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Before you go
Your trip to Mackinaw City.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Mackinaw City – Michigan Destination Mackinac Island
How to get there
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Pellston Regional Airport (PLN) 25 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
By car via I-75, about four and a half hours from Detroit. Pellston Regional Airport (PLN) is about 25 km away.
How many days
One day for the fort, the lighthouse, and the bridge view, before or after visiting Mackinac Island.
When to go
From May to October, when attractions and ferries operate; late September and October usually offer fall foliage and fewer crowds.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
Yes, to reach and get around the area; your car stays in the dock parking lot when you go to the island.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Mackinaw City
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Morning
Colonial Michilimackinac
Visit Colonial Michilimackinac, with excavations and living-history demonstrations, at the foot of the bridge.
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Afternoon
Lighthouse and bridge
Climb Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse and walk the waterfront to see the Mackinac Bridge up close.
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Evening
Headlands
On a clear night, go to Headlands Park west of town to observe the sky.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Where do the ferries to Mackinac Island leave from?
From the docks in downtown Mackinaw City and from St. Ignace on the other side of the bridge; the crossing takes about 20 minutes.
Is it worth staying overnight in Mackinaw City?
Yes, if you want more options and price range and plan to visit the island during the day.
Can you walk across the Mackinac Bridge?
Only on Labor Day, in early September, when the annual bridge walk is open to the public; the rest of the year it’s vehicle-only.
What time zone is Mackinaw City in?
UTC−5 in standard time (Eastern Time) and UTC−4 from March to November during daylight saving time.