With a tiny population of less than 1,000 people outside of the tourist season, little Mackinaw City in Michigan is nevertheless a tourist heavyweight due to its location close to the Straits of Mackinaw, a strip of water that joins two of the Great Lakes, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. The city lies at the southern end of the Mackinaw Bridge, which joins the two peninsulas, dubbed ‘the world’s longest suspension bridge between anchorages in the Western Hemisphere.’
With its many hotels, restaurants and bars which cling to the southern end of the Mackinaw Bridge, this tiny city certainly knows how to attract visitors. Mackinaw City makes an excellent base for travel within the region of both Great Lakes. Also close by is Mackinaw Island in the middle of the strait, a town that has been preserved in the late 19 century, with horse-drawn carriages and old saloons.
Within Mackinaw City itself there are also numerous places of interest, from the old Mackinaw Lighthouse to the Old Mill Creek. The city is also well-known for its excellent fudge with free samples available to budding fudge enthusiasts.
Highlights
Mackinaw Bridge: although not as big as other bridges in the world, the Mackinaw Bridge is a hugely popular tourist spot and looks incredible when lit up at night.
Mackinaw Island: just a short ferry ride from the city itself, Mackinaw Island is something of a time warp in which everything dates back to the 19 century.
Fudge Shop: lots of varieties of fudge and free samples make this is a popular stop off in Mackinaw City.
Wilderness State Park: just outside Mackinaw this park pokes into Lake Michigan with beaches for swimming, camping and plenty of hiking trails to follow.