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Mackinac Island is Michigan’s top travel destination and for extremely great reasons. The island is car free ever since the late 1800s – so to get around the island, people bike, walk, or rent a taxi driven by horses! Its history and interesting geological features such as Arch Rock are also big draws. And to even get to the island, one must board a ferry from either Mackinaw City or St Ignace to cross the straits of Mackinac. The most popular time to visit the island is between Memorial and Labor Days during the summer. However, there are several perks of visiting Mackinac Island during the fall.
After recently vacationing on Mackinac Island in the fall (check out my family friendly trip guide here), I’m convinced fall is the best time to go! Below I detail 8 reasons you should visit Mackinac Island during the fall.
1. Hotel rates are cheaper in the fall.
One of the most frequent complaints I hear from friends and family about planning trips to Mackinac Island is how expensive it is to stay overnight on the island. Did you know you can find hotel rooms for less than $100 per night during the fall?
Some great resources to use to find deals on hotel rooms are price comparison website platforms like Trivago and TripAdvisor. Cross check those with the price provided on the hotel’s website to make sure you’re getting a good deal. Another great spot to find hotel deals (especially on last minute travel) is Mackinac Island’s tourism board’s website.
2. Less crowds!
I personally avoid popular travel destinations as I’m impatient and don’t like crowds. So that’s why I enjoy visiting popular places outside of their peak season. No waiting to be seated at a restaurant (which seems rare anywhere these days!), and we often were the only visitors at several attractions.
3. The weather is perfect for biking and hiking.
If you dress in layers – i.e. a t-shirt under a sweater, you’ll be ready for the cooler albeit slightly unpredictable fall weather Michigan experiences. The cooler weather also makes it easier to bike and hike throughout the island without getting too hot.
A bonus of staying on the island, is the ability to change clothes if the afternoons and early evenings are much warmer.
4. Similarly, less/no bugs!
Another great perk of visiting Mackinac Island during fall is the lack of bugs! During our stay, I didn’t notice a single mosquito (which is rare – I’m a mosquito magnet!)
5. Fall colors add an additional free attraction to your itinerary.
This perk doesn’t need elaboration. Just biking around the island is prettier in fall because the trees are putting on a show! Most of Mackinac Islands attractions are surrounded by trees so as the leaf’s change color, it enhances the island’s charm.
6. Best Time to Visit to Go Shopping
If you enjoy shopping, now is the time to buy souvenirs on Mackinac Island. Many gift shops discount items in the fall to make way for new inventory next year.
7. Most places are still open until the end of October!
Just because peak season ends after Labor Day, doesn’t mean most attractions and businesses close down for the season. On the contrary my friend! Most hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions remain open through the end of October making fall an attractive time to visit.
8. Halloween weekend on Mackinac Island!
A final perk of visiting Mackinac Island in the fall is Halloween weekend. Coming up this October 22-24, 2021, Mackinac Island goes all out in celebration of Halloween! There’s a trail run, trick or treating downtown, and costume parties.
Now, who’s ready to visit Mackinac Island this fall?
