Michigan Bucket List: The Mackinac Bridge Walk
Lindsay Knake
| 3 min read
Once a year on Labor Day, the Mackinac Bridge opens to tens of thousands of people to traverse it by foot.
You can experience the longest suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere in an entirely different way than by car. The bridge, which opened in 1957 and connects Michigan’s two peninsulas, sits as high as 199 feet above the blue waters of Straits of Mackinac.
The Mackinac Bridge Walk started in 1958 with 68 people. Now, as many as 60,000 people flock to Mackinaw City and St. Ignace to walk or run the bridge as the sun rises over Mackinac and Round islands. By tradition, the Michigan governor kicks off the walk at 7 a.m.
The annual Mackinac Bridge Walk and Run are essential Michigan bucket list items, especially if you love heights and the Great Lakes. Learn more about the events, where to park and how to participate.
2025 Annual Mackinac Bridge Walk
Location: South end of the bridge in Mackinaw City and Bridge View Park in St. Ignace
Time and date: 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 1
Bridge closure to traffic: 6:30 a.m. to noon
Cost: Free with no registration required
Website: Mackinac Bridge Authority
There are three options to cross the bridge:
- One-way crossing from either St. Ignace or Mackinaw City. You have to arrange your own transportation back across the bridge once it reopens.
- Double crossing: Walk from either St. Ignace or Mackinaw City and turn around to walk back. This is a 10-mile trip. You must reach the midpoint by 10 a.m.
- Halfway turnaround: Start from either end of the bridge and turn around at the midway point by 10 a.m.
Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run
If you’re interested in running rather than walking, the Michigan Fitness Foundation offers a 4.3-mile run before the walk. The event is not timed or certified for distance and is capped at 700 people. Runners need to be able to run a 12-minute-per-mile pace or faster.
Location: St. Ignace
Time and date: 6:30 a.m. Sept. 1
Cost: $100 registration fee
Website: Michigan Fitness Foundation
Parking and lodging
As tens of thousands come to St. Ignace and Mackinaw City for the walk, getting lodging early is important. Both cities offer hotels and inns, and the Wilderness State Park is available just west of Mackinaw City for those who prefer to camp.
There is no bus transportation across the bridge, so walkers who do a single crossing will need to arrange their own rides once the bridge reopens. Parking is available in St. Ignace on both sides of the bridge. In Mackinaw City, you can park your car on the street or in businesses that allow it and walk to the start of the bridge in town.
Once the bridge reopens at noon, traffic is backed up on I-75 and U.S. Highway 2, and the return trip can take time.
Safety and travel tips:
- You should be physically fit enough to walk 5 miles.
- Bring water, snacks and sunscreen.
- Wear layers as the morning can be cool.
- Stay away from the bridge railings.
- If you are afraid of heights, you may want to skip this event.
- No bikes, skateboards or rollerblades are allowed.
- Check the weather beforehand to prepare for high heat, rain or wind.
Anyone who needs accommodations can contact the Mackinac Bridge Authority at (906) 643-7600 or (800) 649-3777 for TTY users.
Image: Courtesy of Lindsay Knake
Related:
