The crown jewel of the Great Lake State is the ever-popular Mackinac Island where people travel from all over the world to experience this old-fashioned vacation spot. There are eight miles of breathtaking freshwater coastline, and the entire island is car-free. While this is an incredibly popular summer destination, the fun really begins when tourists vacate the island and leave the locals to play in the snow.

Mackinac Island, Michigan is located in Lake Huron between the Upper and Lower Peninsula.

Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau/Facebook There are 500 year-round residents that live on the island permanently which is much less than the 5,000 daily visitors that arrive in the summer during peak season.

When you’re visiting Mackinac Island in the summer, there are so many tourists it can be overwhelming.

Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau/Facebook That’s why, if you’re up for the challenge, we recommend visiting this unbelievably unique island in the dead of winter. You will most likely only run into locals and get to experience what the island is truly like without all the hustle and bustle.

You will need to plan ahead for how to get to the island during the winter months.

Mackinac Island You can use the ferry until the ice forms on Lake Michigan, which is weather dependent. Once the ice solidifies, the other option is to fly into the small airport on the island by booking a charter flight. There are no public restrooms available on the island during the winter season, but you can use the bathroom at the ferry dock if the ferries are running. Visitors are encouraged to stay the night and use the hotel restrooms or patronize a restaurant and use its restroom.

While you’re walking around Mackinac, you’ll begin to notice a bunch of snowmobiles.

Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau/Facebook No cars are allowed on the island, so many snowmobilers come to Mackinac Island on the ice bridge. The ice bridge is created when Lake Michigan freezes over, and you can ride across the lake (using extreme caution).

Many attractions on Mackinac Island are only open during peak season, such as The Grand Hotel and Fort Mackinac.

Mackinac Island But Mackinac Island State Park is open year-round, and you’ll nearly have the entire park to yourself. In the winter months, you can hike, cross-country ski, or try out fat tire biking. You can rent fat tire bikes on the island or bring your own cross-country skis and snowshoes to walk around the forest.

You can’t experience the island without devouring a box of Mackinac Island Fudge.

Jeremy Ming/Google Luckily, the fudge shops are open year-round, so you can buy plenty of sweet treats to take home with you.

Located in the heart of downtown Mackinac you’ll find Pontiac Lodge, which is a boutique hotel and one of the few places you can spend the night in the winter.

Frederick Keeney/Google The rooms are nautical-themed, and some even have jacuzzi tubs for you to warm up in after a chilly day of winter hiking.

One of the best places to eat is Kingston Kitchen at the Village Inn, which serves traditional American fare with a Jamaican twist.

Y Martinez/Google

The delicious planked whitefish served here is caught right at the Straits of Mackinac.

Greg Webb/Google You can’t get much fresher than that! There are plenty of tasty dishes to try, and there’s something for everyone.

If you’re ready for an incredible adventure that very few Michiganders have checked off their bucket list, grab your snowshoes and take the ferry to Mackinac Island this winter.

Layne Kennedy/Corbis Documentary Collection via Getty Images

For more travel information for visiting Mackinac Island in the off-season, check out the Mackinac Island website. You can also follow the Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Facebook page for updates on when the ferry is running. Have you ever visited this gorgeous island before? Let us know your experience! You can also check out the 7 Coziest Towns In Michigan To Snuggle Up In This Season.

Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau/Facebook

There are 500 year-round residents that live on the island permanently which is much less than the 5,000 daily visitors that arrive in the summer during peak season.

That’s why, if you’re up for the challenge, we recommend visiting this unbelievably unique island in the dead of winter. You will most likely only run into locals and get to experience what the island is truly like without all the hustle and bustle.

Mackinac Island

You can use the ferry until the ice forms on Lake Michigan, which is weather dependent. Once the ice solidifies, the other option is to fly into the small airport on the island by booking a charter flight. There are no public restrooms available on the island during the winter season, but you can use the bathroom at the ferry dock if the ferries are running. Visitors are encouraged to stay the night and use the hotel restrooms or patronize a restaurant and use its restroom.

No cars are allowed on the island, so many snowmobilers come to Mackinac Island on the ice bridge. The ice bridge is created when Lake Michigan freezes over, and you can ride across the lake (using extreme caution).

But Mackinac Island State Park is open year-round, and you’ll nearly have the entire park to yourself. In the winter months, you can hike, cross-country ski, or try out fat tire biking. You can rent fat tire bikes on the island or bring your own cross-country skis and snowshoes to walk around the forest.

Jeremy Ming/Google

Luckily, the fudge shops are open year-round, so you can buy plenty of sweet treats to take home with you.

Frederick Keeney/Google

The rooms are nautical-themed, and some even have jacuzzi tubs for you to warm up in after a chilly day of winter hiking.

Y Martinez/Google

Greg Webb/Google

You can’t get much fresher than that! There are plenty of tasty dishes to try, and there’s something for everyone.

Layne Kennedy/Corbis Documentary Collection via Getty Images

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Address: Mackinac Island, MI 49757, USA