DESTINATION

Mackinaw City

The city is connected to the Upper Peninsula by way of the Mackinac Bridge. One of the longest suspension spans in the world, it stretches for 5 miles. Opened in 1957, it provided a convenient means of transportation between the two peninsulas. The passenger vehicle toll is $2 per axle or $4 per car. All other vehicles are $5 per axle. Bicycles and snowmobiles are not permitted on the bridge, but transport services are provided. Pedestrians and drivers who prefer not to drive across the bridge may take advantage of this driver assistance program as well. Drivers are available daily 24 hours, and snowmobile transportation is available daily 8-8. A fee is charged for bicyclists ($5), pedestrians ($3.50) and snowmobilers ($15). To request a driver, phone (906) 643-7600 or use the phone located at the south entrance to the bridge; if you're entering from the north, a toll collector can assist. Each Labor Day morning thousands participate in the Mackinac Bridge Walk, from St. Ignace to Mackinaw City. The bridge is closed in both directions from early morning until noon.

The Mackinaw Bridge Museum , above Mama Mia's Pizza at 231 E. Central Ave., honors the workers who helped construct the Mackinac Bridge. Memorabilia, artifacts and photos as well as a film showcase the bridge and its construction. The museum is open May through October; phone (231) 436-5534.

The Headlands (15675 Headlands Rd.) is a 600-acre park with 2 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline along with old-growth forests and 5 miles of trails. One of the most amazing attributes of this area is its dark sky; it has one of the darkest in the world, luring astronomy and stargazing buffs alike. For more information phone (231) 427-1001.

On Memorial Day weekend the Fort Michilimackinac Pageant, a living history event, is held on the grounds of Colonial Michilimackinac.

Visitor Centers

Mackinaw Area Visitors Bureau 10800 US 23 Mackinaw City, MI 49701. Phone:(231)436-5664 or (800)666-0160

Shopping

Mackinaw Crossings, at 248 S. Huron Ave., is a shopping, dining and entertainment complex containing a five-screen movie theater, restaurants, stores, a free nightly laser show, live theater and live entertainment. More than 100 shops line Central Avenue (Main Street).