The arrival of fall color is an annual sight on Mackinac Island, signaling the official end of the season. As the weather cools, savvy travelers can enjoy the advantages of summer without the crowds or peak-season prices.Mackinac is home to a unspoiled boreal forest and offers one of the best fall color displays in the country.  Whether visitors are teeing up on one of three golf courses, touring Fort Mackinac, biking or walking the eight-mile roadway that circles the Island (the only state highway in the nation where motor vehicles are not allowed) the color can be viewed from almost any vantage point. 

“Mackinac Island is the quintessential fall vacation, providing travelers a memorable trip without taking them too far from home or exceeding their budgets,” said Mary McGuire Slevin, executive director, Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau. “In addition to terrific seasonal rates and all the trappings of fall, Mackinac Island provides visitors an excuse to step back in time while enjoying all the modern amenities of today.”

The Island’s transition from late summer into fall is sprinkled with events that includes a half marathon, Big Band Dance Extravaganza, the Great Turtle Slow Ride bike anti-race, a special screening of the rockumentary film LOUDER THAN LOVE-The Grande Ballroom Story, Somewhere In Time Weekend at Grand Hotel and Halloween celebrations complete with a half marathon, trick-or-treating downtown and costume parties in the downtown pubs.

Fall activities include:
•  Mackinac Island Wedding Show at Mission Point Resort
•  Big Band Dance Extravaganza Weekend
•  Tour De Mackinac & Great Turtle Slow Ride and special screening of LOUDER THAN LOVE: The Grand Ballroom Story
•  Somewhere in Time Weekend
•  Mackinac Island Halloween Festival Weekend & Great Turtle Half Marathon & 5.7 Mile Run/Walk

Mackinac Island is a National Historic Landmark located between Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas and covers 2,200 acres of land. The Island banned private motor vehicle use during the last century and today relies on the services of more than 600 horses to provide residents and visitors transportation around the Island.

Mackinac hosts more than a half-million visitors each year and is home to the Lilac Festival, Chicago & Bay View Yacht Clubs’ Race to Mackinac Boat Race, Fudge Festival, Grand Hotel Labor Day Jazz Festival and Somewhere in Time Weekend.