Mackinac Island & Eastern Upper Peninsula, Michigan - 6 Days Itinerary

Flight to Pellston (PLS)

Fly from Washington D.

C. (WAS) to Pellston Regional Airport (PLS). This flight typically involves one or two stops and may take several hours. Pick up your rental car upon arrival.

Drive to Mackinaw City

Drive your rental car from Pellston Airport to Mackinaw City (approx.

25-30 minutes). Park your car at one of the ferry parking lots.

Ferry to Mackinac Island

Board a ferry (Shepler's or Star Line) from Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island.

Enjoy the scenic ride across Lake Huron.

No cars are allowed on Mackinac Island. Your luggage will be handled by the ferry and delivered to your hotel.

Check-in & Settle into Mackinac Island Hotel

Check into your historic hotel on Mackinac Island.

Enjoy the unique experience of a car-free island.

Downtown Mackinac Stroll

Take a leisurely walk through the charming downtown area of Mackinac Island, famous for its fudge shops, unique boutiques, and horse-drawn carriages.

Don't forget to try some famous Mackinac Island fudge!

Dinner on Mackinac Island

Enjoy dinner at one of the island's many restaurants, offering a range of dining experiences from casual to elegant.

Visit Fort Mackinac

Explore Fort Mackinac, a historic 18th-century fort offering stunning views of the Straits of Mackinac, live re-enactments, and interactive exhibits.

Check for daily events and cannon firings.

Lunch on the Island

Enjoy lunch at a cafe or restaurant on Mackinac Island.

Bike the Island Perimeter

Rent a bicycle and ride the 8.

2-mile perimeter road (M-185), the only state highway in the nation where motorized vehicles are prohibited. Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Huron.

Bike rentals are widely available near the ferry docks.

Visit Arch Rock & Views

Stop at Arch Rock, a natural limestone arch formation, offering stunning photo opportunities over Lake Huron.

Continue exploring other natural formations or scenic viewpoints like Sugar Loaf.

Accessible by bike or by hiking trails.

Dinner & Evening Relaxation

Savor another dinner on Mackinac Island.

Afterward, enjoy a peaceful evening, perhaps watching the sunset over the water.

Mackinac Island Carriage Tour

Take a horse-drawn carriage tour, a delightful way to see the island's interior, including the Grand Hotel, Governor's Residence, and other points of interest with historical commentary.

Tours depart regularly from downtown. Prices vary by length and type of tour.

Last Mackinac Island Lunch

Enjoy a final lunch on Mackinac Island before heading back to the mainland.

Ferry to St. Ignace

Take the ferry from Mackinac Island back to the mainland, specifically to St.

Ignace. This allows you to retrieve your car and begin exploring the Eastern UP.

Check-in St. Ignace Hotel

Check into your accommodation in St.

Ignace, a charming waterfront town with views of Mackinac Island.

Explore St. Ignace Waterfront & History

Stroll along the St.

Ignace waterfront, visit the St. Ignace Marina, and explore some of its historic sites, perhaps the Father Marquette National Memorial or the Museum of Ojibwa Culture.

Plenty of shops and ice cream parlors along the main street.

Dinner in St. Ignace

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in St.

Ignace, with many offering fresh Great Lakes fish.

Drive to Tahquamenon Falls

Drive north from St.

Ignace towards Tahquamenon Falls State Park (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes). Enjoy the scenic drive through changing fall foliage.

Upper Tahquamenon Falls

Explore the majestic Upper Tahquamenon Falls, one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi.

Walk the paved path to various viewing platforms.

A Michigan State Parks Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry.

Lunch near Paradise

Grab lunch at a local eatery in or near Paradise, a small town known for its proximity to the falls and Lake Superior.

Lower Tahquamenon Falls

Visit the Lower Tahquamenon Falls, a series of five smaller cascades.

You can rent a rowboat to reach an island in the middle of the falls for a unique perspective.

Rowboat rental is an optional activity.

Drive to Sault Ste. Marie

Drive from Tahquamenon Falls to Sault Ste.

Marie, the oldest city in Michigan (approx. 1 hour).

Check-in Sault Ste. Marie Hotel

Check into your accommodation in Sault Ste.

Marie, your base for exploring the famous Soo Locks.

Dinner in Sault Ste. Marie

Enjoy dinner in Sault Ste.

Marie, with options ranging from casual to historic waterfront dining.

Soo Locks Visitor Center

Visit the Soo Locks Park and Visitor Center to learn about this engineering marvel.

Watch giant freighters pass between Lake Superior and Lake Huron through the locks.

The visitor center offers interpretive displays and an observation deck.

Soo Locks Boat Tour

Take a narrated boat tour that actually passes through the Soo Locks, giving you a unique perspective on the operation and history of this important waterway.

Several tour operators offer these trips. Book in advance, especially for peak season.

Lunch in Sault Ste. Marie

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Sault Ste.

Marie after your boat tour.

Museum Ship Valley Camp

Explore the Museum Ship Valley Camp, a decommissioned 600-foot Great Lakes freighter.

Discover exhibits on maritime history, including life on the lakes and a memorial to the Edmund Fitzgerald.

Farewell Dinner in Sault Ste. Marie

Enjoy a final dinner in the Eastern Upper Peninsula, reflecting on your adventurous trip.

Hotel Breakfast & Check-out

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and prepare for check-out.

Ensure all your belongings are packed.

Drive to Pellston Airport (PLS)

Begin your drive back to Pellston Regional Airport (PLS) (approx.

1 hour 30 minutes) to return your rental car and catch your flight home.

Flight from Pellston (PLS) to Washington D.C.

Depart from Pellston Regional Airport (PLS) for your return flight to Washington D.

C. (WAS).