Mackinaw
City, Michigan offers a different pace in winter. Most stores close when
the regular ferries stop running to Mackinac Island in the late fall, but
a few businesses stay open year around. During the winter, most streets
are opened to snowmobiles and there are many interesting routes out ot
town. Cross Country skiers will find fun trails at the west end of town
and nearby Wilderness State Park.
The Dixie Saloon is located
at the northern terminus of the US-23, the Dixie Highway. is only one of
about 8 Mackinaw City restaurants that stay open through the winter months.
My
favorite Mackinaw City restaurants in winter are the Chippewa Room
at Audie's Restaurant, Key Hole Bar & Grill, White Buffalo Bar
Restaurant and Hunts Mackinaw Pastie & Cookie Co. The Chippewa
Room offers a different menu than Audie's main restaurant and fine dinning.
We give the Key Hole a strong recommendation for the fish or burgers.
Winter ferry forcing its way through
the icy
Straits of Mackinac in late December.
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'09 Mackinaw City winter trip report
Mackinac Island winter trip report
Keith's
other trips
Mackinac Bridge
Winter Lighthouse Flight
Straits Lighthouses
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But you may still visit
Mackinac Island after the regular ferries stop running. Star Line offers
limited scheduled ferry service until the ice stops them from running (usually
sometime in early in mid January). From then until spring, you can fly
to Mackinac Island from the Mackinac County Airport in St. Ignace.
When
the ferry is unable to run Fresh
Air Aviation has flights to Mackinac Island between 8AM and 5PM,
for $83 round trip.
St. Anne's Church on Mackinac Island
There are several winter
events such as Winterfest on select winter weekends. Contact the
Mackinaw Area Tourist Bureau at
http://www.mackinawcity.com/
for details.
Old
Mackinac Point Lighthouse at the foot of the Mackinac Bridge
Old United States Coast Guard Cutter
Mackinac is permanently moored in Mackinaw City and open for tours
during the summer months.
Snowmobiles can travel on most of the streets in Mackinaw
City and can easily reach any of the businesses, but may not run on state
highways.
Groomed snowmobile trail leading
from Mackinaw City to Cheboygan, 15 miles away.
Central Avenue is closed to snowmobiles,
but businesses can be easily accessed from the alleys behind them.
Looking for a place to stay in Mackinaw City in the winter?
Most of the motels close, but a few stay open. For good customer service
and nice rooms at a reasonable price, I recommend the Holiday Inn Express.
Or treat yourself to something special and book a room at the Deer Head
Lodge Bed & Breakfast.
Copyright 1997-2023
by Keith Stokes.
These
photos may not be reproduced without written permission. |
