Mackinac Bridge 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.
Dixie Saloon, formerly known as the Dixie Tavern
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. My favorites include the Chippewa Room at Audie's Restaurant and the Key Hole Bar (if you don't mind tobacco smoke). Even the Big Boy does a pretty good job.

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

 '09 Mackinaw City winter trip report

Mackinac Island winter trip report

Keith's other trips
 

Mackinac Bridge Home Page Mackinac Bridge

Mackinac Island pictures Mackinaw Island

Straits of Mackinac Lighthouses Straits Lighthouses
 

 
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. Great Lakes Air has 5 scheduled flights each day, for $48 round trip.


St. Anne's Church on Mackinac Island

There are several winter events such as Winterfest and the Mackinaw Mush Sled Dog Race 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 in winter.
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.

Mackinaw City Central Avenue
Central Avenue is closed to snowmobiles, but businesses can be easily accessed from the alleys behind them.

Copyright 1997-2009 by Keith Stokes. These photos may not be reproduced without written permission.