You might know that Mackinac Island is the USA's Best Summer Travel Destination three years running. It’s steeped in fascinating history, renowned for its world-famous fudge, and home to America’s second national park.
With all that going for Mackinac Island, it’s too bad summer is going by so fast!
But guess what? Mackinac Island is also the USA’s No. 2 Best Place to Visit for Fall. In fact, some people swear September and October are the island’s best times of year!
After all, you can still relive history at Fort Mackinac and enjoy fudge samples made right in front of your nose. You can still explore the trails and ancient landmarks in what is now Mackinac Island State Park and take an enchanting horse-drawn carriage tour.
And you can do that all in cooler fall weather with brilliant fall colors, lighter crowds, and even better prices. It’s no wonder Labor Day marks not only the end of Mackinac Island’s peak season, but also the start of its “Perfect Season!”
Check out these blog posts for everything to know about visiting in September and October. For the basics of why Mackinac Island is so special in the fall, here are four reasons:
- Pumpkin Spice Fudge – In addition to all the classics, you can taste seasonal creations, too. This year, Ryba’s Fudge Shops is unveiling a special fall flavor called Pumpkin Spice Delight. And, of course, every fudge shop will create a unique flavor for the Mackinac Island Fall Fudge Festival, Oct. 2-4.
- Unique Events – The annual fudge celebration is moving to the first weekend in October with tons of fudge-themed fun. Fall also brings the scenic Mackinac Island Eight Mile run in September and the iconic Halloween Weekend in October with trick-or-treating, costume parties, and the Great Turtle Trail Run.
- Cooler Weather – Dig out your jeans and sweatshirts for delightfully pleasant fall temperatures ranging from 70 in early September down to the low 50s by late October, with nightly lows dipping into the 30s and 40s. Here’s an idea of what to pack for a fall visit.
- Spectacular Colors – A horse-drawn carriage tour on a car-free street is charming. Add fall colors to the mix, and it’s absolutely magical. You can see the stunning annual display while biking, hiking, horseback riding, paddling, and golfing, too.
Make plans now to experience Mackinac Island this fall!
