Location: Mackinaw City
Top Things to do in Mackinaw City
- 1. Mackinac Bridge
- 2. Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry
- 3. Colonial Michilimackinac
- 4. McGulpin Point Lighthouse & Historic Site
- 5. Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park
- 6. Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry
- 7. Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
- 8. Headlands International Dark Sky Park
- 9. Shepler's Lighthouse Cruises
- 10. Mackinaw Bridge Museum
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Top 10 Things to do in Mackinaw City, United States
Mackinaw City, at the northern tip of the Michigan mitten, sits at one end of the Mackinac Bridge to Michigan's Upper Peninsula, as well as seriving as the docking place for ferries to Mackinac Island, a National Historic Landmark and State Park. Just a short boat ride from the mainland, Mackinac Island is a journey back in time, home to "Historic Downtown," a recreation of village life in 18th-century Michigan, and Fort Mackinac, first occuppied by the British during the Revolutionary War.
Restaurants in Mackinaw City
1. Mackinac Bridge
Overall Ratings
5 based on 950 reviews
Linking Michigan's two peninsulas, this mighty bridge has a total length of five miles.
Reviewed By Barry L - Timmins, Canada
The bridge did it's job. We crossed over the waterbody below & continued on our way. It's a big bridge, very high with a good view.
2. Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Shepler's offers 5 different Lighthouse Cruises through the Straits of Mackinac. Each cruise is narrated by the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association. A portion of the proceeds from each cruise go to help with upkeep and restoration of area lighthouses. See the full schedule and buy tickets online.
Reviewed By jes22 - Minneapolis, Minnesota
We were concerned that the ferry to Mackinac Island would be busy and chaotic on a Sunday morning. We exited the freeway and followed the directions to parking for day trips to Mackinac. The parking was free and we were immediately picked by their shuttle, including our bikes, and delivered directly to the ticket office and departure point. We purchased our tickets walked straight on to the ferry; they take your bikes for you and load them on the back area of the ferry. On arrival, our bikes was on the dock directly as we exited the ferry. The return trip that afternoon was just a easy. This was a great experience.
3. Colonial Michilimackinac
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 742 reviews
Treasures from the past come to life at this 18th-century fort and fur trading village. Reconstructed based on historic maps and more than 50 years of archaeological excavations that continue today, Colonial Michilimackinac offers a one-of-a-kind experience from cannon and musket firings to hearth cooking and crafts. Located on the shore of the Straits of Mackinac, visitors of all ages can enjoy the unique perspective from the palisade walls.
Reviewed By David D - Gaithersburg
The best Colonial era fort we have ever visited. After a short walk from the visitor center where you purchase your entrance fee you encounter a native American interpreter who greets you and tells you about Indian life at that time and what role the Indian played in the fur trade. You then proceed to the fort entrance where there are more Redcoat, women and native American interpreters. Very nicely constructed buildings to tour and one which is a museum. There are gun and cannon demonstrations throughout the day. The fort is right on the water with postcard views of the Mackinaw bridge and Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. A definite must see activity when in Mackinaw City.
4. McGulpin Point Lighthouse & Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 475 reviews
Emmet County owns the historic McGulpin Point Lighthouse, which protected shipping on the Straits of Mackinac against storms, fog and rocks between 1869 and 1906. It was purchased by the county in 2008, which reopened McGulpin to the public with a gala celebration on May 30, 2009. The site is approximately 10 acres and is a half mile north of the Headlands. It includes 336 feet of shoreline on the Straits with a commanding view of the Mackinac Bridge. Trail to the Straits includes new interpretive signage coming in Summer 2015! Beautifully maintained grounds and interior. There is always something new at McGulpin Point!
Reviewed By anonymous838 - Livonia, Michigan
Thought we had seen most of the lighthouses in the area but surprised to find this one. Can walk down to the water and see the Mackinaw Bridge from a different angle and still climb the tower to see the bridge from above. Nice grounds and gift shop as well
5. Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 302 reviews
Visitors can witness the power of the creek harnessed to cut timber into lumber at one of the oldest industrial sites on the Upper Great Lakes and soar like an eagle on the zip line during the Adventure Tour.
Reviewed By Sonworshipper - Niceville, Florida
Our large family group came here to do the zip line and climbing wall. We enjoyed both! We also were pleasantly surprised by the old log mill demonstration that was very informative both of the old way things were done then on to the demonstration of the mill itself and its workings. This was very interesting and being able to see its working from so many different angles both inside and out was an added plus! I can't remember the guides name but this white-bearded, gentleman did an excellent job of informing us while entertaining us as well. Upon leaving the park near closing time, we noticed a car in the parking lot with a specialty license that read "Kris Kringle" and we assumed it belonged to this sweet, bearded man who obviously loves continuing to contribute to society in this way. A very nice way to spend a few hours both doing something active as well as learning some very interesting facts of history.
6. Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By LovetoWalk51 - Ohio
I've been coming to Mackinaw for fifty years, but have never taken a ferry boat ride except to Mackinaw Island. This time I decided to take the Sunset Cruise offered by Star Line. It lasted an hour and a half. We cruised by the ice breaker Mackinaw, which is now moored and a museum. Continuing on we caught the sunset over Lake Michigan! The ship's captain brought us close and under the bridge several times, turning different directions so everyone on board got a look and an opportunity for photographs.. The best part of the cruse was the narration by Mike Fortes, a former radio personality and author of numerous books on the construction, history and little known facts on the bridge. He was extremely interesting and also offered an autographed copy of his books for sale. I enjoyed every moment and recommend this sunset cruise!
7. Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 515 reviews
A point in the storm and a guiding beacon since 1889, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse helped passing ships navigate through the treacherous waters of the Straits of Mackinac. There's just as much to see from the top of the tower as inside the original buildings. Authentically restored quarters and exhibits, including the original lens and the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Museum, this "Castle of the Straits" is a true gem of the Great Lakes.
Reviewed By Wanderingwindsorite - Windsor, Canada
Wow. What a beautiful setup. The home is very large by lighthouse standards. It does resemble a castle when viewed from the water side.
8. Headlands International Dark Sky Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 208 reviews
Reviewed By hagemannj - Laurel, Maryland
The event center isn't always open and was not open the evening we went but 2 amature astronomers were there with their telescopes.So we got to see Saturn with her rings. We started to notice the aurora borealis over the center so we went up top and got a great show of them and saw 2 shooting stars and the space station whizzing by.
Make sure to layer, if you have blankets or reclining chaise to just sit/lay and admire the sky would be great. So glad we stopped almost don't want to tell people about it but we don't like close so.. but so cool.
Know that it is dark so your eyes adjust quickly no flashlight is really needed but if you feel you must it should be red as to not ruin eyesight of the people already there. A funny story on this, one family realized their child had those light up shoes and quickly picked him/her up. Any light really does mess with things so please be considerate!!
We went back the next day in the daylight to see what was there. Very cool and environmentally friendly area!! Which includes no paper towels or even blowers in the restroom.
9. Shepler's Lighthouse Cruises
Overall Ratings
5 based on 98 reviews
Sail the Straits of Mackinac! Sixteen historic lighthouses lie within easy cruising distance of Mackinaw City. Travel in comfort and safety on Shepler's spacious vessels during these fascinating tours. For close to three centuries, the Straits of Mackinac has been a vital nautical thoroughfare, providing passage between Lakes Huron and Michigan. But traveling its famed blue waters has not come without risk. Over the many decades, lighthouses were built to protect mariners from dangerous shoals and reefs. Each has a story to tell. Shepler's exclusive Lighthouse Cruises are voyages of discovery. Guests are treated to awe-inspiring views and the fascinating history surrounding these Great Lakes guardians.
Reviewed By holjack - Houston, Texas
Great tour with good staff who had lots of information and were very friendly, had a great time and would highly recommend.Hello and thank you so much for taking advantage of one of our lighthouse cruises! We appreciate the feedback and we're thrilled to see the glowing five stars. Here's hoping we'll see you again soon!!
10. Mackinaw Bridge Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 157 reviews
Reviewed By bud065 - Estero, Florida
Hard to find, upstairs from a bar. Interesting bridge construction history. Iron workers have created this and it pays tribute to those who died while building the bridge.
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