Location: Mackinaw City
Top Things to do in Mackinaw City
What to do and see in Mackinaw City, Michigan (MI): The Best Hidden Gems Things to do
Mackinaw City, at the northern tip of the Michigan mitten, sits at one end of the Mackinac Bridge to Michigan's Upper Peninsula, as well as seriving as the docking place for ferries to Mackinac Island, a National Historic Landmark and State Park. Just a short boat ride from the mainland, Mackinac Island is a journey back in time, home to "Historic Downtown," a recreation of village life in 18th-century Michigan, and Fort Mackinac, first occuppied by the British during the Revolutionary War.
Restaurants in Mackinaw City
1. Jack Pine Lumberjack Show
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 340 reviews
Experience World Champion Lumberjacks in a fast paced action packed lumberjack competition, a Mackinaw City MUST SEE! Shows at Jack Pine Lumberjack Shows are approximately an hour long, delivered in a competition format, in which the audience is divided up into two rival logging camps, each camp cheering for their lumberjack. It demostrates the turn of the century skills of the lumberjack including chopping, sawing, axe throwing, cross-cut sawing, speed climbing and logrolling. In addition to the competition, there is also a chain saw carving demonstration. The show educates the audience in the rich history of Michigan's logging past. It is fast paced, up-beat and keeps the audience involved. A fun show for the entire family, children under the age of 5 are free!
Reviewed By sjander87 - Columbus, United States
This was a favorite of our boys out of all the things we did in the area! They made the show entertaining for everyone, and got the audience involved with cheering for your lumberjack (or booing the “opposing” lumberjack ????). Dakota and Mitchell did an awesome job! Family friendly and wholesome entertainment! Definitely a must see!
2. Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 353 reviews
Have an Adventure. Witness the power of the creek harnessed to cut timber into lumber at one of the oldest industrial sites on the Upper Great Lakes. On the Adventure Tour, explore the treetops on the Forest Canopy Bridge, soar like an eagle on the 425′ Eagle’s Flight Zip Line, and experience the layers of the forest on the five-story Treetop Discovery Tower. Afterward, take time to explore the natural beauty of Mill Creek State Park, which has more than three miles of groomed hiking trails. This is Mackinac.
Reviewed By chrislJ8174RS
We had a fantastic time at Mill Creek. The living history demonstrations at the mill were great, as was the nature hike in the woods. Our family loved the zip line, rock wall, and adventure bridge.... perfect, and low-key after a day on our beloved (but busy!) Mackinac Island. Don't forget Fort Michilimackinac while you're up here, too! The pass for all 3 places did save us money....
3. Mackinaw Bridge Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 195 reviews
Reviewed By Wicked2014 - Quincy, United States
Loved seeing all the interesting artifacts and newspaper articles on the construction of the bridge. They have a small theater where you can watch a video on how the idea for the bridge was born and the construction, This is a very informative place to pop in and learn a little bit about Michigan's past and it's all free, I would highly recommend taking the time to stop in.
4. McGulpin Point Lighthouse & Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 578 reviews
Emmet County owns the historic McGulpin Point Lighthouse, which protected shipping on the Straits of Mackinac against storms, fog and rocks between 1869 and 1906. It was purchased by the county in 2008, which reopened McGulpin to the public with a gala celebration on May 30, 2009. The site is approximately 10 acres and is a half mile north of the Headlands. It includes 336 feet of shoreline on the Straits with a commanding view of the Mackinac Bridge. Trail to the Straits includes new interpretive signage coming in Summer 2015! Beautifully maintained grounds and interior. There is always something new at McGulpin Point!
Reviewed By watweed
We had 6 women in our group trip to Mackinac. We arrived about 40 minutes prior to the lighthouse opening on Monday morning, before heading home afterwards. While we waited, we walked down to the lake and skipped stones, walked out into the chilly water, and read the history blocks around the lighthouse grounds. The young lady working in the lighthouse that morning was terrific. She was knowledgeable about the lighthouse, it's history, and graciously warned us of the couple "caution" areas during our self-guided tour of the lighthouse. The McGulpin Family history is so interesting. The view from atop the lighthouse is just breathtaking. We were all glad that we took the time to wait until it opened, and didn't just leave! Please visit this lighthouse. You won't be disappointed :)
5. Headlands International Dark Sky Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 304 reviews
Reviewed By 7traveler777 - Chicago, United States
I had always wanted to go to a dark park and was thrilled when I saw there was one outside of Petoskey. It’s a lovely place to s t a r g a z e, but if you’re looking to see the northern lights I was told by the attendant that no one has ever seen them in this location even though the park is listed as a location to see aurora borealis. The park attendant advised our party that if we wanted to see the northern lights we should go 300 miles north into Canada for perfect viewing.
6. WaWatam Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By RICART75 - Peru, United States
The Park, and its namesake's history, were pointed out to us on the Mackinac City trolley tour. We stopped by later; to enjoy the views and relaxing atmosphere of the area; as well as the statue of WaWatam, and his story. This is well-maintained little park; providing a wonderful retreat for the citizens of and visitors to Mackinac City.
7. Gary R Williams Memorial Park
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