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Photo by Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum
Activities & Attractions in Mackinaw City
With Lake Michigan on one side and Lake Huron on the other side, Mackinaw City is a true Great Lake’s spot. The area also boasts many historical attractions and family-friendly activites.
Here’s a sampling of the many activities and attractions Mackinaw City has to offer:
Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum
The Ice Breaker Maritime Museum was first the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw WAGB-83 and was built in Toledo, Ohio. She was launched in 1944 and served from Cheboygan, Michigan.
The museum offers tours of the engine room, captain’s quarters, ward room, bridge, and mess hall while explaining the history of the ship’s long career.
Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park
The Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park is the site of the early 1800’s mill that supplied lumber for much of the area’s buildings. Overlooking Lake Huron, the mill, and a grist mill, were used into the mid 1800’s. The park is a National Registered Historic Site and opened to the public as part of the Mackinac State Historic Parks in 1984.
Aside from the nature and historical aspects of the park, there is the Forest Forest Adventure Experience with fun like the Eagles Flight Zip Line.
McGulpin Rock
McGulpin Rock, near Mackinaw City in Northern Michigan, has been used as a navigational tool since before the Pilgrims landed. In 1615, French explorers noted the huge rock near the Straits of Mackinaw. It’s nine feet tall and weighs in at 54 tons, and is located down the hillside from McGulpin Point Lighthouse, just outside Mackinaw City. The boulder can be reached by walking down the path behind the lighthouse or driving down the road just outside the entrance to the lighthouse.
Colonial Fort Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City
Fur traders set up shop in the Northern Michigan’s Straits of Mackinac in the 1600’s and by the 1700’s, the area was a bustling trading center. Colonial Fort Michilimackinac was built by the French in the early 1700’s and it was occupied from 1714-1781 by the French and the British.
The reconstructed fort is a major tourist destination and historical site. Ongoing archaeological work has continued to uncover artifacts and offer insight into life at the Colonial setting.
Experience Mackinaw City
Destinations Up North
More Activities & Attractions in Northern Michigan
Cheboygan Opera House
The elegantly restored Cheboygan Opera House is an acoustically superb, Victorian theatre that presents entertainment of many genres.
Ski Resorts in Northern Michigan
The many ski resorts in Northern Michigan have winter activities for the entire family including sledding, sleigh rides, tubing, and more.
Heritage Village Celebrates Mackinaw’s History
Mackinaw City’s Heritage Village lets visitors explore life in the Straits of Mackinac as it was during the era of 1880-1917.
Arch Rock – A Natural Wonder on Mackinac Island
Arch Rock is a geologic wonder on Mackinac Island and stands 146′ over the Lake Huron shoreline- nearly 15 stories tall.
Northern Michigan Beaches
Summer’s not summer without a day at the beach and Northern Michigan offers some of the best beaches anywhere.
Wilderness State Park on Lake Michigan
Wilderness State Park’s 2,582 acres of natural area and 4,492 acres of wilderness area make this a great place to explore all year ’round.
Searching for Petoskey Stones in Northern Michigan
A visit to Northern Michigan is not complete without a walk along the Lake Michigan in search of Petoskey stones.
Charlevoix Circle of Arts
The Charlevoix Circle of Arts is a vibrant, cultural center in downtown Charlevoix that presents six major visual exhibits annually.
Petoskey’s Bear River Valley Recreation Area
This 36 acre, 1.5 mile long Bear River Valley in Petoskey is truly spectacular and filled with natural beauty and things to do.
Saint Ignatius Catholic Church at Good Hart
Travel along the Tunnel of Trees in Northern Michigan and you will pass through Good Hart and see historic Saint Ignatius Catholic Church.
Beaver Island Up North
Beaver Island is located 32 miles offshore of Charlevoix, Michigan and is the largest island in Lake Michigan.
Sledding and Ice Skating in Northern Michigan
Get the sleds and the skates out, put on the cold weather clothes, and enjoy sledding and ice skating in Northern Michigan.
Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum
Built during World War II to haul heavy materials during the winter, the Icebreaker Mackinaw was in service for 62 years then became a museum.
Little Traverse Conservancy in Harbor Springs
Little Traverse Conservancy protects land and scenic areas and provides opportunities for all of us to appreciate the environment.
Antiques
Shop Northern Michigan antiques shops, art galleries, and furniture stores for home furnishings that are unique and affordable.