Mackinac Island Prepares for a Charming 2022-2023 Winter Season

MACKINAC ISLAND, MI – November 18, 2022 – While cherished Midwest treasure Mackinac Island may welcome most visitors from May-October, the island’s Tourism Bureau wants visitors to know the National Landmark is open year-round and offers a quiet respite full of splendor during the colder months. Voted one of the world’s best travel destinations by Travel + Leisure readers in 2022, visitors will be delighted by the island’s simple pleasures and winter beauty primed for hiking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and more.

“Each year when the first blanket of snow falls, Mackinac Island transforms into a winter wonderland that’s full of cozy charm and cold weather fun,” says Tim Hygh, Executive Director of Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau. “When winter arrives on the island, the snow dusted trees, festive decorations, and slower pace feel just as enchanting as they did more than a century ago. There is truly no place like Mackinac Island during the wintertime.”

As 2022 winds down, Mackinac Island will host several holiday-themed events and activities, including the annual Mackinac Island Christmas Bazaar and the New Year’s Eve Great Turtle Drop. More information on this year’s festive happenings below:

• November 24: 10th Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot
• December 2: Christmas Tree Lighting
• December 2-4: Christmas Bazaar Weekend
• December 3: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
• December 31: New Year’s Eve Great Turtle Drop
• Select dates: Twilight Turtle Trek
• Call to schedule a tour: Chad’s Wonderful Winter Walking Tour

Mainlanders looking to visit Mackinac Island over the next few months are encouraged to browse island availability and review the various deals and packages available. Several properties and businesses are offering special Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals from November 25-28 including Grand Hotel, Island House Hotel, Mission Point Resort, Little Luxuries of Mackinac Island, Shepler’s Ferry, Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Company, and more.

For island business hours and ferry operating schedules, click here. Ferry information and operating schedules are dependent on weather conditions.

For more information and to stay up-to-date on season updates, island weather conditions, packages, and general happenings, please visit: https://www.mackinacisland.org/