The name Mackinaw City is a bit of a misnomer; with a population of just 859 in the 2000 census, it is little more than a village. Positioned at the southern end of the Mackinac Bridge – one of the longest suspension bridges in the world that bridges two of the great lakes at the narrowest point to connect to the Upper Michigan Peninsula – Mackinaw is brimming with cultural delights.
Every year its ranks are swelled by hordes of seasonal workers and travellers who come to relax on the shores of Lake Huron and take in some heritage at Fort Michilimackinac. That fort was abandoned during the American Revolution by the British, who fled to nearby Mackinac Island, just a short distance offshore. Two battles were later fought there and it remains a National Historic landmark, with famed local fudge and a vehicle ban that keeps it beautifully preserved.
Where to stay
Mackinaw City is great for budget, family establishments but there is a paucity of top class hotels. That said, the rooms Mackinaw Beach-Bay are spacious, clean and provide for all of your likely needs, while the Clarion Hotel is probably the best of the rest.
Where to eat
Restaurants in Mackinaw City tend to be family-oriented and specialise in seafood dishes. Audie’s restaurant is one of the best, with some great wild game selections on top of more standard fare, while Key Hole Bar combines a great pub atmosphere with a good local menu.
What to see
Fort Michilimackinac was reconstructed during the late 1950s and is a great place to explore the rich history of this site. Mackinac Island is a vehicle-free National Historic Landmark famous for its fudge and a great place to escape for a day or two.
