My parents instilled a love of the beautiful Straits of Mackinac area in me at a young age. I’ve lost count of how many times we camped in the place where Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas meet. Every year we marveled at the sight of the Great Lakes and the five-mile-long Mackinac Bridge. Over the years, I’ve explored nearly every inch of Mackinaw City and St. Ignace on either side. These are five of the most overlooked spots I’ve found.
Mackinac Bridge lookout – St. Ignace
One of the best places to get a head-on view of the towering Mackinac Bridge is in Straits State Park. It’s easy to miss because it’s tucked along the park’s main hiking trail. Follow the main drive past the dump station and first section of sites. There is a small parking area near the trailhead. From there, it’s a short, level walk to a beautiful, south-facing head-on view of the Mighty Mac.
McGulpin Point Lighthouse and Rock – Mackinaw City
McGulpin Point Lighthouse and Historic Site has a rocky beach that’s an ideal spot for beachcombing and hunting Petoskey stones. Even during the busiest parts of summer, there are rarely more than a few people here. The views of the Mackinac Bridge are also hard to beat. A short trail leads from the lighthouse to the water. The trail also serves as an impromptu history lesson, with informational panels detailing the lives of Mackinaw’s early settlers and Native Americans.
Sugar Loaf – Mackinac Island
Sugar Loaf is an impressive 75-foot limestone stack hidden in Mackinac Island’s interior. It’s easily missed because it’s far from the fudge shops and horse carriages on the main drag. The easiest way to get there is to take Rifle Range Road west from Arch Rock to Sugar Loaf Road. It’s called a road, but it’s more of a packed trail. Either way, it’s an easy hike or mountain bike ride. The journey there can be especially scenic in fall. A steep set of stairs near Point Lookout leads down toward Sugar Loaf. It’s a tough climb, but the view is worth it.
French Farm Lake – Mackinaw City
French Farm Lake offers a peaceful reprieve from the tourist crowds in town. It’s also a good place for hiking, with a section of the North Country Trail running along the lake. The trail is mostly flat, with a few hills near the lake and puncheon walkways over wet areas. The lake is ideal for kayaking. This is one of the few lakes in the area that’s undeveloped. There is nothing but natural shoreline and wildlife to enjoy during a quiet paddle. Camping in the area is rustic and, in my experience, much quieter than most Mackinac-area campgrounds.
Cave of the Woods and Crack-in-the-Island – Mackinac Island
Two more overlooked limestone features hide in Mackinac Island’s interior: Cave of the Woods and Crack-in-the-Island. Cave of the Woods isn’t deep, but it’s a cool feature kids will enjoy exploring. Nearby is Crack-in-the-Island, a narrow fissure in the limestone that cuts through the forest. A short trail off State Road near the airport leads to both, with signs marking the way. The trail is rocky and better suited for hiking than biking.