Fall on Mackinac Island: New season, New Perspectives

This year, Mackinac Island was voted the #1 best summer travel destination by USA Today, but as every Michigander knows, Fall brings an entirely new charm to the island.

As autumn colors reach their peak, when the air turns crisp and the busy streets quiet down after a bustling tourist season, Mackinac transforms into a serene classroom of natural beauty and rich history — giving students a whole new appreciation for this one-of-a-kind destination.

If you attended our annual Discovery at the Grand and couldn’t get enough of the island’s magic—these unique fall experiences breathe new life into Mackinac as the season unfolds.

Ghost Tours

On a Haunted History Tour, students can explore the island’s eerie past and meet some of the ghostly figures said to linger here. At Fort Holmes, three spectral soldiers are often seen deep in conversation—until they vanish without a trace. Along Crow’s Nest Trail, watch for Lucy, a young girl in a sundress who’s been spotted across the island for decades. And at Post Cemetery, visitors have reported the chilling sight of a weeping mother kneeling over the 19th-century graves of her children.

The island is brimming with history, having served as a home to local Native American tribes, Military forts and battles, and 19th-century graveyards. Mackinac has seen real war, death, and tragedy — and it's many legends are a large part of it's identity and culture.

Fall Foliage

Autumn breathes new life into Mackinac’s landscapes, draping the island in brilliant reds, soft oranges, and rich greens that shimmer against the teal waters of Lake Huron.

Whether you’re exploring by bike, horseback, or on foot, each route reveals a fresh perspective on the island’s natural charm. Stroll the East Bluff, framed by Victorian mansions and sweeping lake views. Bike the 8-mile loop around the island for a peaceful journey past beaches, cobblestone streets, and wildflower fields. Or, for a truly classic experience, discover Mackinac by horseback—a tradition as old as the island itself.

Stargazing 

For budding scientists and stargazers alike, late fall is the perfect time to visit. With little light pollution, Mackinac’s night sky becomes freckled with thousands of brilliant stars.

At British Landing, take in peaceful views of the Mackinac Bridge beneath a starlit sky. Climb the 140 steps to Fort Holmes, the island’s highest point, to see the Milky Way stretch across the horizon. And on the East Shoreline, join park rangers for a nighttime walk to Arch Rock, where the full moon rises through the natural arch—just as travelers admired it over a century ago.

Fall on Mackinac Island

A fall visit to Mackinac Island offers more than scenic beauty—it opens a window into the island’s deep history and living stories. As students wander its cobblestone streets, explore historic buildings, and learn from the land itself, they’ll gain not only knowledge, but also a lasting appreciation for one of the most remarkable destinations in the country.