Mackinaw City Attractions
Mackinaw City Attractions make Mackinaw City one of the most favorite vacation spots for families in the midwest as well as across the nation. The beautiful setting on the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron with magical Mackinac Island a short ferry ride away makes this a relaxed and fun spot to visit.
One of the most impressive Mackinaw City attraction is the Mackinac Bridge! Whatever you do take photos of it while driving across it or walking on the shoreline for it’s truly unique in all weather, during the day or at night.
It is the third longest suspension bridge in the world and had its 50th birthday in 2007. Don’t miss it…of course, that would be difficult to do!
Click here to learn more about Big Mac!
History Around Every Corner in Mackinaw City
Colonial Michilimackinac is a must see especially if you are a history buff and even if you are not.
This reconstructed 1770’s fort and village is near the western edge of the Mackinac Bridge on the shores of Lake Michigan. Included are the ramparts and gates of the fort and 13 authentically reconstructed buildings housing more than a million artifacts from colonial America.
Among the many interpretatvie programs are:
- guided tours (with guides in period dress) of the fort and village
- an active archaeological “dig”
- demonstrations of Native American culture and crafts
- a children’s rendezvous playground with a miniature fort and climbing structures
- an impressive gift shop
- all sorts of daily activities from cannon firing, re-enactment of a colonial wedding to bread making
- picnic tables on the Lake Huron shoreline which is east of the fort make a terrific place for a family picnic.
This action packed Mackinaw City Attraction will take about one half day to tour and enjoy. So, be sure you have water and snacks in your backpack to rest and relax while enjoying some great colonial history passing you by!
Old Mackinac Point Light House
The Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse is an impressive buff-colored brick tower topped with battlements built in 1892. If you are into photography it’s a great subject with the Mackinac Bridge in the distance and the Lake Huron shoreline.
Visitors to the Lighthouse are treated to a spectacular view of the majestic Mackinac Bridge, the sparkling waters of the Straits of Mackinac, and the pristine beaches. Insider there are interactive exhibits detailing the history of the building, night-time navigation and Great Lakes’ shipwrecks.
Don’t Miss Historic Mill Creek
Discovery Park
This park is located on the site of a 18th century lumber mill originally built by the British to mill logs for Fort Michilimackinac and Fort Mackinac. Included in the park is a beautiful mill stream, reconstructions of the water powered saw mill and the millwright home, a nature park with 3.5 miles of trails, many of which are handicap accessible, and a treetop tower with spectacular views of the surrounding forest and Straits area.
This Mackinaw City attraction is located just five miles south of Mackinaw City on US-23.
Be sure to wear tennis shoes for this is a fun-filled park with hiking trails and other sport-type activities. It’s for children of all ages (young and old alike) with a Forest Canopy Bridge, Eagle’s Flight Zip Line and a Nature Trail Climbing Wall. There is a height restriction for the younger children. Be sure not to miss seeing this wonderful site. Don’t forget your camera!
Click here to learn more about these exciting Mackinaw City Attractions!
While staying in Mackinaw City be sure to visit Mackinac Island. You will need to spend a FULL day there – go early and stay late so you can enjoy the island before all the other tourists arrive and after they leave!
For ferry information click here.
For more information about Mackinaw City, Michigan with hotel suggestions click here.
Insider Tip: If you love pie you won’t want to miss eating at Darrows Restaurant in Mackinaw City. Order your dessert first or you might find your favorite pie is sold out! To Kathy this restaurant is one of the best Mackinaw City Attractions – all the food is yummy but the pie is totally worth the calories!
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