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 Mackinac Island State Park 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 Biddle House 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
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! (2,088 reviews)
Ferry tickets
"We bought our ferry tickets from the front desk. They stated to arrive 45 minutes to an hour before it takes off. We wanted to the 10:20 ferry to go over the bridge. We checked in at the dock and they put us in line. It was 15 mins and we were on the ferry already and found we were on the wrong scheduled ..."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 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! (1,008 reviews)
"This property was beautiful and was so peaceful. I would make sure to check out packages because otherwise you end up paying for each individual activity and it gets expensive quickly. We did enjoy our stay and the all the possibilities of activities."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Mission Point Resort
Cedar Hill Lodge

Cedar Hill Lodge

2.5 out of 5
680 West US2, St Ignace, MI
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (418 reviews)
"Our room was very nice. We did have problems with the toilet not flushing. But everything was clean, the bed was comfy. St. Ignace is a fun area to explore with plenty of dining options."

Reviewed on 19 Jul 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.
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Gabriel Richard Apartments Downtown

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Gabriel Richard Apartments Downtown

3.5 out of 5
305 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, MI
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Detroit. Enjoy a fitness centre, concierge services and in-room washers/dryers. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,348 reviews)
"The area is a little rough looking the lobby is a little outdated and needs some maintenance. The hallways need a little maintenance. The room was great everything we needed was there."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Gabriel Richard Apartments Downtown
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! (549 reviews)
"Amazing stay and amazing place! 5/5 stars."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Kasa Cadillac Square Detroit
Affordable Suites of America Detroit-Warren

Affordable Suites of America Detroit-Warren

3 out of 5
30180 North Civic Center Dr, Warren, MI
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Warren. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour business centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,330 reviews)
"Guest service check in lady was very nice and made the process easy. Overall made the stay. The stove didn’t work properly didn’t find out until way after check in. Pool wasn’t open but the area is nicely set up"

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Affordable Suites of America Detroit-Warren
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.

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