Mackinac Island on a Budget

Visiting Mackinac Island can be expensive. But here are a few tips (interspersed with pictures of fall foliage on the drive home) for cutting the cost a bit.

1. Don't go in summer. The number one way to cut the cost of a trip to Mackinac Island is to go off season. A few historical buildings will be closed, but the fort is open and everything else is running, albeit possibly on a slightly different schedule. The "season" is essentially Memorial Day to Labor Day. If you go in April or early May or in late September and October, the price for your hotel will be a lot easier to manage. Plus, if you go in October, every store, and I mean every store, has stuff on sale. Sometimes the entire store is 30% off, sometimes sweatshirts and jackets are 60% off, but every store has great sales, which means your souvenirs cost you less. Even the fudge is on sale.

2. Bring your own transportation. If you have your own bike, slap that bad boy on the back of your car and pay the extra $8 to bring it on the island. Then you will be mobile anytime you want to be and you won't pay the price to rent bikes (which is far less economical than bringing yours over on the ferry). Hint: bring a lock and use it. Bike "borrowing" is a common occurrence.

3. Bring your own water bottle and use it. Refilling the same water bottle (that conveniently fits in the holder on your bike) saves you $2 every time you get thirsty. Everything is $2. Coke, water, everything.

4. Do the stuff that's free! There are a lot of activities on the island that cost nothing. Go for walks and bike rides along the shore. Hike the many scenic trails. Get a map and go on an island scavenger hunt, checking off the interesting geological and historical features as you find them. Take pictures of the beautiful old houses and the boats in the marina and the horses. You could easily spend an entire day or two exploring the great outdoors and only spend money on food.

5. Splurge on a few things that will make lasting memories. If you love military history, spend the money to visit the fort. If you love nature, spend the money to visit the butterfly house. If you love boats, spend the money on a sailing tour around the island. If you love decorating your house, spend the money on buying a painting done by a local artist. If you love horses, spend the money on a horseback trail ride. If you love old houses, spend the money on a private horse-drawn tour of the island.

If you can't fit everything in, plan to come back in a few years and keep the list of the things you want to do somewhere you can find it. But do try to visit at least once. Maybe you'll fall in love with Mackinac Island like we have and make it an annual trip!