Thinking of visiting Mackinac Island during the 4th of July weekend? Here’s a complete travel guide from Milwaukee to Mackinaw City, including our first long drive experience, ferry ride under the Mackinac Bridge, and a full day exploring the island’s top attractions.
The Road Trip Adventure
We kicked off our trip on the morning of July 3rd from Milwaukee. This was my very first time taking on a long drive as the only driver, and honestly, I was both excited and a bit nervous. Last year, we went to Niagara Falls but shared the drive between two people and split it into two days, so it hardly felt long at all. This time, it was over six hours in one go, with just a single break in between.
The drive itself was actually refreshing. Rolling green landscapes, open highways, and the occasional quirky roadside signs made it enjoyable. Thanks to our little angel, Meera, who stayed patient and cheerful in her car seat the whole way, we reached Mackinaw City in one piece.
Our Evening in Mackinaw City
After checking into the hotel, we decided to take it slow that evening. We strolled along the small beaches, watching the gentle waves kiss the shore. The setting sun painted the horizon in golden orange while the docks remained almost empty, making it feel peaceful despite the holiday weekend buzz elsewhere. The air smelled fresh and slightly salty, and we could see the ferry point where we’d be headed the next morning.
Ferry Ride to Mackinac Island
We woke up on July 4th, slightly later than planned, and headed to Shepler’s Dock around 9 a.m. To our surprise, the crowd was minimal, and within ten minutes, we were boarding the ferry. We left our stroller on the lower deck and went up to the open-air upper deck with Meera.
Even in July, the ride can be quite chilly and windy, so if you’re traveling with kids, pack a light jacket or blanket. As the ferry cruised away, we realized we had left behind Meera’s food and our water bottles. A rookie mistake, but part of the adventure.
The highlight of the ferry ride was passing right under the Mackinac Bridge. Standing on the deck, feeling the cool wind and looking up at that massive structure against a bright blue sky, was something magical. The steel towers looked even more grand from below, and the sunlight sparkled off the water. Only certain morning ferries take this route, so it’s worth checking the schedule if you want that view.
Exploring Mackinac Island
The island greeted us with its charming, old-fashioned downtown. There were no cars, only bicycles and horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping down the street. While Meera napped in her stroller, we walked past colorful shops and headed to a park for breakfast with food from a convenience store.
Once Meera woke up and ate her own meal, we bought tickets for the horse carriage tour combined with the butterfly garden entry. The tour took us through historic downtown, the Surrey Hill Museum, and the Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory—a beautiful, peaceful place where delicate butterflies floated around us like confetti.
(Exploring in a horse carriage is a must)
The carriage then climbed up to Arch Rock, one of the most photographed spots on the island. The view through the natural limestone arch over the sparkling blue waters was worth every minute. We also stopped at Fort Mackinac, where the 4th of July celebrations were in full swing. School kids were performing, and we stayed to watch the daily cannon firing—a loud but fascinating glimpse into history.
On our way back, we stopped at the Grand Hotel, famous for its massive porch and appearances in Hollywood movies. The building’s grandeur is striking up close, though you need to pay for full access. We ended the day downtown, sampling Mackinac Island’s famous fudge from Ryba’s. While it wasn’t exactly to our taste, it’s a must-try for anyone visiting.
Returning to Mackinaw City
We caught the ferry back in the evening, this time sitting on the lower deck to shield Meera from the wind. The ride took about 20 minutes and was calm and relaxing. After a quick refresh at the hotel, we walked to Conkling Heritage Park for the fireworks. The place was packed, and while waiting, we treated ourselves to tacos and fries from a Mexican food truck. The fireworks lit up the night sky, though Meera found the noise a bit scary.
Travel Tips for Mackinac Island Day Trips
- Check ferry schedules if you want to go under the Mackinac Bridge.
- Pack layers, even in summer, as the ferry ride can be chilly.
- Bring snacks and water - especially if you’re traveling with kids.
- Use a power bank since your phone will run out quickly from taking photos and using maps.
- Book carriage tours early, especially on holiday weekends.
- You can book bicycles and keep your baby stroller with them and collect back while returning the bicycle. Same for the horse drawn carriage as well.
If you’re planning a trip like this, you might also enjoy:
- Road trip to Mackinac island with a toddler
- A day at Wisconsin dells water park with a toddler
- Milwaukee summerfest
- Our Niagara Falls Road Trip Experience
- Best Scenic Drives from Milwaukee
- Tips for Traveling with Toddlers
Have you ever been to Mackinac Island, or is it on your bucket list? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below. And if you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to subscribe for more travel stories and tips.
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