Mackinaw City in winter

Mackinaw City in Winter
Mckinaw City and the Mackinac Bridge on a winter night.

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 10 Mackinaw City restaurants that stay open through the winter months.

Arnold Transit ferry forcing its way through the icy
Straits of Mackinac in late December.

Mackinac Island in Winter

But you may still visit Mackinac Island after the regular ferries stop running. Arnold Transit 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. There are 5 scheduled flights each day, for $44 round trip.

St. Anne's Church on Mackinac Island

There are several winter festivals sled dog races, and Fort Michilimackinac open on select winter weekends. Contact the Mackinaw Area Tourist Bureau at http://www.mackinawcity.com/ for details.

New in 2007, Mackinaw Outfitters is a large sporting goods store which stays open year around.

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.

Groomed snowmobile trail leading from Mackinaw City to Cheboygan, 15 miles away.