In 1715 the European fur traders and settlers established a stockade village on the Straits of Mackinac, a key strategic point at the crossroads of the upper Great Lakes . They called it Michilimackinac – today it is called Mackinaw City . This quaint village offers visitors attractions and activities found nowhere else as well as shopping and entertainment.

There are 4 National Historic sites: Colonial Michilimackinac, Historic Mill Creek, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse and Fort Mackinac . For a place to stay, you can choose a hotel, bed and breakfast, or lakeside resort.

50 years ago traffic began rolling between Michigan 's two peninsulas on the newly completed Mackinac Bridge . This year, from May to November, Mackinaw City will host a series of events to mark the occasion. Whether gazing at the Mackinac Bridge or driving across it, you are making its history a part of yourself and making your own personal history in the process. Visit www.mackinawcity.com for a complete list of 50th Anniversary events.

For watery fun visit the 20-acre Thunder Falls Family Waterpark. For an entertaining shopping, and restaurant complex visit Mackinaw Crossings. Mackinaw City ’s shopping district features over 100 unique shops, restaurants and a free nightly laser light show. New for 2007 is Jim Wehr’s Mackinaw Outfitters.

Be sure to visit the Harbor for a taste of the area’s rich nautical past. There you will find the icebreaker Mackinaw at its new home moored to the historic Railroad Dock. After a long career braving winter’s watery perils, the Mackinaw is now a maritime museum.

Also at the harbor are Mackinaw City ’s three ferry boat lines. Hop on one for transportation to world famous Mackinac Island . There you can travel back in time to a place where horsepower means horses and automobiles are banned.

The Mackinaw Area Visitors Bureau is a great place to start planning your Mackinaw Vacation. Call 800-666-0160 and receive a free 52-page adventure guide. We also have an online central reservations department at www.mackinawcity.com to reserve and show guests where to stay in the regions 2500 plus hotel rooms. The Bureau also offers vacation packages (800-750-0160).