Perched on the northern tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Mackinaw City is a popular summer tourist destination. It’s renowned for its landmark suspension bridge, as well as a reconstructed fort and fur trading post that dates back to the 18th century.

Overlooking the Straits of Mackinac is Colonial Michilimackinac State Park, which encompasses the remains of an 18th-century French fort and a reconstructed fur trading village. Take a step back in time to see what life was like for the soldiers, civilians and Native American people who lived here, with costumed interpreters bringing the history to life through daily cannon and musket firings.

Also within the park is the Old Mackinac Point Light, which features a small museum in its Fog Signal Building. From the top of the lighthouse tower, there are impressive views of the Mackinac Bridge, an eight-kilometre-long suspension bridge that connects Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas.

Getting there

Traverse City Cherry Capital Airport is around two hours drive from Mackinaw City and has flights to destinations across the United States. Regular trains connect from New York City and buses travel from cities throughout Michigan. The centre of Mackinaw City is compact enough to explore on foot.