Mackinac Island is beautiful in all seasons and each day is one-of-a-kind. However, there is something particularly special about fall on the Island. From autumn activities to seasonal scenery, there are so many reasons why we love the fall here. We’ve highlighted some of our favorites:
Stunning Fall Colors
Fresh air, no cars and fall foliage invite Mackinac visitors to explore the outdoors. Tour the island on bike, horseback or foot and take in the enchanting landscapes. Autumn provides a perfect backdrop to sightsee the interior of the island; festive colors line over 140 miles of roads and trails throughout Mackinac State Park. The Straits of Mackinac allow for a temperate fall climate on the island, yielding a delayed color change compared to other parts of Northern Michigan.
Quieter Crowds
Mackinac Island is one of our nation’s favorite summer vacation destinations, but as the summer months fade, so do the crowds. Less activity allows for a more intimate experience of the island. Take an early morning walk through the interior of the island and often you will not see a soul. The quiet island feels like your very own. Post up at your favorite eatery, relax and stay a while. Coming off peak season, we begin to lower our rates; you may even have more room options available for you to choose from than you would during premium summertime.
Fall & Halloween Decorations
We take great pride in our fall season decorations! Each year our team recovers several boxes of fun and spooky decorations and accessorizes for our lobby and bar. Some of these decorations are really unique, so you’ll want to take your time touring through the property.
The Chippewa Hotel is also traditionally known for the harvest foliage on the outside sidewalk. Nothing welcomes fall like corn stalks, mums and pumpkins!
Pink Pony Entertainment
While we LOVE summer patio music and late night festivities inside, there’s something special about Pink Pony entertainment when the season winds down. This year Myk Rise has been taking the stage Tuesday through Saturday nights, and while weekends still draw the crowds, the weekday atmosphere is often more intimate.
After Labor Day we traditionally introduce two weekly events to our entertainment schedule. Sunday nights we host Open Mic Night and encourage locals, seasonal employees and tourists to make a debut on the Main Stage! This night is always a great time for everyone. Then on Mondays, Trivia takes place in the bar area. The questions are sometimes tricky but the gameplay is fun. It is an enjoyable addition to drinks or dinner, and prizes from the Pink Pony shop are granted to winners!
Football
And it wouldn’t be fall without football. Games instigate some great gatherings at the Pink Pony. We have the NFL Sunday Ticket package, so we’re sure to have access to your favorite team. Stay tuned for Patio Tailgates, where we heat up the Pink Pony patio bar and offer special snacks and sips!
Shopping Sales
The weather may cool down, but the bargains are hot at the end of the season on Mackinac! Retailers break out the sale racks in preparation for their winter closure. Browse everything from local boutiques to toy stores, books stores, galleries and souvenir shops. The Pink Pony shop is a “can’t miss” during your visit!
Autumn Eats
Sometimes getting cozy involves a belly full of food. You’re bound to find something you’ll love on the Pink Pony menu. Our Boursin Stuffed Chicken or our Maple Bourbon Strip Steak dinner entrees are prime examples of autumn comfort food. Try a soup du jour– made fresh from scratch and always a crowd pleaser. Wash everything down with one of our hot beverages like our “Hot Nutty Irishman”, concocted with Irish Cream Liquor, Kahlua, Frangelico and coffee. Don’t forget to hit up the Mackinac fudge and candy shops! Caramel apples are a perfect treat for the season (we recommend trying one from Murdick’s Fudge). Joann’s Fudge has a special seasonal Pumpkin Spice Fudge flavor that tastes incredible.
One Last Hurrah!
The Mackinac season wraps up with annual events we all look forward to. Taking place on the last “official” Saturday, the Great Turtle Trail Run draws up to 3,000 participants each year to run/walk the trails of Mackinac in 5.7 mile or half-marathon divisions. Stroll down Main Street as the children trick-or-treat in the afternoon. Once the last ferry is gone the Halloween parties begin! The Pink Pony and other venues will have live music and costume contests throughout the night. The whole weekend is a unique Mackinac Island experience and a highlight to our season.
Don’t delay on your reserving your stay! FALL in love with autumn on Mackinac Island! View our discounted room rates here. Be sure to also check out our special package offers. We’ll see you soon!
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