Visiting Mackinac Island in the winter is a perfect time to enjoy the quiet beauty of the island – hike, ski, snowshoe, take beautiful pictures, read a good book, and do some holiday shopping at some of the most unique stores in Michigan. While most stores on the island close by the end of October, there are a few that remain open for business during the winter season. For a list of all the island store closings, you can visit the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau’s website.
The annual Mackinac Island Christmas Bazaar returns this year on December 3rd. It’s a time when residents come together to benefit the island’s churches as well as the Mackinac Island Medical Center. You will find crafts and homemade goods as well as both live and silent auctions of donated items and services. There may even be a planned visit by Santa Claus on the fire truck! Be sure to like/follow Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Company’s facebook page to get the updates on the Bazaar.
Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Company provides ferry service to the island all winter from their St Ignace dock (until the ice bridge forms) so that winter enthusiasts, shoppers, and local residents can conveniently get from the island to the mainland. Buy tickets and view the winter schedule online.
Here is a list of shops that remain open on the island during winter:
- Doud’s Market – OPEN ALL YEAR
- Island Hardware – OPEN ALL YEAR
- Loon Feather & Balsam Shop – OPEN BY APPOINTMENT
- Star Line Skipper Store – OPEN AS LONG AS FERRY RUNS
- Vintage Glam Salon – OPEN ALL YEAR
If you are looking for Mackinac Island and Michigan branded items, the Star Line Skipper Store, which is open all winter as long as the ferry runs, has a variety of options like Mackinac Island clothing (SOCKS!), home décor, jewelry, hats, and more. Your family and friends will love wearing something from the #1 Island in the USA, voted by Travel + Leisure this year.
