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

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 Haunted Theatre 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 WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,163 reviews)
"We didn't like how little closet space there was in our room and no lamp on table, no place to hang a make up bag in the bathroom. Breakfast hours too limited. Anyone who wanted to sleep in had to miss breakfast."

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

Hamilton Inn Select Beachfront Mackinaw City
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 WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (539 reviews)
"The staff was very friendly, professional and kind"

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

Cedar Hill Lodge
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! (1,006 reviews)
"Great service. Vintage hotel. Rooms very clean. On site facilities excellent"

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

Mission 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.
Walk To The Lake, Beach, Indoor Waterpark And Downtown

Walk To The Lake, Beach, Indoor Waterpark And Downtown

Mackinaw City
Stay at this vacation home in Mackinaw City. Enjoy a water park, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal and Headlands ...
6/10 (87 reviews)
"Its better than sleeping in a tent."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Walk To The Lake, Beach, Indoor Waterpark And Downtown
Mighty Mac Bridgeview Cabin 1

Mighty Mac Bridgeview Cabin 1

Mackinaw City
Stay at this cabin in Mackinaw City. Enjoy patios, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal and ...
7.6/10 Good! (34 reviews)
Great location, cabin perfect for what we needed
"Cabin was like a tiny home. Worked well for us. Great location, right on the lake."

Reviewed on 26 Jul 2025

Mighty Mac Bridgeview Cabin 1
Beachfront Cabin on Straits of Mackinac

Beachfront Cabin on Straits of Mackinac

Mackinaw City
Stay at this vacation home in Mackinaw City. Enjoy a water park, laundry facilities, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Mackinaw City Ferry ...
6.6/10 (76 reviews)
Great place for a little va
"Great place to vacation"

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Beachfront Cabin on Straits of Mackinac
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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