Lake State Crossroads: Mackinaw-The City and the Island
Lake State Crossroads: Mackinaw-The City and the Island
By Giles Kennedy
Family and Travel Columnist
To say there are many things to enjoy on booths of the Straits of Mackinac is a mere understatement.
To appreciate some of the bigger things to do; let’s start with the largest Icebreaker that ever sail the Great Lakes (to this day)
The Icebreaker Mackinaw served the United States Coast Guard for nearly 70 years.
When she was decommissioned in 2006, she still remains the largest Coast Guard ship commissioned for use on the Great Lakes.
Docents at several points help you see the years of service and the hard work the “Coasties” put into its missions and journeys.
It is not ADA accessible due to the massive amount of small spaces, ladders and cabins you are exploring.
But if you are able to climb a lot of ladders in and out of this historic vessel; it’s worth a visit and you get some decent cardio.
Located in the heart of Mackinaw City off Huron Avenue; visit her when you can.
As mentioned in the previous article, biking and hiking even on the City side of the Straits is greatly encouraged.
Using the North Central Trail you can connect to two of the other Mackinac Historic State Park sites.
Northwest of the USCGC Mackinaw and ADA accessible (with the exception of the lighthouse tower) is the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse.
This lighthouse was in use for nearly 100 plus years; it helped light the way through the Straits.
It was decommissioned in 1956, a couple years after the Mackinac Bridge was opened.
Through its time, it served sailors and ships alike to guide them through the thick fog, insane weather and other situations unique to the Straits of Mackinac.
It also features the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Museum. Inside a humble building away from the lighthouse and fog signal house (now the main entry/exit and gift shop), it has articles from previous wrecks. It also has a large display to the last major shipwreck in 1965, the Cedarville.
Well worth the visit; feel free to explore Mackinaw’s deep maritime history here.
https://www.mackinacparks.com/attraction/old-mackinac-point-lighthouse/
Whether you take the family truckster down US Route 23 south of town, or bike the North Central Trail; visiting Historic Mill Creek is a great break from the City.
https://www.mackinacparks.com/attraction/historic-mill-creek/
With over 3.5 of nature trails, a working sawpit and water powered sawmill and plenty of space to wind; this is a great place for yourself, friends or family to reboot.
Interpreters await your visit explaining the importance of the timber industry in early Michigan history, artifacts in the visitor center and much more.
Plenty of picnic space as well as a nature themed playground await you.
We have featured so much about Mackinac City; what about Mackinaw island?
Shops, attractions and so much more line Main Street facing Lake Huron.
If you choose Fort Mackinaw, many of the smaller museums connected with the Mackinac Historic State Parks; visit their website for ticket opinions.
https://tickets.mackinacparks.com/webstore/shop
However, as you knew coming into the series…Lake State Crossroads is about getting off the beaten path. Literally.
Whether you rent a bike, bring your bike or run; the trails of Mackinaw Island State Park await you.
https://www.mackinacparks.com/attraction/mackinac-island-state-parks/
Getting back to the city from the Island is far from a hassle.
Shelper’s Ferry Company and Arnold Transit Company (formerly Star Lines) offer many opinions to take the ferries between Mackinac City, Mackinaw Island and St. Ignace.
https://www.sheplersferry.com/
https://www.arnoldtransitcompany.com/
Just west of the City on the far end of Central Avenue; features two historical sites worth visiting.
Self guided tours of Mackinac City Heritage Village are available most days of the year. Volunteers man the village Sundays and Wednesdays from May to October. Admission is free but they request you leave a donation.
https://www.mackinawhistory.org/
Just due north of the Village, Emmet County Recreation mans the McGulpin Point Lighthouse.
For only $3, you can climb the stairs to the top and explore the lighthouse.
Small hiking trails lead you to McGulpin Point Rock and nearby wooded areas.
https://emmetcounty.org/experiences/mcgulpin_lighthouse/index.php
There are so many things to see and do in the Straits of Mackinac. Life’s an adventure. Get out there and live it!