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 Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory.

Harrisonville
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

When in Hubbard's Annex, you can plan a visit to The Jewel at the Grand Hotel and Fort Mackinac, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

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 P5,080 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
P5,080
P5,802 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 16 - Feb 17
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! (1,870 reviews)
"Cute room people is nice bathroom is big just shower head leaking. Breakfast is ok"

Reviewed on Feb 2, 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! (1,001 reviews)
"Great location. Beautiful views"

Reviewed on Oct 25, 2024

Mission Point Resort
Holiday Inn Express Mackinaw City, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Mackinaw City, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
364 N Louvingney St, Nwq I-75 & Sinclair Road, Mackinaw City, MI
The price is P5,457 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
P5,457
P5,893 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 16 - Feb 17
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Mackinaw City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
Nice but a little noisy
"Nice hotel for the area. The first room we were in was right next to the highway, the trucks made it very noisy. after asking for a different room, it was much better. The hotel is kept up ok but is showing its age. The walls are thin and we heard people walking upstairs a lot. The shining star of ..."

Reviewed on Feb 2, 2025

Holiday Inn Express Mackinaw City, an IHG Hotel
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.
Hills Point Resort
Hills Point Resort
2 out of 5
484 South Hill Island Road, Cedarville, MI
Stay at this cabin in Cedarville. Enjoy free parking, a private beach, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Les Cheneaux Islands and Sandy Cove are ...
7.8/10 Good! (15 reviews)
"From what we were told, only the locals knew about this cute little place. It had everything that we needed, we will be back again!"

Reviewed on Sep 10, 2024

Hills Point Resort
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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