The Mackinac Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere, extends for 5 miles, above where lakes Michigan and Huron converge. The span connects Mackinaw City in the Lower Peninsula to St. Ignace in the Upper Peninsula. More than 10,000 workers contributed to the Mighty Mac's construction.
The non-motorized Mackinac Island, accessed by ferry from Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, is recognized as one of the "Top Ten North American Islands" by Conde Nast "Traveler" magazine. The island houses historic forts, four museums and boutique shopping, but may be best known for its fudge and carriage rides.
Thirty-five vineyards, wineries and tasting rooms along the Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas near Traverse City let visitors experience Michigan wines. Local grapes produce whites, reds and ice wines. Self-guided tours take place year-round.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore encompasses 111 square miles in Leelanau and Benzie counties. Recognized in 2011 by "Good Morning America" voters, the park includes 65 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline with 450-foot dunes towering over the shore. Highlights include scaling the Dune Climb 300 feet and trekking the dune trails to Lake Michigan. The 7-mile self-guided Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive in Empire weaves through beech and maple forests, providing views of dunes, Lake Michigan and Glen Lake. The U.S. Coast Guard Museum, historic Glen Haven Village and Port Oneida historic rural district reveal the area's heritage. Other attractions include wooded trails, two islands, campgrounds and beaches.
Historic records indicate 200 shipwrecks lie at the bottom of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve, the only freshwater national marine sanctuary in the nation. Encompassing a 448-square mile area in northwest Lake Huron, it's an underwater museum conserving Great Lakes maritime heritage. Many of the 80 discovered wrecks in the preserve are visible via glass bottom boat tours, kayaks or by diving. Located along the Thunder Bay in Alpena, the free Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center offers chances to learn more about Michigan's maritime legacy.
