by Michaela Triemstra
Best Mackinac Island Fudge
Mackinac Island fudge is a sweet treat with a rich history.
Originating from the picturesque Mackinac Island in Michigan, this creamy confection has been delighting taste buds for decades. Discover the fascinating story behind this iconic dessert as we explore its historical roots and how it has become a beloved tradition for locals and visitors alike.
Mackinac Island has 13 fudge shops to choose from, and collectively, the fudge shops produce 10,000 pounds of fudge per day during the peak travel season! There will be no shortage of fudge on this island.
The best news? Whether you want halfpound slices or a full pound of fudge you can order the online and have them delivered directly to your home! Also, if you decide you want more fudge while on the rern ferry to St. Ignace or Mackinaw City, you can can purchase some original Mackinac Island fudge there, too!
Here we have compiled a guide of Mackinac Island fudge for your next visit to the island. Enjoy the delicious tastes of the world-famous fudge on your visit!
History of Mackinac Island Fudge
Indulging in Mackinac Island fudge has become a cherished tradition for visitors who want to savor a taste of the island’s history and experience a treat like no other. From classic chocolate and vanilla to innovative combinations like sea salt caramel and peanut butter, Mackinac Island fudge continues to captivate taste buds and create lifelong memories.
Over the years, the popularity of Mackinac Island fudge soared, drawing crowds of tourists who couldn’t resist the mouthwatering aroma and creamy indulgence. Today, Mackinac Island boasts numerous fudge shops, each offering its unique blend of flavors and varieties, ensuring that every visitor finds their perfect sweet delight.
Original Murdick’s Fudge
7363 Main St., Mackinac Island, MI 49757
In 1887, Murdick’s Fudge was the first fudge shop to open on Mackinac Island. The opening of this shop was the beginning of what is now the fudge capital of the world. Even after 136 years, Murdick’s Fudge still uses the same all natural recipes. The fudge recipes are also made with all Michigan products. Come out and visit this historic shop, and try one (or all) of their 24 flavors of fudge.
If you find yourself craving some of Murdick’s fudge and can’t make the trip up to the island, you can order your favorite flavor online and have it shipped to your house.
This location is the original shop, but the family also opened two more shops on the island. The downtown fudge shop is at 7244 Main St, Mackinac Island, MI 49757, and the Historic Surrey Hill Fudge Shop is located on Hoban Avenue.
Ryba’s Fudge Shops
7314 Main St, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
7463 Main St, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
7340 Main St, Mackinac Island, MI 49575
Ryba’s Fudge Shop is such a popular location to grab some mouth-watering fudge that there are three locations on the island. Their fudge is hand-poured on a marble slab, so you know the fudge is amazing. They offer 10 flavors of fudge, ranging from the good old-fashioned chocolate fudge and peanut butter fudge to turtle, vanilla pecan and maple pecan fudge. Don’t forget to grab some caramel corn, peanut brittle, and saltwater taffy when you stop by one of Ryba’s Fudge Shops.
JoAnn’s Fudge
7408 Main St, Mackinac Island, MI 49575
7309 Main St, Mackinac Island, MI 49575
In 1969, Joan and Frank Nephew opened their first fudge shop, JoAnn’s Fudge. A year later, they opened a second shop on the island. This third generation family business continues to serve creamy and decadent fudge, all made with fresh ingredients.
You can watch the employees make the fudge right in front of you when you enter the shop. Grab some of the customer favorites, like chocolate peanut butter, chocolate pecan, chocolate cookie crunch, salted caramel and chocolate walnut fudge.
Once you leave Mackinac Island, and you find that your dreams are filled with JoAnn’s Fudge, order a box of fudge online and have it shipped to you.
May’s Candy Shop
7351 Main St, Mackinac Island, MI 49575
This family business started in 1881 in Atchison, Kansas, but then moved to Mackinac Island in the 1930s. The shop is still owned and operated by third generation candymaker, Marvin May.
Their family recipes are to die for, and customers love Grandpa’s Famous Peanut Brittle, the
English toffee, the and the caramel fudge.
Murray Hotel Fudge Company
7260 Main St, Mackinac Island, MI 49575
The Murray Hotel Fudge Company is known for its unique fudge flavors. They strive to create innovative and new flavors each season. Oftentimes you will see an employee standing outside the shop to hand out free samples of their unique fudge flavors. Try some s’mores fudge, blueberry cheesecake fudge, carrot cake, caramel apple pie, or whatever wild flavor they create next.
Sanders Candy
7330 Main St, Mackinac Island, MI 49575
In 1875, Fred Sanders opened his first candy shop in Detroit. In the years since, he has expanded to multiple locations on the east side of Michigan, and of course, Mackinac Island.
The shop is famous for its Bumpy Cake, Cream Puff sundaes, and their specialty chocolate. The shop is still dedicated to making the perfect Mackinac Island fudge by using the finest quality ingredients and sticking to the tried and true fudge formula. Be careful, because you may walk out of Sanders Candy shop with a heaping pile of their delicious sweets. Who can choose just one thing from all of those heavenly sweet treats, right?
Kilwins
7416 Main St, Mackinac Island, MI 49575
As soon as you step foot into Kilwins, you are greeted with the smell of freshly made fudge, caramel corn and homemade waffle cones. Enjoy some of their smooth and tasty ice cream on a warm summer day, try their melt-in-your-mouth fudge (the peanut butter fudge is amazing), and snack on their caramel apples.
Not only can you enjoy the treats from Kilwins on Mackinac Island, but there are also locations all over Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
Grand Hotel
286 Grand Avenue, Mackinac Island, MI 49575
When you’re visiting the famous Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, be sure to stop by the gift shop where they offer lots of treats and souvenirs, including the famous Mackinac Island fudge.
Mackinac Island Fudge Festival
It’s no surprise that Mackinac Island hosts the Mackinac Island Fudge Festival to showcase their world-famous fudge. On August 25, 2023 to August 27, 2023, you can enjoy all things fudge on Mackinac Island. And is there a better way to experience the goodness of Mackinac Island fudge than during their Fudge Festival?
Nothing says pure Michigan summer fun like Mackinac Island fudge, and it’s a treat you will always be coming back for. Each fudge shop on Mackinac Island offers a unique history and delicious sweets, and wherever you decide to pick up some fudge, you are sure to enjoy every last bite. If you’re trying Mackinac Island fudge for the first time, good luck, because you will never be able to stop thinking about it.
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About the Author-
Michaela Triemstra is a Content Writer for mymichiganbeach.com. She is currently a fourth-year college student studying English and Writing at Grand Valley State University. She loves to spend her days exploring different parts of Michigan, and having grown up in West Michigan, Michaela loves to go to Lake Michigan and enjoy a beach day with a good book!