Thunderbird Inn

2.5 star property
Motel near Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal in Mackinaw City

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Thunderbird Inn

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Jetted Tub | Pillowtop beds, iron/ironing board, rollaway beds, free WiFi
Exterior
Children's play area - outdoor
Indoor pool, open 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, sun loungers
Interior

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
146 Old Us 31, Mackinaw City, MI, 49701
  • Place, Edgewater Beach
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Mackinaw Crossings
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Place, Animal Tracks Adventure Golf
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Airport, Pellston, MI (PLN-Pellston Regional)
    ‪20 min drive‬

Room options

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Jetted Tub

  • 282 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(16 reviews)
  • 243 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Superior Room, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa, Courtyard View

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(12 reviews)
  • 248 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

7.6 out of 10
Good
(4 reviews)
  • 355 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

7.8 out of 10
Good
(40 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(28 reviews)
  • 243 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Mackinaw City

In Mackinaw City .Within a 15-minute walk of the motel, you'll find Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal and Lake Huron. Edgewater Beach and Edgewater Beach are also within half a mile (1 km).

What's nearby

  • Edgewater Beach - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Mackinaw Crossings - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Animal Tracks Adventure Golf - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Mackinaw Manor Haunted Mansion - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Mackinaw Bridge Museum - 2 min drive - 1.4 miles

Getting around

  • Pellston, MI (PLN-Pellston Regional) - 29 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Homemade Pasties / Zodiac Party Store - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Keyhole Bar & Grill - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Clyde's Place - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Bière de Mac Brew Works - ‬20 min walk

About this property

Thunderbird Inn

Motel near Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal in Mackinaw City
As a guest of Thunderbird Inn, you'll find an indoor pool, a vending machine, and tour/ticket assistance. WiFi is free in public spaces. Free self parking is available. You'll have access to the indoor pool at a partner property.

This Mackinaw City motel is smoke free.

  • 1 building
  • 48 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • No smoking on site
Thunderbird Inn offers 48 accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Beds feature pillowtop mattresses. 32-inch flat-screen televisions come with cable channels. Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations and complimentary toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include phones along with free local calls (restrictions may apply). Change of towels and change of bedsheets can be requested.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator
  • Indoor pool
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free ferry terminal shuttle
  • Free self parking on site

Things to do

  • Indoor pool
  • Indoor pool (guest access)

Accessibility

  • No elevator

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Free local calls
  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - midnight
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 11:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
This property will place a credit card authorization of 1 night for any bookings where payment for the stay will be made on site instead of at the time of booking.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Pets: USD 35 per pet, per stay
  • Only dogs and cats are allowed
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Pets cannot be left unattended
  • An off-leash area is available
  • Certain rooms only, restrictions apply
  • You can request a pet-friendly room by reaching out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Children 12 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 40.0 per night.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Pet fee: USD 35 per pet, per stay
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 40.0 per night

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards and cash
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and cash. This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • Pool access available from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
  • Children 12 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Pets are welcome in certain rooms only; other restrictions apply (please see the Fees section for related charges). To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Thunderbird Inn Mackinaw City
Thunderbird Mackinaw City
Thunderbird Inn Motel
Thunderbird Inn Mackinaw City
Thunderbird Inn Motel Mackinaw City

Frequently asked questions

How close is Thunderbird Inn to the airport?

Thunderbird Inn is 12 mi (32-min drive) away from the Mackinac Island, MI (MCD) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Thunderbird Inn?

As of Jun 15, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Thunderbird Inn on Jun 16, 2026 start from $85, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Thunderbird Inn have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Thunderbird Inn.

How close is Thunderbird Inn to the beach?

This motel is a short 6-minute walk from Edgewater Beach and 7-minute walk from Edgewater Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Thunderbird Inn offer free breakfast?

Thunderbird Inn does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Thunderbird Inn?

No, there is no casino at this motel, but Kewadin Casino - St. Ignace (16-min drive) is nearby.

What time is check-in at Thunderbird Inn?

Check-in start time: 4 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Thunderbird Inn?

This motel offers free self parking.

Does Thunderbird Inn have a pool?

Thunderbird Inn features an indoor pool. Guests can enjoy pool access from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Does Thunderbird Inn have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this motel.

How close is Thunderbird Inn to downtown Mackinaw City?

Thunderbird Inn is 0.8 mi away from Mackinaw City.

Thunderbird Inn Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 322 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 344 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 175 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 97 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 64 out of 1002 reviews

7.8/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Rey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location, friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Woodrow

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Clean, well equipped, good location. Close to eating and shopping facilities.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Excellent value; clean, comfortable, friendly and helpful staff
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean and convenient location!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was clean, well maintained, staff were helpful and professional, close to highway, lots of places to eat nearby.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Kai

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay, very friendly staff!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Steven

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
It was a little older in style and amenities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ashley

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We were the only guests, it was great!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Michelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Good for the money

Clean, quiet and close to the main tourist shopping area and ferry to Mackinac Island. There was a free shuttle to the ferry as well.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Candy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Safe, quiet and friendly staff. We are a return guest.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Laura

Like the area, the room was nice.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ben

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Inexpensive compared to other hotels/motels in Mackinaw. Nothing special but clean and reasonably maintained.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Chris

Liked: Staff & service
Good, affordable place to stay in Mackinac City.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the pool area.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Diane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Was convenient location, bikeable. Staff were great, responded quickly to any issues.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great value and comfort. Shuttle service to ferry a bonus.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Carmen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very friendly staff. Service was good. Room was clean.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
This was clean and safe. We were pleasantly surprised with the comfort of the mattresses. We would stay there again.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness
Fair rates and clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Robert

Liked: Room comfort

Good motel for the price.

Staff was very helpful and friendly. Good location, not too close to the tourist areas, but also a quick walk/bike/drive to them. New flooring, but the rest could use a refresh. Electrical outlets need updated. We stayed 6 nights.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Donald

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
kind staff
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Krissi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Praveen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel is clean and is just next to Mackinac Iceland.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Harold

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Best Value for the Money and also the cheapest we found on our trip.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024