Why Michigan Has America’s Two Most Magical Islands
Michigan is the only state in America blessed with two completely car-free, ferry-or-seaplane-only islands that feel like different planets sharing the same Great Lakes sky.
- Mackinac Island – Victorian elegance, horse-drawn carriages, world-famous fudge, and turquoise waters
- Isle Royale National Park – raw Lake Superior wilderness, moose, wolves, zero roads, and one of the least-visited national parks in the entire United States
Together they form the ultimate Michigan “island-hopping” adventure: refined charm meets untouched backcountry. This guide, written from the perspective of Mackinac Island’s historic Inn at Stonecliffe, shows you exactly how to experience both islands in one seamless, unforgettable trip.
Mackinac Island vs. Isle Royale National Park: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Mackinac Island | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Straits of Mackinac (Lake Huron) | Northwest Lake Superior |
| Distance from Michigan mainland | 15–20 min ferry | 50–70 miles (3–6 hr ferry or 45 min seaplane) |
| Cars allowed | No – banned since 1898 | No – never had any |
| Annual visitors | ~1 million | ~28,000–30,000 |
| Primary vibe | Romantic, historic, walkable | Remote, rugged, backpacking |
| Lodging options | Luxury hotels, B&Bs, resorts | Campgrounds + Rock Harbor Lodge only |
| Season | Early May – late October | Mid-April – October (weather dependent) |
| Signature experience | Biking the 8.2-mile M-185 | Hiking the 165-mile trail network |
| Wildlife | Horses, butterflies, foxes | Moose, wolves, loons, beavers |
| Best for | Couples, families, history lovers | Serious hikers, solitude seekers |
Best Time to Visit Both Michigan Islands
| Month | Mackinac Island | Isle Royale National Park | Recommendation for Combined Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | Lilac Festival, cool weather, low crowds | Opens mid-April; blackflies can be intense | Great shoulder season for both |
| June–August | Peak season, warm swimming weather | Peak season, warmest water, all ferries running | Ideal for most visitors |
| September | Fewer crowds, stunning fall colors | Prime hiking weather, fewer bugs | Best overall month for combo trip |
| October | Closes late October; gorgeous foliage | Closes October 31; possible early snow | Possible but plan carefully |
| November–April | Closed for winter | Closed for winter | Not possible |
Pro tip: September offers the sweet spot – warm days, cool nights, minimal insects, and both islands still fully operational.
The Perfect 7-Day Michigan Islands Itinerary
Day 1–3: Arrive on Mackinac Island – Stay at The Inn at Stonecliffe
- Morning ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace
- Check in to The Inn at Stonecliffe (15-minute carriage ride from the dock)
- Afternoon: Rent bicycles and circle the island on M-185
- Evening: Sunset dinner on the Summer House porch overlooking the Straits
Day 4: Upper Peninsula Transfer Day
- Early morning ferry back to mainland
- Scenic 3-hour drive along Lake Michigan to Copper Harbor (or 2-hour drive to Houghton)
- Overnight in Copper Harbor or Houghton
Day 5–7: Isle Royale National Park
- Morning ferry or seaplane to Isle Royale
- Base at Rock Harbor Lodge or backpack the Greenstone Ridge
- Return ferry/seaplane on Day 7 afternoon
- Drive back toward Mackinac Island for final night (optional luxury recovery stay)
Full 5-day, 10-day, and family variations are available at the end of this guide.
How to Get from Mackinac Island to Isle Royale National Park
There is no direct ferry between the two islands, but three realistic routes exist:
- Most Scenic – Copper Harbor Route Mackinac → Mackinaw City (ferry) → US-2 west → M-26 north → Copper Harbor (6–7 hr drive) → Isle Royale Queen IV (3.5 hr ferry)
- Fastest – Houghton Route Mackinac → St. Ignace → Houghton (4–5 hr drive) → Ranger III (6 hr ferry) or Isle Royale Seaplanes (45 min flight)
- Fly Both Ways – Luxury Option Mackinac Island Airport (MCD) → Houghton → Isle Royale Seaplanes → Rock Harbor
Current 2025 ferry schedules and booking links are updated seasonally on our resources page.
Top Things to Do on Mackinac Island
- Bike the 8.2-mile car-free M-185 loop
- Tour Fort Mackinac and watch cannon & rifle demonstrations
- Visit Arch Rock and Mackinac Island State Park (86% of island is protected)
- High Tea at Grand Hotel (jacket required for men after 6 p.m.)
- Evening carriage tour with Mackinac Island Carriage Tours
- Shop Original Murdick’s Fudge on Main Street
Top Things to Do on Isle Royale National Park
- Hike the Greenstone Ridge Trail (42 miles end-to-end)
- Kayak around shipwrecks in Tobin Harbor or Rock Harbor
- Take a ranger-led tour of the Rock Harbor Lighthouse
- Look for moose along Scoville Point or moose in McCargoe Cove
- Stargaze – Isle Royale has some of the darkest skies in the Lower 48
- Fish for lake trout and northern pike (license required)
Where to Stay: From Luxury to Wilderness
| Need | Mackinac Island Option | Isle Royale Option |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury historic mansion | The Inn at Stonecliffe (1917 Summer House estate) | N/A – no luxury lodging on island |
| Mid-range hotel | Island House Hotel, Harbour View Inn | Rock Harbor Lodge (basic rooms + restaurant) |
| Budget | Mission Point Resort packages | Campgrounds ($4/person + ferry) or Windigo cabins |
| Glamping / unique | Glamping tents at The Inn at Stonecliffe (seasonal) | Backcountry shelters along trails |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Mackinac Island and Isle Royale National Park the same place?
No. They are 250 miles apart in different Great Lakes (Huron vs. Superior) and offer completely different experiences.
Can you take a car to either island?
No. Both islands are permanently car-free.
How far is Mackinac Island from Isle Royale?
Approximately 250 miles by water. Driving distance between ferry ports is 300–400 miles.
Is Isle Royale worth visiting if I only have 5 days?
Yes – especially if you fly via seaplane. A 3-day/4-day express trip is very doable.
When is the best time to visit both islands in one trip?
Mid-August through September: warm weather, fewer bugs, fall colors beginning, and all transportation running.
Do I need a passport for Isle Royale?
No, unless you take the ferry from Grand Portage, Minnesota to Windigo (it briefly enters Canadian waters).
Are the islands pet-friendly?
Mackinac Island: Yes (leashed pets allowed on ferries and most properties). Isle Royale: No pets allowed anywhere in the national park.
How much does a combined trip cost?
Budget traveler: $900–1,400 per person
Mid-range: $2,000–3,500
Luxury (Inn at Stonecliffe + seaplane): $4,000–6,000+
Final Recommendation from The Inn at Stonecliffe
Begin or end your Michigan island adventure with the refined elegance of Mackinac Island offers. After days of hiking ridgelines and listening to wolves howl on Isle Royale, there is no better place to recover than high atop the west bluff at The Inn at Stonecliffe – where Lake Huron sunsets, gourmet dining, and turn-of-the-century charm await.
Ready to plan your two-island journey? Contact our concierge team for exclusive Mackinac + Isle Royale packages, including private carriage transfers, luggage forwarding to the Upper Peninsula, and seaplane coordination.
The Inn at Stonecliffe is open early May through late October. Book your 2026 stay today – rooms for peak September dates already filling fast.
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