At almost five miles long, the Mackinac Bridge could be a tourist destination in and of itself. It’s pretty cool to drive over and to sail under it because of its majestic size. On its southern side you have Mackinaw City. To the north is St. Ignace. Mackinaw City is the gateway to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Located on I-75, it’s easy to cruise right by it and forget to enjoy everything this town has to offer. History, a lighthouse, a beach, great food and shopping are here waiting to be enjoyed. Many come to Mackinaw City or St. Ignace to catch Shepler’s ferry heading to Mackinac Island, which is a fantastic destination. You’ll find all the details for that trip in my upcoming article, but for now, we’ll focus on the two towns.
Attractions South of the Mackinac Bridge
History Comes Alive in Mackinaw City
Located under the Mackinac Bridge overpass, Colonial Michilimackinac’s Visitors Center is a great first stop. Here you can purchase your day pass to the fort and lighthouse grounds. Presentations are scheduled throughout the day, so the earlier you arrive, the more you can experience. Your ticket will give you entrance to the fort, the maritime museum, and the lighthouse.
Colonial Michilimackinac Visitors Center 102 W. Straits Ave. Mackinaw City, MI 49701
Michilimackinac Fort
The fort is an ongoing preservation project. Through years of archeological digs, the fort has been rebuilt to a close replica of what it was like back in the 1770s. There are roped off sections where you can see the digging still taking place. The guides are dressed in period costumes, and they do an excellent job of explaining what life what like when living at the fort.
I found the architecture of the log structures to be so interesting. It’s very much a blend of Canadian and European styles. You are able to walk through all 16 buildings. Some of them have static displays of life during that time, such as the barracks. You can even walk the perimeter of the fort along the walled lookout ledge.
Guns Across the Straits
For a more authentic rendition of life for a British soldier in the 1770s, signing up to fire two muskets and two canons is a unforgettable experience! One person per day can fire: 8 AM on Mackinac Island and 6:30 PM from the fort. It’s $150 for this unique opportunity. Call the office at (231)436-4100 to reserve your spot. You must be 13 years or older to fire the black powder artillery.
My teenage son had a great time firing the muskets and canons. It’s something so unusual and historic. The guides are amazing with their knowledge of the weaponry and history of the time. Ear protection is provided, and all safety measures are taken. The entire session lasts a little over an hour. It is a completely personal experience as the evening firing takes place after the fort has closed to the public. If it works out for you, I highly recommend it.
Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
To enter the lighthouse area, you will first go through the gift shop. The attendant will schedule your lighthouse tour and provide a map of the grounds. This is also where you can get your stamp if you have a Lighthouse Passport. Touring the Keeper’s home is self-guided, but an employee will take you up the spiral staircase to the top of the lighthouse tower. A great view of the Mackinac Bridge and the gorgeous lake hues can be seen from a porthole on the top level.
The Maritime Museum
One building on the grounds has an ongoing film showcasing the history of the area and the harrowing shipwrecks. It’s nothing too graphic, just sad. The second building has a nice static display of all things nautical. There is a model of one of the shipwrecks depicting how it currently sits on the bottom of the lake.
Mackinaw City and St Ignace have witnessed multiple ships sinking
Attractions North of the Mackinac Bridge
Just across the Mackinac Bridge to the north is St. Ignace. Shepler’s has a dock here as well where you can board the ferry going to Mackinac Island.
Mystery Spot
Unlike the Bermuda Triangle, the mind puzzler found at the Mystery Spot has yet to be determined. First discovered in the early 1950’s, when three surveyors found their surveying equipment falter, this spot has been making people scratch their heads in confusion ever since.
The tour takes you through an angled structure as the guide explains the history and perplexity of the location. Several challenges are presented for the tour group to take part in and master. The hardest, by far, is the gravity chair. According to our guide, only about 2% of the participants can get up out of it. I’m happy to say that I did make it out, but did have to scoot a little closer to the middle of the seat because of my short legs. But hey, I’ll take it!
After your tour, you can take in a handful of fun by zip-lining, putt-putting, and going through Fort Maze. The zips include two long routes. All equipment is provided with your ticket. You can buy additional zips at a discounted rate. The putt-putt is an 18 hole course. Fort Maze is a classic maze that you must solve by choosing the right path. It’s a bit challenging, but not to the point of frustration. Our family loved it!
Mystery Spot N916 Martin Lake Rd. St Ignace, MI 49781
Deer Ranch
Next door to the Mystery Spot is Deer Ranch. With a gigantic prancing deer statue out front, you can’t miss it. The ranch is self-guided allowing you to view the fawns, does and bucks in their designated areas. We visited in July and it was neat to see the bucks up close with their velvet still on. This is something you don’t typically get to see in the wild. When you buy your admission ticket, you have the option to buy sliced apples or carrots. You can’t feed the fawns, but you can feed the adults. It’s a pretty cool experience. You might want ask when the fawns will be having their next bottle feeding. That’s something you definitely can’t do in the wild!
Deer Ranch 1540 W. US 2 St. Ignace, MI 49781
Food near the Mackinac Bridge
Wienerlicious
Right off of I-75 you can’t help but notice the gigantic hot dog sitting on the roof at Wienerlicious. We didn’t get a chance to stop there, so I can’t say how the food was, but it sure is eye catching.
Wienerlicious 102 E. Central Ave. Mackinaw City, MI 49701
Scalawags Whitefish & Chips
If you aren’t up for hotdogs, downtown Mackinaw City has a lot of options. The adorable downtown gets busy, so plan on walking from your parking spot if needed. Scalawags came recommended and after eating there, I’m happy to pass that recommendation on to you. Their deep-fried whitefish servings are large and delicious! There is indoor and outdoor seating available. If lines are long, snag a seat when you can.
Scalawags Whitefish & Chips 226 E. Central Ave. Mackinaw City, MI 49701
Mackinaw City and St. Ignace
Whether you’re in the area for Mackinac Island or heading to the Upper Peninsula, you’ll want to make time to stop for some unique encounters, specific to the area. Opportunities like these are what make memories and connect you to the local region.
Looking for additional Michigan vacation ideas? Read on for further inspiration.
