On the northern tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Mackinaw City is the last thing travelers see as they climb onto the Mackinac Bridge, one of the world’s longest suspension bridges, and over the Straits of Mackinac. Naturally, with Lake Michigan to the west and Lake Huron to the east, most of the things to do in Mackinaw City revolve around its water. This “city”—there are fewer than 1,000 residents—is the land of lighthouses, forests, panoramic views, and crashing waves, and Michiganders wouldn’t have it any other way.
Mackinaw City’s high season is summer when school’s out and families flock to spots like nearby Mackinac Island—it's also when there isn’t snow to contend with. To avoid the crowds but still experience temperate weather, split the difference with a spring or fall visit. Mackinaw City is lovely April–June and September–October. Rest assured, the bridge is open year-round.
Mackinaw City has fewer than 1,000 residents—which is to say, there’s not a lot of infrastructure to help you get around. But on the plus side, there’s not much getting around to do. You’ll want a car to get here and explore beyond city limits, but the town itself is highly walkable. If you nab a centrally located hotel, you could walk to spots like the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse or Maritime Park.
Mackinaw City might be tiny, but allow more time for this stop in your itinerary than you might think. Use it as a home base to experience Mackinac Island, visit the area's lighthouses and beaches, hike the North Country Trail, and stargaze at Headlands International Dark Sky Park. Between all those attractions, you’ll also want time to nosh on savory pasties, a local delicacy that nods to the area’s Scottish heritage.
