Mackinac County

Mackinac County spans Michigan's Upper Peninsula along the northern shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. The area centers on St. Ignace, a waterfront town that serves as the main hub and connects to Mackinac Island through ferry routes.

French Jesuit priests founded St. Ignace Mission in 1671, establishing one of Michigan's first European settlements in this region. The area later became a major trading post and transportation hub for Great Lakes shipping.

The Ojibwa and other Native American peoples have shaped this region's identity through their long presence and traditions. Local institutions share their stories and help visitors understand the deep roots these communities have in the northern Michigan landscape.

The area is accessible by car via major highways and the Mackinac Bridge connecting the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. From St. Ignace, ferries depart regularly to Mackinac Island, and several parks and natural areas are easy to reach.

Straits State Park offers direct views of the Mackinac Bridge from the shoreline. Here you can watch large cargo ships pass through the straits, revealing how vital these waters remain for modern commerce.

Location: Michigan

Inception: October 26, 1818

Capital city: St. Ignace

Shares border with: Chippewa County, Cheboygan County, Charlevoix County, Emmet County, Luce County, Schoolcraft County, Presque Isle County

Website: http://mackinaccounty.net

GPS coordinates: 46.01000,-85.01000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:07