Mackinaw City Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Village

Facts and practical information

Mackinaw City, located in the beautiful state of Michigan, is a charming village that offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and outdoor adventure. Situated on the northern tip of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, this picturesque destination is a gateway to the stunning Mackinac Island and the iconic Mackinac Bridge.

One of the main attractions of Mackinaw City is its proximity to Mackinac Island, a place that seems frozen in time. Accessible only by ferry, this car-free island takes visitors back to a bygone era with its horse-drawn carriages and Victorian architecture. Explore the island's scenic trails, indulge in delicious fudge from the local shops, and take a leisurely bike ride around the perimeter to enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Huron.

Back in Mackinaw City, history enthusiasts will delight in the village's rich heritage. Visit Colonial Michilimackinac, a reconstructed 18th-century fort that offers immersive experiences and reenactments of daily life during the fur trading era. Learn about the vibrant Native American culture at the nearby Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park, where you can witness demonstrations of traditional crafts and explore nature trails.

For those seeking outdoor adventure, Mackinaw City is a paradise. Take a cruise on the Great Lakes and experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Straits of Mackinac. Hike through the majestic forests of Wilderness State Park, where you can spot wildlife and enjoy panoramic views of Lake Michigan. Fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines in the abundant waters, while thrill-seekers can try their hand at kayaking or paddleboarding.

No visit to Mackinaw City would be complete without marveling at the iconic Mackinac Bridge, often referred to as the "Mighty Mac." This engineering marvel connects the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan, offering breathtaking views of the straits below. Walk along the bridge during the Annual Mackinac Bridge Walk, a beloved tradition that attracts thousands of participants each year.

Alternative names: Settled: 1715Population: ~800 pplArea: 7.6 mi²Elevation: 587 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 45°46'51"N, 84°43'40"W

Location

MichiganUnited States

Contact

Website

Social media

Add

Mackinaw City Top Attractions

Mackinaw City Attractions - What to See and Explore

Mackinaw City offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, Fort Michilimackinac, Mackinac Bridge, Fort Michilimackinac State Park. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Lighthouse • History museum
Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
Mackinaw Point marks the junction of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Founded in 1889, the Old Mackinac Point Light Station was in operation from 1890 until 1957.
Museum • Park • Military museum
Fort Michilimackinac
Fort Michilimackinac was an 18th-century French, and later British, fort and trading post at the Straits of Mackinac; it was built on the northern tip of the lower peninsula of the present-day state of Michigan in the United States.
Massive suspension bridge for vehicles
Mackinac Bridge
The Mackinac Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Straits of Mackinac, connecting the Upper and Lower peninsulas of the U.S. state of Michigan.

Museum • Regional park • Forts and castles
Fort Michilimackinac State Park
Fort Michilimackinac State Park is a state park in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is located in Mackinaw City along the Straits of Mackinac.
Boat or ferry • Museum • Ship
USCGC Mackinaw
USCGC Mackinaw is a 290-foot former Coast Guard icebreaker on exhibit as a museum ship at the Ice Breaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum in Mackinaw City, Michigan.
Historical place • Lighthouse
McGulpin Point Lighthouse
McGulpin Point Light was constructed as a navigational aid through the Straits of Mackinac. The light began operation in 1869, making it one of the oldest surviving lighthouses in the Straits. Only in operation until 1906, the light is located on McGulpin Point, approximately 3 miles west of Fort Michilimackinac.
45°46'51"N • 84°43'24"W
Mackinaw City Marina
Sailing • Park • Marina
45°46'48"N • 84°43'13"W
Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum
Museum • Specialty museum • Tours
45°47'13"N • 84°43'37"W
Forrest J. Stimpson House
The Forrest J. Stimpson House, also known as the Mackinaw City Marine Recording Station, is a private house that was located at 516 N. Huron Boulevard in Mackinaw City, Michigan; it has been moved from its listed location on Trails End Road.

Day trips

Mackinaw City – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Mackinaw City, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Boyne Mountain Resort (Boyne Falls), Fort Mackinac (Mackinac Island), Father Marquette National Memorial (St. Ignace).

44 milesS
Winter sport, Park, Ski area
Boyne Mountain Resort, Boyne Falls
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Boyne Falls, Michigan, Boyne Mountain Resort is a year-round destination for adventure and relaxation alike. Known for its ski slopes and charming Alpine aesthetic, this resort offers a multitude of activities that cater...
7.3 miNE
Museum, Military base, Military museum
Fort Mackinac, Mackinac Island
Perched high on a bluff overlooking the sparkling waters of Lake Huron, Fort Mackinac invites visitors to step back in time on the historic Mackinac Island in the United States. This well-preserved military outpost, now operating as a museum, offers a unique glimpse...
4.9 miN
Memorial
Father Marquette National Memorial, St. Ignace
Father Marquette National Memorial pays tribute to the life and work of Jacques Marquette, French priest and explorer. The memorial is located in Straits State Park near St.
7.5 miNE
Nature, Natural attraction, Cave
Skull Cave, Mackinac Island
Skull Cave is a small and shallow cave on the central heights of Mackinac Island in Michigan, United States. The cave was carved during the Algonquin post-glacial period by the waters of Lake Algonquin, a swollen meltwater ancestor of today's Lake Huron.
7.3 miNE
Museum, Specialty museum, Art museum
Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum, Mackinac Island
The Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum is an art museum located in the historic Indian Dormitory building on Mackinac Island, Michigan.

Show all

Best Time To Visit Mackinaw City

Learn when is the best time to travel to Mackinaw City weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Mackinaw City?

The top attractions to visit in Mackinaw City are:

What is the best time to visit Mackinaw City?

June, July, August and September are the busiest months in this location. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.