The Annual Mackinac Bridge Walk has occurred every Labor Day since 1958. The walk began as a celebration of the completion of the 26,372-foot suspension bridge connecting Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas. Labor Day is the only day of the year foot traffic is allowed on the Mackinac Bridge. Each year, hundreds of walkers and joggers depart from St. Ignace on the north side of the bridge and head south to Mackinaw City at the other end of the span. Participants cross 200 feet above the Straits of Mackinac at the bridge's highest point. The walk is free, and registration is not necessary to participate. Bus service will transport walkers back across the bridge for a $5 fee, as of 2010.
The cities on either side of the Mackinac Bridge attract vacationers for the entire Labor Day weekend who come to participate or just watch the spectacle and be a part of the crowds and celebration of Michigan history. Michigan's governor traditionally participates in the annual walk or run. Campgrounds and hotels fill up far in advance, so vacationers should plan early if they want to stay in the Mackinac Bridge area for the weekend.
Mackinac Bridge Walk
St. Ignace, MI 49781
www.mackinacbridge.org
Westview Orchards & Adventure Farm in eastern Michigan features weekend activities throughout September and October. Westview Orchards ushers in the fall season with Family Fun Weekends that include a giant corn maze, farm animal petting barns, tractor-driven wagon rides and horse-drawn wagon rides, a hay mountain, u-pick fruit orchards and a playground.
Families can pay a single ticket admission per person each time they attend a Family Fun Weekend, or they can purchase season passes that admit each person to events on weekends and weekdays. Other attractions at Westview Orchards and Adventure Farm include a cider mill, bakery, farmers market and the Sweet Shoppe serving ice cream, candy and other goodies.
Westview Orchards & Adventure Farm
65075 Van Dyke
Washington Twp., MI 48095
586-752-3123
westvieworchards.com
The Detroit Jazz Festival is held each year during Labor Day weekend, and features performances by world-class jazz, blues, R&B and gospel musicians. The festival is spread out over several blocks in downtown Detroit for four days, ending on Labor Day. As of 2010, the festival had five stages with more than 100 acts. In addition to concerts, Detroit Jazz Festival attendees can participate in educational workshops and jam sessions, meet the artists and watch a fireworks show. Kids' events and activities are available as well. There is no admission fee for the festival.
Detroit International Jazz Festival
660 Woodward Ave., Ste. 13
Detroit, MI 48226
313-447-1248
detroitjazzfest.com
