
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.
Northern Michigan Guides Stock Photo
When visiting Northern Michigan, be sure to ride one of the local Lake Michigan ferries. It’s an adventure that should be on every travelers’ Up North bucket list!
A ride on one of the ferries crossing from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace to Mackinac Island is an experience that thousands of people enjoy every year.
Mackinac Island is a major tourist destination and the ferries are the way to get there.
Two ferry businesses–Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry, and Star Line Ferries–cross the Straits of Mackinac like clock work during the summer months. The 20-minute crossing takes visitors from the mainland to a setting where the horses are still king.
Beaver Island, off the coast of Charlevoix, also is accessed by ferry. The Beaver Island Ferry transports visitors, cars, trucks, groceries, supplies and more to the island. The ferry leaves from Round Lake in Charlevoix and travels through the Pine River channel before heading across Lake Michigan to the emerald island.

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

Get off the ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace to Mackinac Island and the first thing you’ll see is the historic downtown area.

Founded in 1875, Bay View in Petoskey is a National Historic Landmark community with community-owned buildings, cottages, and two inns.

The Andrew J. Blackbird Museum is named for a counselor who helped Native American veterans. Native American artifacts fill the museum space.

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.

The history of the fur trade in Northern Michigan is captured at Colonial Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City.

The majestic and historic Grand Hotel is one of the first sights visitors see as they head into the harbor on Mackinac Island.

Visit the Deer Park in Harbor Springs to see deer up close. Fun for the entire family.

Fort Mackinac is open from May-October and includes buildings restored their original look after the fort’s occupation by the British