Situated at the top of Michigan’s lower peninsula, just south of the magnificent Mackinac Bridge, is Mackinaw City — a charming coastal village with dazzling turquoise-blue waters, lush greenery, and well-preserved historic structures. The area is home to a few of Michigan’s historic lighthouses, including McGulpin Point Lighthouse and the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse. Both lighthouses are open for visitors and include observation decks. Ferry and boat rides along the indigo waters of the Straits of Mackinac provide scenic views of the beautiful surrounding landscape and trips between two nearby towns, St. Ignace and Mackinac Island.

Downton Mackinaw City offers a unique shopping experience, where you can wander small local businesses, try the city’s famous fudge, find souvenirs, or grab a bite to eat at one of the town eateries. At the Mackinaw Bridge Museum, you’ll be able to learn about the city’s enduring ties to the sea and admire its symbolic landmarks. The area also offers boundless nautical adventures, including sailing, kayaking, parasailing, and ziplining over waterfalls.

Mackinaw City experiences warm summers with cool breezes, providing optimal beach-going conditions, trips to the park, and other outdoor recreational activities. The fall and spring seasons bring pleasant conditions for exploring the city when the temperatures are relatively mild and the nights are cool. During the fall months, the leaves of maple, birch, sumac, and oak trees adorn Mackinaw City and the surrounding towns in vibrant shades of orange, red, and yellow. A scenic drive through the city is one of the best ways to take in this colorful display. If you happen to be in town during Labor Day weekend, you can partake in the city’s longstanding tradition of allowing pedestrians to walk around the Mackinac Bridge for one day during the year.

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse

For decades, the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, one of Michigan’s historic lighthouses, has assisted passing ships as they navigate the choppy waters of the Straits of Mackinac. You can climb the picturesque lighthouse tower, where you’ll be able to soak up magnificent views of the Straits of Mackinac, the Great Lakes, and the picturesque Mackinaw Bridge. You can also visit the restored keeper’s quarters.

Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park

Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park is nestled on the shoreline of the Straits of Mackinac and encompasses over 600 acres. The vast park offers miles of walking trails, lush and dense forests, vibrant wildflowers, and scenic views. You can also enjoy a canopy bridge, zipline, and climbing wall. The five-story treetop observation tower provides an exciting way to take in the lush and scenic natural landscape.

Mackinaw Bridge Museum

The Mackinaw Bridge Museum provides opportunities to learn about the famously picturesque Mackinac Bridge. Over five miles long, the bridge is the longest suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere and stretches across the Straits of Mackinac. The Mackinaw Bridge Museum features an informative and curated collection of documents, photographs, diving suits, and tools to construct the bridge, providing insight on this extensive engineering feat and highlighting a piece of Mackinaw City’s history.