
Mackinaw City © Bobak Ha'Eri
Mackinaw City, situated in Michigan's Cheboygan County at the
top of the state's Lower Peninsula, is linked to the Upper
Peninsula by one of the world's longest suspension bridges. The
city has become Michigan's most popular vacation destination,
offering many historical and cultural attractions and acting as a
gateway to the scenic Upper Peninsula with its hiking trails, state
parks and recreation areas, and sandy beaches.
The city itself has a rich history, having been first settled
after French explorer Jean Nicolet negotiated with the local tribes
in 1634. It became a fur-trading post and later the site of a busy
fort and trading store. By 1882 the settlement had become a
flourishing town; today it is a popular shopping destination, with
many unique stores and restaurants lining its main street, and
boasting more than 50 hotels and holiday resorts. Regular ferry
services connect the city with historic Mackinac Island, just
offshore.
The most popular time to travel to Mackinaw City is during
summer (June to August), when cool breezes from the ocean moderate
the summer heat, making conditions ideal for beach-going and
outdoor activities. The population of this small town swells
enormously during high season, so if you want to avoid the crowds
holiday in Mackinaw City in spring or autumn, when days are mild
and nights cool.