Mackinac Island is the USA’s Best Summer Travel Destination. It’s also one of the country’s Best Places to Visit for Fall. And we Michiganders know that spring on Mackinac Island is pretty special, too.
Spring is when Mackinac Island State Park comes back to life with budding trees and blooming flowers. It’s all so peaceful before the summer rush that you can see and hear the beauty.
“This island has many sides to it and May is so many different things than July,” said Chuck Pereny, a retired firefighter offering guided bike tours that take visitors beyond downtown.
“The thing I love doing in May is just getting out and seeing the island as it’s waking up. The magic of Mother Nature is just amazing.”
Opening May 1, CAP Excursions customizes routes around and through the middle of Mackinac Island to sights including Arch Rock, British Landing and many more picturesque places. A bike tour is a great way to soak up spring on Mackinac Island. Ditto for a horse-drawn carriage tour, flower garden tour or a walking tour.
There are lots of ways to make the most of a spring visit to Mackinac Island. In fact, here’s a handful of reasons to visit Mackinac Island this May:
- Fort2Fort 5 Mile Challenge – The first of four Run Mackinac events this year is Saturday, May 11. This one-of-a-kind race course goes from Fort Mackinac up to Fort Holmes and back. Run the whole way or enjoy a leisurely spring stroll. You can even take your dog!
- Spring Wildflowers and Tulips – Mackinac Island State Park is full of color as a variety of wildflowers bloom in May. In town, you’ll find beautiful tulips at places including Mission Point Resort and Grand Hotel’s Secret Garden. Where to Find Flower Gardens
- Milliken Nature Center Opening – A new nature center with exhibits on Mackinac Island’s fascinating geological history opens in May on the plaza near Arch Rock. Be among the first visitors to experience this new attraction. What’s New in 2024
- Live Music Returns – Even though May is a relatively quiet month, live music returns to many of Mackinac Island’s nighttime hot spots including the Pink Pony, Horn’s Bar and The Gate House.
- Special Spring Events – Dress, dine and drink as if you were at the Kentucky Derby by taking part in the Derby Day Soiree at Island House Hotel on Saturday, May 4. Or bring Mom up for a Mother’s Day weekend getaway on charming and historic Mackinac Island.
Mackinac Island offers a unique experience in every season, but there are some special perks in May. Stores have a full inventory. Restaurants unveil new dishes. Places to stay have budget-friendly lodging deals and packages.
And the crowds are smaller, too. As Pereny says, “the island is more yours in May.” Come see for yourself!
