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One of the delights awaiting travelers to Michigan is the five-mile suspension bridge joining the two peninsulas of upper and lower Michigan. Travel north through Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, or east from Wisconsin, through a heavily forested landscape along the great lakes shoreline, and here, among a vast array of beauty lies the Mighty Mac.
Built where the waters of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron join, "The Mighty Mac," as it is called, is the longest suspension bridge in the United States. Both captivating and scary, the bridge pleases and terrorizes motorists as they traverse the five-mile spanse. Rising high off the waters, The Mackinaw Bridge captivates its audience, drawing excited eyes miles before one ventures onto its enticing frame.
On a calm sunny day, there is no site more pleasing than a ride across the isle filled waters below. Brilliant blue waters beckon pleasure boats, freighters, and ferries, creating a delightful scene for bridge enthusiasts. When winds are full, the adventure becomes a nightmare for many motorists as small cars sway in the wind. At gale strength, the Mighty Mac is no place to be. Winds toss vehicles to and fro as the “Mac” exhibits a strength far greater than one can imagine. Loss of life is rare, but there have been fatalities as strong gusts have pushed an unsuspecting vehicle over the edge to an untimely death. Small, compact cars should hesitate to make the five mile venture until the weather calms.
If one is wary of the drive, an escort may be utilized. Drivers may request bridge employees to chauffeur them across while nerves relax to the beauty that surrounds the expanse. Even big-rig drivers have been known to request an escort while crossing the intimidating bridge. Like the compact car, big rigs challenge the fury of the bridge on a heavily winded day. For many drivers, the valet trip is well worth taking advantage of as one enjoys the gorgeous scenery below.
A popular event is the annual Labor Day walk which takes the public on a five-mile trek across the "Mighty Mac". Led by the Governor, it remains a favorite event in the Mackinaw area. Thousands of walkers line up in the early morning hours to await a shuttle trip to the far end of the bridge where they will begin the five-mile walk back across the towering structure.
Mackinaw Island sits amid the waters of Lake Huron. The 15 minute ferry ride from Mackinaw City to the island provides an enjoyable scenic adventure for visitors to the area. Even on a warm summer day, it is wise to grab a sweatshirt for the ride out as crisp air slaps your face on your way to the island destination.
Noted for its lack of motor vehicles, the island offers appeal to visitors of all ages. Foot travel, biking, and horses provide the main source of travel around the island. Only a few miles in diameter, the island can be biked or hiked easily in a day. Bring your own bike and picnic basket and find numerous out of the way beachfronts to stop and enjoy. Planes land only to drop off guests and supplies that must be transported by horse-drawn wagon to their destinations. Presidents, governors, and other celebreties have frequented the popular Grand Hotel, the resort of choice on the island. Stroll along the streets and enjoy sampling some famous island fudge, or visit the fort rising high atop the bluff overlooking the waters of Lake Huron. An interesting stop in the center of the island is the local cemetery. Only native-born islanders can be buried in this unique resting place.
After a day of island fun, enjoy some pleasurable shopping in the tiny town of Mackinaw City. Settle down for the night in one of the many shoreline motels, or camp in one of the neighboring state parks just minutes away. Be sure to drift out to the water edge and watch a magnificent sunset over the Lake Michigan waters. All in all, the Mackinaw area offers travelers a wonderful place to vacation.
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