Where is Mackinac Bridge, Mackinaw City, Michigan?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

Mackinac Bridge is located in Michigan, USA. It lies between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas and is situated over the Straits of Mackinac. It is famous for being a very long suspension bridge connecting two parts of the state.

Mackinac Bridge Location Map, Mackinaw City, Michigan

Top Attractions Inside Mackinac Bridge

  • Bridge Walks & Overlooks – Scenic pedestrian viewpoints offering panoramic views of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.
  • Mackinac Bridge Authority Visitor Center – Exhibits on the bridge’s history, construction, and engineering feats.
  • Photography Spots – Designated areas for capturing the bridge’s impressive span and surrounding waters.
  • Lake Views – Breathtaking vistas of the Straits of Mackinac connecting the Upper and Lower Peninsulas.
  • Driving Across the Bridge – Unique experience of crossing one of the longest suspension bridges in the world.
  • Observation Platforms – Elevated areas for viewing ships passing beneath and the surrounding landscape.

Mackinac Bridge Facts

Official NameMackinac Bridge
LocationMackinaw City, Emmet & Mackinac Counties, Michigan, USA
Latitude & Longitude45.8175° N, 84.7278° W (approx.)
Total Length26,372 ft (5 miles / 8 km); Longest suspension span: 3,800 ft (1,158 m)
OpenedNovember 1, 1957
FounderState of Michigan / Mackinac Bridge Authority
Managed ByMackinac Bridge Authority
RegionStraits of Mackinac / Northern Michigan
AddressMackinac Bridge Authority, 5804 Mackinac Trl, Mackinaw City, MI 49701, USA
Zip Code49701
Area Code231
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneEastern Time (ET) – UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptSuspension Bridge, Engineering Landmark, Scenic Waterway Crossing
Sections (Areas)North Approach - Suspension Span - South Approach - Observation / Rest Areas - Toll Plazas
Famous AttractionsMackinac Bridge Observation Points - Scenic Views of Lake Huron & Lake Michigan - Toll Plaza Exhibits
Annual VisitorsApprox. 1–2 million (vehicles crossing annually)
Entry Fee TypePaid Vehicle Toll
Ticket Price RangeCars: ~$4–$5 one way; Motorcycles / Trucks: ~$3–$7 depending on type
Ticket OptionsVehicle Toll Pass - Pedestrian / Bicycle Access (special events only) - Guided Bridge Tours (seasonal)
Best Time to VisitMay–October (mild weather, clear lake views)
Nearby AirportCherry Capital Airport (TVC, Traverse City, MI) – ~95 miles (153 km)
TransportationCar / Truck / Bus access via I-75 - Pedestrian / Bicycle access during special events - Scenic viewpoints along US-23
Official Websitehttps://www.mackinacbridge.org

Distances from Mackinac Bridge to Nearby Landmarks

  • Mackinaw City – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • St. Ignace – 7 km (4.3 mi)
  • Mackinac Island Ferry – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Mackinac Island – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Fort Michilimackinac State Park – 4 km (2.5 mi)
  • Colonial Michilimackinac – 4 km (2.5 mi)
  • Mackinaw Crossings – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Arch Rock – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Bridge View Park – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Straits State Park – 7 km (4.3 mi)
  • Mackinac Bridge Authority – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
  • Headlands International Dark Sky Park – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Mackinac State Historic Parks – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Mackinaw City Marina – 4 km (2.5 mi)
  • Castle Rock – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Lake Huron Shoreline – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Lake Michigan Shoreline – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Mackinac Island Airport – 7 km (4.3 mi)
  • Historic Downtown St. Ignace – 7 km (4.3 mi)