When looking for help planning a group tour to Michigan’s Mackinac Island, look no further than Annie Farrell, Mackinac Island Tourism’s “Group Tour Diva.” In that role, Farrell assists both group leaders who have not visited Mackinac Island in the past as well as ones who are bringing repeat groups and looking for something new to add to their itinerary. Group Tour asked Farrell for a bit more about what makes Mackinac Island such a beloved group tour destination.
Q. How would you describe Mackinac Island to someone who has never visited before?
A. Mackinac Island has been described as the “Jewel of the Great Lakes.” It offers a wonderful combination of quaint shops, restaurants, and historic buildings in the downtown area, combined with 70 miles of unspoiled trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and exploring through the beautiful Mackinac Island State Park that covers 80% of the island. Historic Fort Mackinac overlooks our harbor and the island, and we are probably best known for being a car-free destination. There are no automobiles on Mackinac Island, and transportation is mainly by horse and carriage, walking, or bicycles. Oh, and I can’t forget to mention Mackinac Island is the “Fudge Capital of the World!”
Q. What makes Mackinac Island a great place for group tours?
A. Our beautiful and unique setting and the natural beauty of our island are perhaps the most appealing features of Mackinac Island. It was named the No. 1 summer travel destination by USA Today 10Best two years in a row. It was also named the No. 2 top fall destination. Mackinac Island offers a wide range of accommodations to fit many budgets and a variety of activities for those who want to explore or those who want to just sit on a porch in a rocking chair.
Q. How does Mackinac Island help tour operators plan their group tours?
A. We have a wonderful Group Tour Guide—available electronically—to share and suggest all group-friendly accommodations and activities. Contact names and information are provided in the guide. We are happy to answer questions and help a tour operator think about the things and locations that will be important to each group they bring to Mackinac.
Q. Are there particular times of the year that would be great for group tours to visit Mackinac Island?
A. Our annual Lilac Festival in mid-June was voted among the top flower festivals in the U.S. If you visit in late May, you’ll get to enjoy the beginning of lilac season, and you will typically find better availability. Fall also offers good availability with September and October adding fall color to your many attractions on Mackinac Island. Our Group Tour Guide will help you connect with all activities and attractions.
Q. What’s your long-term outlook for group tours to Mackinac Island?
A. We have many group tour companies already booked for 2025 and 2026. We hear that having an overnight on Mackinac Island helps a tour fill quickly, and we see that pattern continuing to hold strong in the upcoming years.
Q. Is there anything new or upcoming on Mackinac Island that group tours should know about?
A. The new Milliken Nature Center accents the natural beauty of Arch Rock. The exhibit inside, “Arch Rock: Unsurpassed in Nature’s Beauty,” celebrates what was known as the “Jewel of the Mackinac National Park” and is still today known as a “Star Attraction of Mackinac Island State Park.” It features dozens of stunning historic images of Arch Rock as well as a timeline on how the arch was formed. In addition, the center highlights geology on Mackinac Island as a whole, from the formation of the island itself and how stunning features such as Sugarloaf Rock and Skull Cave came to be. A highlight of the center is an interactive 3D map of the island.
The Manoogian Art Museum has new exhibits each year. The Island Bookstore has two new audio walking tours available for groups, including the “Somewhere in Time Film Tour.”
We are famous for our fudge and our lilacs. The aforementioned Lilac Festival in mid-June is a very popular time for groups to visit, but May and October frequently provide better availability and a little slower pace.
Q. Is there anything else our audience of tour operators should know about Mackinac Island?
A. Our island has often been described as “magical.” The end of the day, when things quiet down and the setting sun can be seen lighting up the Great Lakes in the western sky, gives you that perfect combination of peacefulness and awe at the beauty around our island.
Learn More
Mackinac Island Tourism
mackinacisland.org
Lead image:
With 250 species of lilacs and more than 350 shrubs, the 10-day Mackinac Island Lilac Festival is the largest and longest running event on Mackinac Island.
Photo courtesy of Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau
