Sailing under the Mackinac Bridge. I never thought I’d get to say that! Northern Michigan is one of the most underrated locations, not only the U.S. but the world. Surrounded by Lake Michigan to the west and Lake Huron to the east, those teal waters bring a pure sense of tranquility to this area, all connected
Located at the tippy top of the mitten are the Straits of Mackinac characterized by the third largest suspension bridge in the world. I had the pleasure of driving over and sailing under the Mackinac Bridge on my recent trip to Michigan and it was definitely a moment to remember.
About the Mackinac Bridge
The Mackinac (Mac-ki-naw) Bridge is located in northern Michigan via I-75, connecting the Lower and Upper Peninsula from Mackinaw City to the south and St. Ignace to the north.
As the longest suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere at 26,372 feet long, the Mackinac Bridge has stood in the Straits since its opening in 1957. At that time it was the longest suspension bridge in the world and, at 200 feet above the water, any ship can sail under the bridge with ease.
Before the Mackinac Bridge was built, a floating tunnel was proposed as a way to connect the Straits. Commissioners attempted to obtain loans in the 1930s to build it but it wasn’t until 20 years later in the early 1950s that they received $85 million in grants and funds to finance it. At that time it was decided that gas and license plate taxes would go towards the maintenance of the bridge, estimated to cost $417,000 annually.
There’s a toll for driving across the Mackinac Bridge and you can check the current fares here.
Buying Tickets to Sail Under the Mackinac Bridge
Since I grew up about 5 hours from Mackinaw, I’ve driven over the Bridge multiple times in my life. This trip was the first time I got the opportunity to sail beneath it.
We purchased ferry tickets online with Shepler’s Ferry as our means to get to Mackinac Island from St. Ignace. As an added bonus at no cost, different departure ferries take a “Mighty Mac” detour on the way to the Island, looping around under the Mackinac Bridge.
Check this page for current schedule times and click here to purchase your ferry tickets with Shepler’s.
Note: Although I prefer Shepler’s Ferry because it’s family-owned and has been operating here since the 1940s, there is another ferry company that operates from Mackinaw City and St. Ignace. Star Line also offers a ferry tour under the Bridge at different times. You can check their rates here and their ferry schedule here.
Setting Sail Towards the Mackinac Bridge
We arrive at the ferry port in St. Ignace about 15 minutes before the 9:30 AM departure. Walking up to the striped white and blue tent, our mobile tickets are scanned by a worker, We queue up in line behind the rest of the folks waiting for the ride.
The ferry, returning from Mackinac Island, pulls up at the dock and passengers depart the boat.
Boarding the Ferry
We all pile on to the boat, most of the group taking the bottom part of the ferry. The entire ride is about 25 minutes so we decide to wait for the top deck until later. Within the first 10 minutes of the ride, people retreat from the top to the bottom because they’re too cold. We take this as our chance to snag some seats on the top deck.
Reaching the Mackinac Bridge
As we approach the monstrous structure I take the opportunity to snap as many pictures as possible. Shooting from every angle is definitely not easy in that wicked wind at a chilly 40 degrees!
The ferry loops under the Bridge, making me feel like a tiny minnow in a great big ocean. Sailing underneath this massive suspension bridge with its otherworldly trusses makes you appreciate this engineering masterpiece.
Having an ability to withstand ice and 120 MPH winds, the bridge is just as strong as it is beautiful.
Soaking in the sights and the stunning serenity of Northern Michigan, we continue back on our route towards Mackinac Island. I spent the rest of the boat ride staring back at the Mackinac Bridge, watching it become smaller and smaller then disappear into the distance.
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Seems like you definitely needed to do this after living so close all these years! What a fun experience being on the water- even if it was freezing!! 🙂
It was so long overdue for me to revisit Mackinac and to experience this! I guess traveling around where you’re from can be a good thing! 🙂