Straits of Mackinac

Travel 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 kilometers) 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

While visiting Harrisonville, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Huron and Mackinac Island State Park.

Harrisonville
Mackinac Island featuring night scenes, island images and a bridge

Downtown Mackinac Island

While visiting Downtown Mackinac Island, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Huron and Haunted Theatre.

Downtown Mackinac Island
Seeing the sights and learning while in Mackinac Island

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 P9,192 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
P9,192
P10,203 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Mackinaw City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,061 reviews)
Decent place to stay
"The ladies at check in was very sweet and helpful. They couldn’t find my reservation but found it soon and got me checked in. The room was a decent size but probably could use a little bit of updating. The beds and pillows definitely need updating. I have no problem with the employees. They were ..."

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Hamilton Inn Select Beachfront Mackinaw City
Mission Point Resort
Mission Point Resort
3.5 out of 5
One Lakeshore Drive, Mackinac Island, MI
Book a stay at this spa resort in Mackinac Island. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,009 reviews)
"Our stay at Mission Point was amazing. Our dog was welcome. The hotel room was spacious and clean. The Round House restaurant has great food."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Mission Point Resort
Cedar Hill Lodge
Cedar Hill Lodge
2.5 out of 5
680 West US2, St Ignace, MI
The price is P6,075 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
P6,075
P6,993 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in St Ignace. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (352 reviews)
"Lakeview, easy access, not crowded in with other motels."

Reviewed on Jul 3, 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 WiFi, in-room washers/dryers, and housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (543 reviews)
"My boyfriend and I really enjoyed ourselves, we had everything we needed for our staycation."

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Kasa Cadillac Square Detroit
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 center, concierge services, and in-room washers/dryers. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,322 reviews)
"Definitely got what I paid for out of the room; one of the nicest I've ever stayed in and very good value. A little noisy at night but it subsided at a somewhat reasonable time."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Gabriel Richard Apartments Downtown
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 WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour fitness center. 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 Jun 22, 2025

Exhibit A2
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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