The first Mackinac Bridge Walk was during the Bridge's Dedication Ceremony in June, 1958 and only 68 people walked across the Mackinac Bridge that year. The walk has been held on Labor Day every year since 1959. Most years, the Michigan Governor leads off the start of the Bridge Walk and President George H. W. Bush led the walk in 1992. 26,000 people walked the Mackinac Bridge in 2022. The sun is rising over Mackinac Island as walkers ascend the Mackinac Bridge

Mackinac Bridge Building the Bridge 50th Anniversary of opening the bridge Windy Straits Mackinac lighthouses

The 2023 Mackinac Bridge Walk is on. At this time no changes have been announced to the walk for 2023. This page will be updated if changes are announced. For the present time, this is the best information of what to expect this year.

People may begin to walk anytime between 7 AM and 11:30 AM, and walk as much of the bridge as they are able to do before the bridge reopens to traffic at noon.

Since 2018, walkers may start their Mackinac Bridge Walk from either end of the Mighty Mac and there are no busses traveling across the bridge during the walk.

The new rules mean that even though the walk ends at noon, people can walk at least a little of the bridge, as long as they arrive before 11:30 AM. Some people start at 7 AM and walk all the way across the Mackinac Bridge and back to where they started (10 miles). They call themselves "Double Crossers" and many buy "Double Crosser" T-shirts.

Many people walk all the way across one way, either having arranged to get to the far side of the bridge before the walk, returning by way of Mackinac Island, or returning after the bridge reopened to traffic. Other people walk part way across (perhaps the middle) and back. If new options are announced, they will be added to this page.

Walkers wishing to walk all the way across the Mackinac Bridge must reach the midpoint by 10 AM. The same applies to walkers walking all the way across and back again. Starting at 10 AM, the turn around point starts moving from the center toward each end, so that people have time to return to the end they started from. No one can begin their walk after 11:30 AM.

People who have never walked the bridge because of physical limitations, or fears of the highest suspended middle, are finally able to experience being on the bridge. Some may only go a few hundred yards, while others walk a mile or more, knowing they can turn around before reaching their limit.

Mackinac Bridge walkers park on the streets near the foot of the Mackinac Bridge in Mackinaw City, or park in downtown St. Ignace, much farther away. There is very little parking next the Mackinac Bridge on the north side. Their is no shuttle in St. Ignace in 2022.

To manage the thousands of people who walk the bridge, the following are NOT permitted: smoking, signs, banners, umbrellas, bicycles, roller skates, skateboards, wagons and other similar devices. Baby strollers and wheelchairs are allowed on the bridge during the walk. The ONLY animals permitted are working service dogs.

There are no rest rooms on the bridge, but there are huge banks of portable toilets at both ends. Although the walk can be completed in about an hour, the typical walk all the way across, or to the half way point and back, will take about 90 minutes to 2 hours. No running or jogging is permitted.

For many years, there was a walking race at the beginning of the Mackinac Bridge Walk. Competitors were required to walk heal to toe and running or jogging could result in a disqualification. The mightymac.org Webmaster competed in the walking race in 1967 at age 13 and finished 5th in his age group with a time of about 56 minutes.

More recently, there is a Labor Day Run for runners and wheeling athletes which begins from the north end of the Mackinac Bridge at 6:40 AM. Athletes must be able to complete each mile in 12 minute pace or less. Registration for the 2023 walk opens on January 1 at 11 AM.  Registration for the Labor Day Bridge Run. 

The Labor Day Bridge Run is limited to the first 700 people to register. Registration includes a technical tee shirt, finisher medal, finish line photos and a custom bib. The organizers no longer provide transportation over the Mackinac Bridge.

PRIVATE TRAFFIC: From 6:30 AM - Noon, Northbound I-75 traffic will be stopped at Exit 337 on the south end of the bridge; southbound US-2 and I-75 traffic will be stopped at Exit 344 on the north side. Mackinac Bridge Authority mechanics will patrolled to assist motorists with vehicle problems.

There is no charge to walk the Mackinac Bridge.

Walkers may start walking beginning at 7 AM. Buses will start picking up those who have not completed the walk, working out from the center of the bridge, as noon approaches.

Walk only. No running, jogging, etc.

Only official vehicles will be permitted on the Mackinac Bridge between 6:30 AM and Noon. No private traffic!

Baby strollers and wheelchairs are allowed on the bridge during the walk.

Only working service animals are permitted. No other animals are allowed 

There are no rest rooms on the Mackinac Bridge. There are portable toilets at both ends of the bridge and at the shuttle loading area.

Bags may be inspected.

NOT PERMITTED: smoking, signs, banners, umbrellas, bicycles, roller skates, skateboards, wagons & similar devices.

You will receive a numbered Mackinac Bridge Walk certificate at the completion of the walk at either end. The number on your certificate may match a prize winning number on display in store windows in Mackinaw City or St. Ignace on the day of event.

Wear layers. It may be cold at the start of the walk, but much warmer before you finish.

People walking all the way across the Mackinac Bridge must reach the midway point by 10 AM, or they will be turned back to the end they started from.

Those who need reasonable accommodations due to disability may contact the Mackinac Bridge Authority at (906) 643-7600. TTY users may call the Michigan Relay Center at (800) 649-3777.
 

Sign Up for Bridge Walk Text updates Details of how to sign up for text updates will be provided in advance of the 2021 bridge walk.

Mackinaw City Bridge Walk South Start

St. Ignace Bridge Walk North Start

copyright 1959-2023 by Keith Stokes. These Mackinac Bridge photos may not be reproduced without written permission. My home page