Mackinaw City

Cross the Mighty Mac for unrivaled views of the Straits of Mackinac, with Lake Huron to the east and Lake Michigan to the west. From the high vantage point you are likely to see ferries travelling to and from Mackinac Island and maybe even a freighter travelling toward the bridge.

Have breakfast at the Mackinaw City bakery, a locally, family owned and operated business open from May through October and located just off Central Avenue at 110 Langlade St. Try one of their Big Mac donuts, grab an iced coffee, or dine in with some homemade soup or a sandwich on fresh, homemade bread.

Spend some time at the beach skipping stones and wading into the water at Michilimackinac State Park next to Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse. Walk underneath the Mackinac Bridge, explore the lighthouse, and stop into the Colonial Michilimackinac visitor’s center to plan your trip to the historical site.

Grab lunch at Darrow’s Family Restaurant, located on the west side of I-75. Be sure to grab a slice of pie while you’re there or take a piece to go.

Take a walk through downtown Mackinaw City to check out the various shops on Central Avenue and in the Mackinaw Crossings mall. If you need to escape the rain or heat, take in a movie at the Courtyard Cinema, open year-round. Get a heaping scoop of ice cream at Mickey’s Ice Cream shop on Huron Avenue. Enjoy your waffle cone or malt from Wawatam Park, the Mackinaw City Marina, or Conkling Heritage Park. All are located across the street from Mickey’s and have views of Lake Huron and the boats coming in and out of port.

Have dinner and a drink at the Keyhole Bar and Grill on Central Avenue. While you wait for your broiled whitefish or burger with onion rings, try to count as many keys as you can before losing track.