Mackinaw City

Mackinaw City sits at the northern tip of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, where the Straits of Mackinac connect Lake Michigan to Lake Huron. The village stretches along the waterfront and serves as the departure point for ferries to Mackinac Island and the southern terminus of the Mackinac Bridge.

The settlement grew from Fort Michilimackinac, established by French colonists in 1715. The village was founded as a planned community in 1857 and expanded into a transportation hub with the development of ferry and bridge infrastructure.

The name comes from the Ojibwe language, referring to snapping turtles that once inhabited these waters. The village preserves this connection to indigenous history through buildings and landmarks that reflect its roots.

Arrive early for ferry departures, particularly during warmer months when visitor traffic to the island is highest. The area is easy to navigate on foot, with most points of interest clustered near the waterfront.

The nearby Headlands International Dark Sky Park offers unobstructed views of stars, planets, and northern lights year-round. This park ranks among the few places in the region where nighttime darkness remains entirely undisturbed.

Location: Michigan

Inception: 1857

Elevation above the sea: 181 m

Website: https://mackinawcity.org

GPS coordinates: 45.78389,-84.72778

Latest update: December 19, 2025 22:12