How late in the season do most things stay open in the Mackinac area?
 

We typically make a trip up to Mackinac City and to the island every summer and we were going to go Labor Day weekend this year but we may have to change our plans. We may be able to go the next weekend or it may be later into September or even into October. When do shops and restaurants start closing down for the season?

We've never been there after Labor Day. Is it really quiet?

I am sure more knowlegeable folks than I will respond. DH and I were on the Island in late September several years ago and one of our most vivid memories is that every person we talked to in shops, carriage rides, etc made it clear that we were at the end of the season and that many services and choices were not available.

It was, however, a beautiful time to be there. The colors were wonderful and the weather was quite nice. We stayed at the Iriquois Hotel and liked it very much.

They employ quite a few college students so when the schools start, they may be short employees.

My husband had a conference there the last weekend in September last year. It was great! Every shop had great sales going on, the weather was nice and cool, and you could walk down the street with ease. I recommend going then. It is nice and quiet, but still lively enough. The island is actually open all winter. My parents went in the winter and loved it. Hardly anything was open, but they took a sleigh ride and had a very peaceful time.

Weekends stay busy, but nothing like summer.

There will still be many places open in early October, but some will be only open on weekends or close early in the evening.

Keith