What to do and see in Mackinaw City, Michigan (MI): The Best Sights & Landmarks

February 15, 2022 Brandee Mangan

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. Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park

9001 South US 23, Mackinaw City, MI 49701 +1 231-436-4100 [email protected] https://www.mackinacparks.com/parks-and-attractions/historic-mill-creek-discovery-park/
Excellent
68%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 353 reviews

Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park

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....

2. Colonial Michilimackinac

Excellent
73%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 907 reviews

Colonial Michilimackinac

Michilimackinac 1778: Rumors of War. Treasures from the past come to life at this 18th-century fort and fur trading village, reconstructed based on historic maps and more than 60 years of archaeological excavations. As you walk through the site, you are stepping back in time to 1778, when rumors of war and peace swirled around Michilimackinac. Here, you will see and hear how soldiers, civilians, and Native people responded to threats real and imagined as they attempted to maintain their livelihood, the fur trade. Historical interpreters representing voyageurs, British soldiers, and French-Canadian merchant families are stationed throughout the fort to answer your questions and perform demonstrations.

3. Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse

526 N Huron Ave Mackinaw City, MI 49701, Mackinaw City, MI 49701-9727 +1 231-436-4100 [email protected] http://www.mackinacparks.com/parks-and-attractions/old-mackinac-point-lighthouse/
Excellent
60%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 666 reviews

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse

Made to be Seen. A point in the storm and a guiding beacon since 1889, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse helped passing ships navigate through the treacherous waters of the Straits of Mackinac. There's just as much to see from the top of the tower as inside the original buildings. Authentically restored quarters and exhibits, including the original lens and the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Museum, this "Castle of the Straits" is a true gem of the Great Lakes. This is Mackinac.

Reviewed By 357donalde - Helena, United States

This place was in a waterfront park, on a bike trail, and we took the tour. There were guides and a film, and a lot of info about the life of the lighthouse

4. Shepler's Lighthouse Cruises

556 E Central Ave, Mackinaw City, MI 49701-9695 +1 231-436-5023 http://www.sheplersferry.com/lighthouses/lighthouses.html
Excellent
84%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 115 reviews

Shepler's Lighthouse Cruises

Sail the Straits of Mackinac! Sixteen historic lighthouses lie within easy cruising distance of Mackinaw City. Travel in comfort and safety on Shepler's spacious vessels during these fascinating tours. For close to three centuries, the Straits of Mackinac has been a vital nautical thoroughfare, providing passage between Lakes Huron and Michigan. But traveling its famed blue waters has not come without risk. Over the many decades, lighthouses were built to protect mariners from dangerous shoals and reefs. Each has a story to tell. Shepler's exclusive Lighthouse Cruises are voyages of discovery. Guests are treated to awe-inspiring views and the fascinating history surrounding these Great Lakes guardians.

Reviewed By Joefarmer17 - Bremen, United States

Sheplers eastern lighthouse cruise is one of the best attractions I have ever done in many years of visiting the straits of Mackinac. If you like history and taking a 3 hour ride on a fast ferry boat then this the event for you. They take you under the mackinac bridge and then out into Lake Huron to see many of the historic lighthouses in the area. The guide tells you all the history behind the lighthouse as well as many interesting historical facts of things and events that have taken place in the straits area over the years. This was a great experience for my wife and I. Cant wait to come back and take the western cruise the next time we visit Mackinaw City.

5. McGulpin Point Lighthouse & Historic Site

500 Headlands Rd, Mackinaw City, MI 49701-8611 +1 231-436-5860 [email protected] http://www.emmetcounty.org/mcgulpin
Excellent
72%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 578 reviews

McGulpin Point Lighthouse & Historic Site

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 :)

6. Straits State Harbor

409 S. Huron, Mackinaw City, MI 49701 https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Marina/Straits-State-Harbor-612680882128740/

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