Photo by Todd and Brad Reed Photography
The Mighty Mackinac Bridge in Northern Michigan
The Mackinac Bridge is the 10th largest suspension bridge (over water) in the world. It connects Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsula over the Straits of Mackinac, where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron meet. Mackinaw City is located at the southern point of the bridge, and St. Ignace at the northern point. I-75 is the highway that crosses the bridge. which starts from Sault Ste. Marie and ends north of Miami. The total length of the suspension bridge is 8,614 feet, with the total length of the bridge at five miles. Close to 500,000 vehicles cross the Mackinac Bridge during the summer. That number drops to around 169,000 in January. Annual vehicle crossing is approximately 4,000,000.
History of the Bridge
As far back as 1884, discussions were being held regarding the need for a bridge or tunnel between the Upper and Lower peninsulas. After the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge in 1883, interest grew for a suspension bridge of this type to span the Straits of Mackinac. The Board of Directors of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island reiterated the great need for a bridge to bring tourists to the island during the summer season.
Over the next 50 years, many ideas were presented, from a floating tunnel to a series of bridges and causeways from Cheboygan, around Bois Blanc and Round Islands, to Mackinac Island and finally St. Ignace.
Ferry service was started around 1923, but the traffic became so heavy that once again plans for a bridge were resurrected. In 1934, the Mackinac Straits Bridge Authority of Michigan was formed. During the next ten years, grants and loans were applied for, plans were drawn up, and a 4,200 foot causeway from St. Ignace was constructed. Then WWII began and all bridge progress came to a halt until 1947.
Finally in 1953, financing through a group of investment companies was the catalyst to finally begin the bridge project. Maintenance of the structure would be paid for from license plate and gasoline taxes. The great engineer Dr. David B. Steinman was hired for the design of the Mackinac Bridge and construction officially began in May of 1954.
After three years, the Mackinac Bridge was open to traffic on November 1, 1957. Total cost to build the bridge was $99,800,000. During construction five men lost their lives, and a monument in their honor was erected. In 1997, a bridge painter fell to his death, bringing the death toll to six.
Fares
- Passenger Vehicles (car, passenger van, motorcycle, station wagon, SUV, pick-up truck, and school bus) – $2/axle or $4/car
- All others (including but not limited to tractor trailers, buses, motor homes and step or cube vans) – $5/each
- Pedestrians – $3.50/person
- Bicyclists – $5/each
- Snowmobilers – $15/machine and driver
Regulations
- Maximum speed on the bridge is 45 mph, and no stopping or U-turns are allowed.
- Trucks with gross loads of over 40 tons and vehicles transporting explosives or flammable liquids must get an escort across the bridge.
- Sometimes high winds and weather cause the bridge to close or to have limited traffic.
It truly is one of the most spectacular bridges in the United States. Not only is the Mackinac Bridge a gateway to the serene beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, but it is also a necessary link on the Lake Michigan Circle Tour.
For more information on the Mackinac Bridge, please contact:
Mackinac Bridge Authority
N. 415 I-75, St Ignace, MI, 49781
(906) 643-7600
Destinations Up North
Activities & Attractions in Northern Michigan

The Mackinac Bridge in Northern Michigan
The Mackinac Bridge is the 10th largest suspension bridge (over water) in the world and connects Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsula.

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.

National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods in Indian River
The National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods is a 55′ x 22′ redwood cross cut from one redwood tree and with a 28′ tall bronze crucifix.

Fisherman’s Island State Park
Fisherman’s Island State Park has more than 2,600 acres and miles of gorgeous Lake Michigan beach and is located just south of Charlevoix.

Harris Gardens at North Central Michigan College
Harris Gardens at North Central Michigan College is a spectacular sculpture garden filled with 26 pieces of vibrant art.

Antiques
Shop Northern Michigan antiques shops, art galleries, and furniture stores for home furnishings that are unique and affordable.

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.

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.

Kayaking Up North Is The Best!
Northern Michigan has many varied settings for kayaking- whether it by river, one of the inland lakes, or Lake Michigan,

Charlevoix Circle of Arts
The Charlevoix Circle of Arts is a vibrant, cultural center in downtown Charlevoix that presents six major visual exhibits annually.

Thorne Swift Nature Preserve in Harbor Springs
Wildlife sanctuary Thorne Swift Nature Preserve is located 3 1/2 miles north of Harbor Springs, between Lower Shore Drive and Lake Michigan.

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.

McGulpin Rock Near Mackinaw City
McGulpin Rock, near Mackinaw City, has been used as a navigational tool by explorers and mariners since before the Pilgrims landed.

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.

Sailing in Northern Michigan for Adults & Kids
Sailing is a special pastime that often brings friends together in Northern Michigan. And no wonder. The sailing here is wonderful.