Dan R.

"Ain't lookin' for nothin', just wanna live Me and the brothers under the bridge" (Bruce Springsteen) Sit down, pal and let me ask you a simple question. When was the last time you were driving on a highway, came up to a toll booth, and had to reach into your wallet and take out some green to pay a toll? Well, since we have E-Z Pass on our cars, I don't think I've ever had to go into my wallet for a toll in 30 years. Quick research just told me that a handful of states are not part of the E-ZPass network because they have their own toll collection systems. Which explains why when an out-of-stater-with-an-EZ Pass (like me) comes up to the tollbooth on the Mackinac Bridge, you'd better have 4 bucks or a credit card ready, because Michigan does not accept toll payments through EZ Pass. They have their own system named "MacPass". So that finally gets to the bridge itself, and it's quite a bridge. It's the longest suspension bridge in the western hemisphere. Its also the seventh-longest suspension bridge in the whole freakin' world. The five mile long "Mighty Mac" connects Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas. It spans the Straits of Mackinac, which are sort of the meeting point between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Certainly, a cool bridge, whether you have EZ Pass, MacPass, a credit card or cash.

Bruce K.

I have no idea why I always wanted to drive over this bridge. I have driven over countless others. It is my 200th in my bridges collection https://www.yelp.com/collection/cbr-WfxuvzL7aOVKXKhyMA/Bridges and is a highlight. "Big Mack" is a beautiful bridge, the world's 27th longest main span and the third longest in the USA (after the Verrazzano-Narrows https://www.yelp.com/biz/verrazzano-narrows-bridge-staten-island?hrid=67vBSxyPQsuP7FDQrptq5A in New York and the Golden Gate https://www.yelp.com/biz/golden-gate-bridge-san-francisco?hrid=aZMzyE1ENUyMwpRa-YMXhA in San Francisco. The next longest is the George Washington Bridge in New York https://www.yelp.com/biz/george-washington-bridge-new-york?hrid=KLJKXMe1r4UK6qHJ9EVlkg. The Mackinac (pronounced "mack-in-AW") bridge opened to traffic in 1957 and replaces what was a very busy ferry system that transported 900,000 vehicles that final year of operation. It connects Michigan's Upper Peninsula with the Lower Peninsula, carrying Interstate 75 over the narrows between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. It was remarkable to drive it in a sprinter van. The bridge is 200 feet above the lake and super windy. I got hit by some pretty significant crosswinds. I was down to 30 mph to avoid getting blown into the next lane! There is no pedestrian walkway or breakdown lane on the bridge. The view is amazing and the bridge is incredible. $4 ($2 per axle) is not a terrible toll for such a crossing. The bridge is operated by the Mackinaw Bridge Authority https://www.yelp.com/biz/mackinac-bridge-authority-saint-ignace?hrid=5Wi3hz8bttKeaPVj8RXeeg and they have a "MacPass" transponder for frequent travelers. [Review 17932 overall - 335 in Michigan - 1453 of 2022.]

Nicole E.

A simple, yet important bridge from the UP to the rest of us down here. It is still part of of our great state, but feels like a whole other world. It's a 4 lane road to cross. I see why everyone rides in the right lane. The left lane is a metal grated road and sounds like a dinosaur dying a slow and painful death as we cross. It's a quick ride across.

Renee N.

Since I am on a Michigan roll with my reviews today, I have to include this epic bridge. I have been lucky enough to cross it four times altogether and each trip was a treat. This bridge is huge and is the 24th longest suspension bridge in the world, and the third largest suspension bridge in North America. It is five miles long and remains one of the longest bridges of its kind. You can see for miles as you cross over and this bridge connects upper and lower Michigan. Just another beautiful icon of Pure Michigan!

Karen N.

Have you crossed this Massive Magnificent bridge yet with a nickname called the Mighty Mac ? If no what are you waiting for? Add it to your travel "Bucket List!" It is a Marvel of Metal construction with a breathtaking, don't hold your breath atmosphere. Just cross it on a sunny day with calm winds of course. :) I have posted photos and videos of my current visit near the bridge. We didn't drive across it since our time was only in Mackinaw City which was 2 days on October 21-22. In my lifetime of Michigan travel, I counted 12 times in driving on this Mighty Mac. The photos show how rough the water and waves were due to a wind advisory and also a "slow speed" advisory which stopped semi trucks to travel across for hours. I have crossed this bridge a dozen times in my past years when on vacation before I was a Yelper and Helper. So here's my current review. If one is nervous to drive over this bridge, there are "Escort Drivers" who will help you drive across from one side to the other. I have never had to request an escort since my tip when driving across is to not drive on the green grid which can be noisy and it causes vibration on a vehicle's tires. Therefore dare and enjoy the view if one is a passenger to look to the right of the beautiful waters and catch a freighter passing by or those speedy shuttle ferry boats from Mackinaw City driving passengers to the Mackinaw Island. If a driver decides to measure the mileage to cross, it is 5 miles long or 26,444 ft.) to drive across from end to end. The bridge has Live Web Cams that update every minute to see weather conditions as well year round. ( I guess pending winter weather too). Bridge Information: Length: 26,372 Feet Water Underneath: 230 Feet Midspan Clearance: 155 Feet above water Height Of Main Towers: 552 Feet " " Construction started on May 7, 1954 (not near my DOB) Completion & Opened: 1957 This magnificent bridge connects from Lower to Upper Peninsulas for the State of Michigan. Diameter of wire: 0.196 inches each Each Cable Diameter: 24.5 inches total Total Length of Wire in Main Cables: 42,000 Miles .... WOW Weight of Cables: 11,840 Tons It is the world's 22nd Longest and most Beautiful Bridge. There is a toll fee to cross the bridge as well which funds the maintenance of it throughout the year. Make it a yearly seasonal cruise over! Or Labor Day walk? I highly recommend to stop in for a delicious pizza at "Mama Mia's" on 231 E. Central Ave. in Mackinaw City, MI. ....then afterwards walk off your meal upstairs in the "Mackinaw History Museum" about the making of the Mighty Mackinaw Bridge. The history facts are shown, plus tv stories playing as well explaining the construction are of learning. The areas and walls of employee names, tools, materials, and equipment items used in the making of the bridge are awestruck and wonderful. It is worth an hour visit for all vacation travelers to see, read and honor! The Mackinaw Bridge Phone Number for information is: (906) 643-7600.

Sue B.

Cool bridge! Very high and slightly terrifying if you're afraid of heights . Impressive to view from a distance or up close.

Misty S.

$4 toll Nice bridge. Don't know how else I would get to the other side without having to go around the entire state. ....| \ _ , , , - - , , _ , .../ , ` . - ' ` ' . _ \ - ; ; ; , _ ..| , a - ) ) _ . ; . ( ` - ` - ' - ' ' - - - ' ' ( _ / . _ ) - ' ( _ \ _ ) 2019

Deb M.

Being born and raised in Michigan I admit I'm guilty of taking this wonderful bridge for granted. But it really is impressive and flat out awesome. I was blessed enough to walk across it a few years ago on Labor Day and my appreciation really grew. What a beautiful sight walking across it as the sun rose. A recent trip to the UP gave me a chance to photograph it from many different parks and look outs in Mackinaw City and St Ignace, even from underneath.

Chuck L.

Amazing Amazing.... I heard it's larger than the Golden Gate Bridge in SanFrancisco. Beautiful drive across the Straits of Mackinaw. Views of the islands, ferry's and occasional freighters on the water are amazing.

Rhonda W.

What a huge bridge... this has special meaning because we have a relative who helped build it and was very proud of that. The day we crossed it .. it was a gorgeous day. I hear in bad weather it's pretty scary. I think it was 4 dollars to cross ... we only did it once as we went back through Wisconsin. I gather you can pay someone to drive your car across because lots of people are terrified by big bridges. This was the year of big bridges for us .. besides the Mac we did the new suspension one in Gatlinburg you walk across and the suspension bridge over a gorge in Colorado..Royal gorge. My 87 yr old mom came here before the bridge when everyone crossed by ferry. I hope I can bring here back here to see this.

Scott M.

We have been across the bridge on 2 trips to Northern Michigan. The Bridge is just a beautiful site. We camped at a state park on UP side. You can hear the cars coming across all night.(Metal grating & the tires sing going across) Love Northern Michigan in the heat of the summer, When it's pit dripping hot in the south, It's so refreshing to get away from the humidity.

Christine B.

The mighty mac is truly a Michigan masterpiece. I am always inspired by the structure and size of it. I always take so many pics whether traveling across or walking around in the nearby park.

Vaishnavi S.

Such an architectural marvel this! We did a drive back and forth during our recent vacation to the area and Mackinac Bridge was most certainly a highlight. A MASSIVE suspension bridge, this one is 5 miles long with Lake Michigan on one side and Lake Huron on the other. Water views combined with some of the best Engineering / Construction make this one helluva drive. The bridge itself is 552 ft tall which is equivalent to 50+ floors. Few additional pieces of info : A one way drive across the bridge for a car costs $4 which I didn't mind one bit. Also make sure you stop by Bridge View Park in the St.Ignace side for some long shot, breath taking bridge views. A must see in this part of Michigan!