The Mackinac Bridge: Your Gateway to Incredible Moments
N415 I-75, St. Ignace | 906-643-7600 | Website
There are three golden moments, whether this is your first or thousandth crossing, which happens without fail when you take the Mackinac Bridge from Michigan’s Lower to the Upper Peninsula.
The first occurs minutes before you enter Mackinaw City on I-75 North. When you can see the top of the “Mighty Mac’s” first steel tower rising above the crest of the hill, you shout, “There it is!” — even when driving alone. The excitement heightens as the entire bridge and the Straits of Mackinac come into view!
The second golden moment happens as you cross the middle of one of the world’s longest suspension bridges. It takes every ounce of willpower not to stop between the two giant towers to gaze longer at the jaw-dropping view. Lake Huron and Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel to the east; Lake Michigan to the west; and historic St. Ignace drawing closer to the north. Crossing at night is even more stunning, with the bridge lights shimmering overhead and their reflections on the inky black water below.
The third golden moment is seconds after you pay the toll in St. Ignace. You feel immediately different. Everyone says so. The explorer within you awakens. You are free — free to be you, free to seek, try new things, unleash your adrenaline, be in awe and … at peace. You are in the U.P.
8th Great Wonder | Know Before You Cross | Annual Events | Plan Your Trip
The 8th Great Wonder of the World
The Mackinac Bridge is an extraordinary engineering marvel that opened to traffic on November 1, 1957. Before that day, watercraft and airplanes were the only way to cross the Straits of Mackinac between the Lower and Upper Peninsula. Many consider it the 8th wonder of the world.
QUICK FACTS
Quoted from Miracle Bridge at Mackinac by David Steinman
- The bridge is five miles (8,038 meters) long. Currently, it is the seventh-longest suspension bridge in the world by total suspended length and the longest in the Western Hemisphere.
- Height of the main towers over the water: 552 feet (168.25 meters)
- Height of the roadway above water at the span’s mid-point: 199 feet (61 meters)
- Total length of wire in main cables: 42,000 miles (67,592 kilometers)
- 100 millionth crossing: June 25, 1998
BRIDGE VIEW PARK MAKES PICTURE-TAKING EASY
Stop at Bridge View Park in St. Ignace for the best land view and to learn about the bridge's history. It is free from mid-April through November, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. (summer), and during daylight hours in the other months. The park has a telescope for closer views, a picnic area, a beach, restrooms and a Pavillion of History of the Mackinac Bridge.
SEE THE BRIDGE AND GET A NATIONAL PARKS PASSPORT STAMP
The Straits State Park off U.S. 2 in St. Ignace is another place to see panoramic views of the bridge. A bonus to this stop is visiting Father Marquette National Memorial and picking up a stamp for your National Parks Passport. Plan to spend at least an hour learning about this 17th-century French explorer and the Native Americans who lived here by following a 15-station outdoor interpretive trail. It’s a superb place to picnic and you can take longer hikes along a stretch of the North Country Trail.
Know Before You Cross the Mighty Mac
HOURS & TOLLS
The Mackinac Bridge is open for vehicle traffic 24 hours, all year round, weather permitting. The one exception is on Labor Day when it closes temporarily for foot traffic (more details below). Tolls are based on the number of axles on your vehicle and are paid at the tollbooths in St. Ignace. If you make frequent crossings, a MacPass is available to speed up getting through the tollbooth.
DRIVING TIPS & SERVICES
The Mackinac Bridge Authority also updates traffic conditions, provides driving tips and driver’s assistance services. Visit this page before you go.
WATCH THE BRIDGE CAM
Five cameras take pictures of bridge conditions and traffic every 60 seconds. See what’s happening. Then make plans to see the bridge in person!
Special Bridge Crossing Events
Each year, there are special crossings of the Mackinac Bridge. Check the events page for dates and times.
ANNUAL LABOR DAY BRIDGE WALK
Ever since 1958, people have made the trek across the bridge on Labor Day. Typically, 40,000 to 60,000 people participate, starting in St. Ignace and crossing to Mackinaw City. The bridge closes to traffic from 6:30 a.m. to noon. While many make the walk every year, it’s worth putting it on your bucket list to do at least once!
MACKINAC BRIDGE ANTIQUE TRACTOR CROSSING
This event, held in early September, starts in Mackinaw City and ends with a parade in St. Ignace.
ANNUAL RICHARD CRANE MEMORIAL TRUCK SHOW & CONVOY
In mid-September, dozens of show trucks gather in Grayling to convoy across the Mackinac Bridge to St. Ignace. There you can see these giant beauties up close. A highlight is the Parade of Lights across the bridge on Saturday.
ANNUAL TREK THE MIGHTY MAC ORV CROSSING
Late September, you won’t want to miss seeing the UTVs, ATVs, Side x Sides, 3-Wheelers and Off-Road motorcycles parading from Mackinaw City to St. Ignace. Fun activities and off-roading in the Eastern U.P. follow!
SNOWMOBILE THE “MIGHTY MAC”
Not only is the U.P. one of the best places for snow in the U.S., but it’s tough to beat for snowmobiling, too, with over 3,000 miles of groomed trails! The sledding season kicks off in mid-December with this annual ride from Mackinaw City to St. Ignace. What a thrill!
Plan Your Trip
There is so much to explore and do once you are across the Mackinac Bridge. Use this site and our Trip Planner to book your stay and make the best memories — returning often to experience feeling free in the U.P.!
Five Day Trips from the Mackinac Bridge
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