Straits of Mackinac Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Pure Michigan
Photo provided by Pure Michigan
Photo provided by Pure Michigan
Photo provided by Pure Michigan
Photo provided by Pure Michigan

This waterway connecting Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas blends a fascinating history with a host of amusements for visitors of every age.

Michigan is the only U.S. state that is split into two: the Upper Peninsula and the Lower Peninsula. The Straits of Mackinac is the narrow channel that creates this division. It also acts as a connector between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, two of the five Great Lakes. Visit the Straits of Mackinac to see several lighthouses and the charming Mackinac Island, a fascinating place to explore.

Although there are five lighthouses in the straits, only two are open to the public. McGulpin Point Light is a modest lighthouse, located next to the famous Big Rock on the shoreline of the Lower Peninsula. Inspect this large rock that has been relied on for centuries to measure changing water levels in Lake Michigan.

Just before crossing the Mackinac Bridge leaving the Lower Peninsula, stop by Old Mackinac Point Light. This picturesque structure looks more like a castle than a beacon for ships. Take a tour or pack a picnic lunch to enjoy the surrounding Colonial Michilimackinac State Park.

The water is also designated as the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve. This notoriously dangerous waterway is home to 13 known shipwrecks and is a popular destination for recreational divers.

Fly or ferry to Mackinac Island. You’ll be transported to a time before the age of motor vehicles. Take a horse-drawn taxi or rent a bike to get around. Get a taste of history at Fort Mackinac, an American military outpost that saw action in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. Don’t miss Arch Rock, an iconic geological marvel. Rent a kayak or go fishing to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

The Straits of Mackinac are only 5 miles (8 kilometres) wide, but the area offers much to do and see. To truly explore, charter a boat for the day. A drive across the Mackinac Bridge that spans the waterway gives you a starting appreciation for the unique beauty of the area.

Where to stay in Straits of Mackinac

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Harrisonville

If you're spending some time in Harrisonville, Lake Huron and Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory are top sights worth seeing.

Harrisonville
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Downtown Mackinac Island

If you're spending some time in Downtown Mackinac Island, Lake Huron and Haunted Theatre are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Mackinac Island
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East Bluff

While visiting East Bluff, you might make a stop by sights like Arch Rock and Fort Mackinac.

East Bluff
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Hubbard's Annex

While visiting Hubbard's Annex, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Huron and Mackinac Island State Park.

Hubbard's Annex
Hamilton Inn Select Beachfront Mackinaw City
Hamilton Inn Select Beachfront Mackinaw City
3 out of 5
701 S Huron Avenue, Mackinaw City, MI
The price is ₹13,933 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹13,933
₹15,465 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Mackinaw City. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,053 reviews)
"Great location! Easy walk to the city center. Very friendly staff. Clean but a bit dated. Nice beach but shady in the afternoon hours."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Hamilton Inn Select Beachfront Mackinaw City
Mission Point Resort
Mission Point Resort
3.5 out of 5
One Lakeshore Drive, Mackinac Island, MI
Stay at this spa resort in Mackinac Island. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Nice area. Great location. However the person stay above my room made too much noise past midnight."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Mission Point Resort
Cedar Hill Lodge
Cedar Hill Lodge
2.5 out of 5
680 West US2, St Ignace, MI
The price is ₹10,007 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
₹10,007
₹11,495 total
7 Jul - 8 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in St Ignace. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (340 reviews)
"Clean, nice location, good breakfast, nice pool area"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Cedar Hill Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Kasa Cadillac Square Detroit
Kasa Cadillac Square Detroit
4 out of 5
139 Cadillac Square, Detroit, MI
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Detroit. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, in-room washers/dryers and housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (542 reviews)
"My boyfriend and I really enjoyed ourselves, we had everything we needed for our staycation."

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

Kasa Cadillac Square Detroit
Exhibit A2
Exhibit A2
4 out of 5
212 S 4th Ave, Ann Arbor, MI
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Ann Arbor. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and a 24-hour fitness centre. Popular attractions Michigan Stadium and Briarwood ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (294 reviews)
"Have stayed here a few times. Always clean, responsive staff, great location, spacious."

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2025

Exhibit A2
Affordable Suites of America Grand Rapids
Affordable Suites of America Grand Rapids
3 out of 5
2701 E Beltline Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Grand Rapids. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fireplace in reception. Popular attractions Frederik Meijer Gardens and ...
5.2/10 (67 reviews)
"Solid no-frills accommodation"

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

Affordable Suites of America Grand Rapids
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Straits of Mackinac