Mackinaw City, on the Straits of Mackinac at the top of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, offers visitors much to see and do. It has attractions for the whole family, including historical sites, educational events and many free activities.
Mackinaw Crossings, in Mackinaw City's shopping district, offers several free attractions and events. At dusk every evening from May to October, the shopping center hosts the laser light show Northern Lights, which combines lights with music. Mackinaw Crossings also offers a Mirror Maze.
Every year, Mackinaw City is visited by the Tall Ship Welcome. A re-creation of a ship the British used during the American Revolution, the annual visit of the Welcome signals the beginning of a weekend festival commemorating the American Revolution. Camps of civilians, military and Native Americans of the era are re-created, and visitors can view historical items and demonstrations, and shop in a historical market. This event traditionally takes place the last weekend of July.
Located on the Straits of Mackinac, the Headlands is a county park that offers four miles of trails on hundreds of preserved acres. With two miles of lakefront views, hiking the Headlands is a great way to appreciate the wild beauty of Michigan, taking in views of the Straits, the Upper Peninsula and Mackinac Bridge. A great day trip, locals are known to bring a lunch and eat at the side of the lake.
Enjoy a scenic ferry ride across the deep Straits of Mackinac to Mackinac Island. Explore untouched Michigan wilderness at Mackinac Island State Park, kite-flying demonstrations at Windermere Point or Mission Point, art galleries and historical Victorian buildings, or try biking or hiking.
