Mackinaw City, Michigan: Gateway to the Straits of Mackinac

Location & Basics

• County: Cheboygan County
• Population: ~800 (2020)
• Setting: Northern tip of Lower Peninsula, on the Straits of Mackinac (Lake Michigan ↔ Lake Huron).

Key Attractions

• Fort Michilimackinac – Reconstructed 1715 French/British fort, living history.
• Mackinac Bridge – 5-mile suspension bridge to Upper Peninsula ("Mighty Mac").
• Ferry to Mackinac Island – Car-free Victorian resort (Grand Hotel, fudge, bikes).
• Colonial Michilimackinac State Park / Mill Creek Discovery Park.

History

Founded 1858 as Mackinac Island City; renamed Mackinaw City 1899. Fur trade → fishing → tourism economy.