchase hotel access here. You can also opt for several experiences, including renting a cabana at the pool, golfing, a behind-the-scenes tour, and more. There is a dress code, so pay attention to their website and dress accordingly.
If you decide to go it alone and just get a pass, spend time wandering the hotel’s manicured gardens and grounds, where every path and viewpoint is carefully preserved. The combination of lake views, historic architecture, and quiet elegance makes this one of the most peaceful spots on the island. Trust me, it is beautiful!
Additional Recommendations Before Heading Back
Before catching your return ferry, head back into town for a few final experiences. Stop by one of Mackinac Island’s famous fudge shops, where the sweet smell drifts down the street. If time allows, visit Fort Mackinac for panoramic views and a deeper appreciation of the island’s history.
If you aren’t completely full to the brim from your afternoon tea, end your day with an early dinner at a waterfront restaurant, watching boats glide across the harbor as the sun lowers, the perfect closing scene to a day that feels wonderfully out of time.
Go or No?
Even in just one day, Mackinac Island offers an experience that feels timeless. From biking the shoreline to arriving at the Grand Hotel by carriage, from afternoon tea to rocking on the porch featured in Somewhere in Time, this itinerary captures the romance, nostalgia, and magic that keep visitors returning again and again. I loved it and will be returning, maybe for their Somewhere in Time Weekend.
Off Duty Traveler 