Reviews: Mackinac Island State Harbor (Harbor of Refuge)

Reviewed by: G. Jay Nelson , Pegasus, on Sep 22, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

The marina has very stable floating docks that are well maintained, and the marina office is conveniently located on the main dock. Dock hands were immediately available to point out our slip and help with the lines. For some reason they preferred a bow-on docking, which was very simple, but our 55-foot, 50-amp power cable just barely reached the power pedestal. The restrooms/showers were new and very clean. There is a dog run on the premises, making the marina very pet-friendly. The Wi-Fi also worked surprisingly well. The marina is located within a three-to-five-minute walk to Main Street, where restaurants/bars and fudge shops are numerous. There are many opportunities for shopping and sightseeing on the island. We would recommend the full Carraige Tour, which takes you off Main Street to the quieter neighborhoods, past the Grand Hotel, past the horse stables and then through the wooded areas of the island. It also includes a tour of Fort Mackinac, the blacksmith's barn and other historic sites.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Bill Kight , Cookie, on Aug 9, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 2.2'

Rating: 5

Stayed 7-29-2024
I was able to get a reservation for a one-night stay day-of stay. Docks are were high for my Ranger Tug 27. All aspects of the marina were top-notch from docks and power to bathrooms and showers. Staff was well-trained, competent and friendly. They responded to phone and radio calls.

Many, many folks recommend staying at Mack City or St. Ignace and taking a ferry to the island. That is a mistake in my opinion. Yes, there are ferry wakes, but during my stay it wasn't a real problem. They exist, but part of the problem is the long fetch inside the breakwater during periods of southerly winds. It's wonderful to get on and off your boat during your stay and to walk around the downtown area, just steps away. In the evening after the ferry hordes have departed, it is especially nice. I take my bike with me on cruises and it was great riding around the island..

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Douglas Morrow , Ripple, on Jun 17, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

The marina and facility are very nice and so was dockmaster. Right in the center of town which is great too. Unfortunately we had a SW wind which caused rocking and rolling all day and night. The ferries wakes were not the issue.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Lburket on Jun 8, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

Had a great stay at this location. Marina was not busy and we were close to shore. THe facilities - bathroom, showers and laundry were very clean and accessible. Harbormaster was around and accessible if needed. Bike rental was easy at local place and very close to downtown options.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Graeme Walker , Confirmed Aquaholic, on Oct 21, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 54'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

We really liked being close, there was significant ferry wake, not sure why they don't tell them to slow down close to into the harbor, put out all our fenders and didn't have a problem. Didn't use the showers but staff was very friendly. Wonderful place, make sure you pay to get into the Grand Hotel, drinks on the deck and cupola aren't cheap but it's a once in lifetime. Rented bikes and rode around the entire island, well worth it. Previous trips we have rented a horse/carriage and had a great time.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: David Rowe on Sep 7, 2022
LOA: 38'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

For the price of a meal in a moderately nice restaurant, you can tie up your boat to wood at this historic island oasis! Get the fudge. It's everywhere and the shops give out free samples. Tour the grand hotel knowing that your slip fee costs 10% of what a room in that historic edifice will run you. Use your bicycle (or rent one) and ride around the island. I actually pulled into one of the bicycle shops on the island and asked for a tune up, and they did one and charged me *nothing*. On the house. This island is a beautiful, historic, kind, generous throwback to gentler times. You want to visit this island, and the slip fees are a pittance for what you get.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: DeeDee H on Aug 28, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 4

Great location and enjoyed seeing and riding bikes around the island. Individual showers are adequate. Fixed docks are o.k. No protection from ferry wakes or wind.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Brooks Watson , Mangata, on Jun 7, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 6.9'

Rating: 5

Great staff! Amazing spot! No fuel dock.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Jeffrey Skoda on Sep 6, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 65'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 3

The marina location, facilities and staff are 5 star, but the ferry wakes are a problem. In addition to the ferries we got there when the waves were coming right in. Unlike most DNR locations there is not a wrap around breakwater because of the ferries. The waves were 2 to 3 at the dock and we ended up getting a hotel for the night. The boat was tied off fine with extra lines and posts so no damage, but too rough to sleep.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Bill Mcmahon on Aug 22, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

A must stop for any boater in the area. Touristy, but in an authentic and quaint way (unlike Mackinaw City). A very busy marina but seems to be well managed. Decent docks with pilings between boats to offer some protection from docking mistakes by adjacent boaters.
Very good wifi, but open to the public.

Not much protection from ferry wakes, even on the inside slips. Extra lines and fenders are needed because of the rocking and rolling. Felt like being at anchor at times.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Scott Gregory , My Happiness, on Jan 19, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Stayed here in 2018 (yes, I know a very late review!) The location was just excellent. Fixed docks (not a fan of fixed docks). Like someone else said, the wifi was bad. We enjoyed watching the high speed ferries come and go. Downtown was excellent, we rented bikes and took a horse pulled tour. Great place to say for 3-4 nights.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: God’s Grace on Aug 21, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Great location to town and everything. Fixed docks with high piling. Poor WiFi . Very young staff were helpful and polite. The worst part was the high speed ferry boats running every 15 minutes. Right next to the marina, but that ends at 7pm. The price was right for the location and we brought our own bikes. Grand Hotel dinner was comparable with cruise ship food.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Scott LaPointe on Nov 1, 2016
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Other than the constant rolling rock from the high speed ferries that run it is an excellent marina. Walking distance to everything that Mackinaw Island has to offer.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer