Itinerary - first time visit, a few questions

Question

We are headed to Mackinac Island in late October. We fly into Traverse City on October 19th, we land around 1pm. Two hour drive to Mackinaw City and we will stay the night there as the Grand Hotel is closed on the 19th.

It looks as if Central Ave is where most restaurants are? Would like to stay where we can park the car and walk to dinner (Central looks really cute by the way, or is this just a tourist area?). Thinking of the Baymont. Any suggestions on location or hotel if this is a bad idea? We're open to suggestions, no price restrictions.

The following day we will head to Sheplers and take the ferry over, they supposedly have parking lots. I'll pre purchase our tickets (get a discount via the hotel) but they are not date/time sensitive. If we were to take the 9:30am or 10:30am ferry over can I expect to have crowds, and need to wait for next ferry? Its pretty late in the season, but not sure.

Our return flight on Sunday is not until 6:30pm from Traverse City. What time should we leave the hotel to get to the airport by 4:30pm? Not sure if the ferry/bags/etc is fast and efficient or if it can be a jumbled mess. I thought we'd take the noon ferry - that should give us ample time, correct?

Also

- is the Woods Restaurant good?

-Resort dress code: is the Grand very fancy? Don't mind resort attire (I know about the tie requirement at night), wondering just how fancy the daytime attire is?

Thanks for any info -

haven't been to the island, or Michigan for that matter, before. It will be a fast trip, but my family needs a fun getaway and the island looks like something we will really enjoy.

Answer

Visiting Mackinac Island in late October is a beautiful experience, as the summer crowds have thinned and the fall colors are vibrant. Here’s a detailed overview to help you plan your short trip.

Accommodation in Mackinaw City:

Central Avenue in Mackinaw City is indeed the main hub for restaurants, shops, and a charming small-town vibe. Staying near Central Avenue is convenient if you want to park your car and walk to dinner. Baymont by Wyndham is a reasonable option, offering proximity to restaurants and easy access to Shepler’s ferry terminal.

Other hotel options near Central Ave include Best Western Plus Dockside Waterfront Inn and Holiday Inn Express Mackinaw City, both within walking distance of restaurants and shops.
Late October is off-season, so parking is typically easy, and streets are less crowded, which makes walking to dinner stress-free.

Ferry to Mackinac Island:

Shepler’s has multiple ferries per day, and late October is past peak season, so crowds are minimal. For a 9:30am or 10:30am ferry, you should generally be able to board without having to wait for the next departure.

Pre-purchasing tickets is recommended for peace of mind, even if they are not date/time sensitive.
Shepler’s parking lots are convenient, and staff assist with boarding efficiently, so it’s usually a smooth experience.

For your return trip to Traverse City on Sunday, taking the noon ferry from Mackinac Island should give you plenty of time. Allowing approximately 2–2.5 hours to drive from Mackinaw City to Traverse City airport is reasonable, so leaving the island around noon should have you comfortably at the airport by 4:30pm for a 6:30pm flight.

Dining on Mackinac Island:

The Woods Restaurant is highly recommended for its upscale, cozy atmosphere and excellent cuisine. It's a small, intimate setting, perfect for a special meal.
Other options include Chop House for steak and seafood or Harbour View Inn Restaurant for casual dining with a view.

Grand Hotel dress code:

The Grand Hotel is famous for its formal evening attire, including jackets and ties for gentlemen. During the daytime, attire is more relaxed but still elegant and resort-appropriate. Think dresses, slacks, polo shirts, and comfortable yet polished outfits. Resort casual is generally acceptable for daytime activities, dining, and exploring the property.

Additional tips:

October weather can be chilly and breezy on the island; pack layers and comfortable walking shoes.
The island is largely car-free, so be prepared to walk, bike, or take horse-drawn carriages.
Many attractions may have shorter hours in late October, so check schedules in advance.
Enjoy the historic charm and fall scenery—late October is quieter, which makes exploring the island especially peaceful.

Overall, your plan looks solid. Staying near Central Avenue in Mackinaw City, taking a late-morning ferry, enjoying The Woods for dinner, and experiencing the Grand Hotel’s ambiance should make for a memorable short getaway to Mackinac Island.

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