City guides United States of America Michigan
Things to do in Mackinaw City
A holiday in Mackinaw City means days full of fun and activity in one of Michigan's favourite holiday destination. The pretty town is a mix of old and new, as historic attractions such as a lighthouse and Fort Mackinac are complemented by many modern institutions, which include a thrilling waterpark, more than 100 shops, laser light shows and quality golf courses.
For nature lovers, the destination acts as a gateway to the scenic Upper Peninsula and its hikings trails, state parks and recreation areas, and sandy beaches. Many also travel to Mackinaw City for ferry access to the delightful Victorian outpost of Mackinac Island.
Visitors to Mackinaw City can make use of the Mackinaw Trolley Company, which offers two-and-a-half-hour tours of the city, pointing out attractions and narrating its history. There are many charter buses all over the city as well as Shepler's ferry, which carries passengers to and from Mackinac Island in a little over a quarter of an hour. Rental cars are available for hire and drivers require a valid driver's licence. Travellers should note that Mackinac Island has banned motor vehicles.
Colonial Michilimackinac
Michilimackinac, about a mile (2km) from the centre of Mackinaw City, was the first stop for new arrivals back in the outpost days, around the 1700s. Today it remains the first des…
Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park
Mill Creek, located on US-23, a few miles southeast of Mackinaw City, was constructed by Scotsman Robert Campbell in 1780, making it one of the first industrial sites in the Great …
Mackinac Island
Visitors who step ashore on Mackinac Island from one of the three ferry services from Mackinaw City can be forgiven for believing they have stepped back in time into a Victorian vi…
Fort Mackinac
From its position on Mackinac Island, Fort Mackinac has stoically stood sentinel over the Straits of Mackinac for more than 115 years, having been built by British soldiers during …
Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum
About an hour's drive north of the Mackinaw Bridge, situated in one of the most scenic spots on Michigan's Upper Peninsula, lies the intriguing Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, alongs…