Mackinaw City FAQs

Below are some helpful answers for visitors to Mackinaw City.

Q. What Mackinac State Historic Parks sites are located on the mainland, and how do I get to them?
A. There are three sites in Mackinaw City: Colonial Michilmackinac(downtown Mackinaw City; take exit 339 to the southern end of the Mackinac Bridge), Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse (just east of the Colonial Michilimackinac Visitor's Center), and Historic Mill Creek (three miles southeast of Mackinaw City, on US-23).

Q. What are the hours of operation and admission for these sites?
A. Colonial Michilimackinac admission rates and hours
     Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse admission rates and hours
     Historic Mill Creek admission rates and hours

Q. How many days do I have to use a Triple Choice Ticket?
A. Seven days from date of purchase.

Q. Is there a senior discount?
A. Yes. Visitors who are 65 or older may purchase adult tickets at 50 cents off the regular price. This discount is not available with any other discounts or special offers.

Q. Can you send me a brochure on the parks?
A. Yes. Call us at 231-436-4100 or fax us 231-436-4210 or email us at mackinacparks@michigan.gov

Q. How do I get to the island?
A. Three ferry boat services offer fast, comfortable transportation to the island from either Mackinaw City or St. Ignace:
* Arnold Transit Co.
* Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry
* Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry

The island is also served by an airport.

Q. Is the mainland accessible to disabled guests?
A. Yes. A Guide to Access for guests with disabilities may be obtained in advance of a visit or on site. For details, contact Curator of Education Katie Cederholm at 231-436-4100 or e-mail her at cederhok@michigan.gov

Q. How can I contact the Department of Natural Resources for Straits area information relating to gaming permits, docking my boat, etc?
A. The DNR information number is 800-44-PARKS or 517-373-1214.

Q. Can I get married in Mackinaw City?
A. Yes. Mackinac State Historic Parks hosts weddings at Colonial Michilimackinac, Historic Mill Creek, and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse as well as several Mackinac Island locations. See our weddings page. Call MSHP Wedding Contact Bruce Lynn at 517-373-4289 (October-April) or 906-847-3328 (May-September) or email him at lynnbe@michigan.gov for location and date/time availability.

Q. How can I obtain information about groups, group rates, etc?
A. Contact Group Coordinator Bruce Lynn at 517-373-4289 (October-April) or 906-847-3328 (May-September) or email him at lynnbe@michigan.gov

Q. How can I find information on hotels, restaurants, etc. for Mackinaw City?
A. Call the Mackinac Area Visitors Bureau at 800-666-0160 or visit Mackinaw Area Visitors Bureau

Q. How can I find information on hotels, restaurants, etc. for St. Ignace?
A. Call the St. Ignace Visitors Bureau at 800-338-6660 or visit St. Ignace Visitors Bureau