The 15 best things to do in Mackinaw City (2026)

We rank 17 experiences in Mackinaw City, United States, on the same 0 to 100 Outty Ranking. The best right now is Mackinaw City Parasailing at 73/100, and 0 experiences here make the 90+ Club. Updated Sep 2026.

Quick picks

The ranked list

  1. Mackinaw City Parasailing

    1. Mackinaw City Parasailing

    Outty Ranking73

    Parasailing is a water sport in which a person is towed behind a boat while attached to a parachute-like canopy. The parasail is suspended from a harness that is attached to the boat, and as the boat moves, the parasaile. Strongly Recommended at 73/100, 4.9/5 from 86 traveler reviews, 0.2h from $95, free cancellation.

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  2. Mackinaw City Sunset Cruise

    2. Mackinaw City Sunset Cruise

    Outty Ranking73

    A one-hour cruise departing just before dusk daily. Departure times vary from 6 pm to 9 pm depending on the time of year. Please call or email to get departure times. It’s the best seat on the Straits for the sunset over. Strongly Recommended at 73/100, 4.8/5 from 394 traveler reviews, 1h from $36.

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  3. Fort Mackinac Admission in Mackinaw City, United States

    3. Fort Mackinac Admission

    Outty Ranking71

    Highlights Include: Live Programs and Tours: Demonstrations and tours by costumed interpreters are scheduled throughout the day. Exciting programs taking place throughout the 2024 season include a daily Mackinac Parks:. Strongly Recommended at 71/100, 4.7/5 from 45 traveler reviews, 1h from $18, free cancellation.

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  4. Mackinac Bridge History Cruise in Mackinaw City, United States

    Learn the history of shipwrecks as you travel over them, local Native American folk-lore, learn about living in the north country and the maritime history of the area while cruising under the “Mighty” Mackinac Bridge. Ge. Solid Choice at 64/100, 4.7/5 from 109 traveler reviews, 1h from $29.

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  5. Harbor Princess Sunset Cruise on Little Traverse Bay in Mackinaw City, United States

    Enjoy a relaxing evening on the Harbor Princess as you cruise across Little Traverse Bay, soaking in stunning sunset views. With the bar opening 30 minutes before departure, guests can purchase refreshing beverages and s. Solid Choice at 61/100, 4.9/5 from 12 traveler reviews, 1.8h from $45, free cancellation.

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  6. Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse Admission in Mackinaw City, United States

    Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse was known as the "Castle on the Straits" upon its completion, and it's not hard to see why. The house and grounds are being restored back to its 1910 appearance, and interactive exhibits and. Worth a Look at 57/100, 4.6/5 from 17 traveler reviews, 1h from $11.

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  7. Somewhere in Time and Mackinac Island: Film Sites Audio Guide in Mackinaw City, United States

    Explore Michigan’s Mackinac Island on a self-guided walking tour highlighting Somewhere in Time's filming locations. This picturesque island, with its preserved Victorian architecture and car-free charm, was the perfect. Worth a Look at 57/100, 5.0/5 from 2 traveler reviews, 1h from $11, free cancellation.

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  8. Magical Mackinaw City Scavenger Hunt

    Our very unique, immersive adventures are the only ones of their kind. We, unlike other companies, provide your very own remote, interactive, live host to assist and encourage you along through your phone. We are an Aust. Worth a Look at 55/100, 4.5/5 from 2 traveler reviews, 2h from $27, free cancellation.

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  9. Scenic Mackinac Island A Self Guided Cycling Audio Tour in Mackinaw City, United States

    Mackinac Island has been called the Queen of the Great Lakes for centuries. Pedal a scenic, self-guided cycling tour, a largely flat loop around the car-free island. Use your own bike or rent one nearby. From the State. Worth a Look at 55/100, 3.6/5 from 10 traveler reviews, 1.5h from $11, free cancellation.

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  10. Colonial Michilimackinac Admission in Mackinaw City, United States

    Colonial Michilimackinac is a National Historic Landmark, and is home to North America's longest ongoing archaeological dig. Costumed interpreters portraying British soldiers, merchants, voyageurs, Native Americans, and. Worth a Look at 54/100, 4.6/5 from 17 traveler reviews, 1h from $18.

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  11. Mackinac Island Parasailing in Mackinaw City, United States

    11. Mackinac Island Parasailing

    Outty Ranking53

    Parasailing is a water sport in which a person is towed behind a boat while attached to a parachute-like canopy. The parasail is suspended from a harness that is attached to the boat, and as the boat moves, the parasaile. Worth a Look at 53/100, 4.6/5 from 10 traveler reviews, 0.2h from $95, free cancellation.

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  12. Magical Mackinac Island Scavenger Hunt in Mackinaw City, United States

    Our very unique, immersive adventures are the only ones of their kind. We, unlike other companies, provide your very own remote, interactive, live host to assist and encourage you along through your phone. We are an Aust. Worth a Look at 52/100, 3.4/5 from 8 traveler reviews, 2h from $20, free cancellation.

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  13. Elegant East Bluff: A Self-Guided Mackinac Island Tour in Mackinaw City, United States

    Mackinac Island’s East Bluff is home to some of the island’s most elegant summer cottages, where prominent families have retreated for over a century. On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll hear how the area earned its. Worth a Look at 51/100, 1h from $11, free cancellation.

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  14. Wondrous West Bluff Cottages: A Mackinac Island Self Guided Tour in Mackinaw City, United States

    Mackinac Island's West Bluff is one of the Midwest's finest collections of Victorian architecture, built by industrialists escaping the heat and grime of post-Civil War cities. On this self-guided walking tour, you'll tr. Worth a Look at 49/100, 0.8h from $12, free cancellation.

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  15. Guided Bike Tour of Mackinac Island with Scenic Views in Mackinaw City, United States

    Explore the charm of Mackinac Island on a guided bike tour that showcases its stunning landscapes and rich history. Cycle along car-free roads and beautiful trails, feeling the breeze as you take in spectacular views of. Worth a Look at 48/100, 5.0/5 from 9 traveler reviews, 2.5h from $128.

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Traveler ratings are provided by Viator and Tripadvisor. The Outty Ranking is our own independent evaluation. How the ranking works.

When to go

Spring and fall bring the best weather and lighter crowds in Mackinaw City, while summer has the widest choice of tours and evening activities.

Frequently asked questions

What is the number one thing to do in Mackinaw City?

Mackinaw City Parasailing is the top ranked experience in Mackinaw City right now, with an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100 from 86 traveler reviews, from $95 per person. It leads a field of 17 experiences we rank in the city.

What are the must-see attractions in Mackinaw City?

Mackinaw City, MI packs its best experiences into walkable neighborhoods, local food, and day trips nearby. Outty ranks every bookable tour and activity in Mackinaw City by rating quality, review depth, booking demand and value, so you can see the standouts before you book.

How much do things to do in Mackinaw City cost?

The 15 best experiences average $38 per person. The cheapest of them is Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse Admission from $11, and 10 of the 15 offer free cancellation.

What are the best things to do in Mackinaw City with kids?

Wondrous West Bluff Cottages: A Mackinac Island Self Guided Tour are the highest ranked family-friendly picks. Check the minimum age on each before booking.

When is the best time to visit Mackinaw City?

Spring and fall bring the best weather and lighter crowds in Mackinaw City, while summer has the widest choice of tours and evening activities.

How is this list ranked?

Every experience is scored 0 to 100 by the Outty Ranking, which blends traveler sentiment, review depth, booking momentum, value against comparable options in Mackinaw City, quality signals and cancellation flexibility. The list updates automatically as new reviews and bookings arrive.