6-24-16  –  Day 4 of BIG Michigan Trip

Our day in Mackinaw City would not be complete without a visit to the Mackinaw Bridge Museum to learn more about this important connection between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan.  It is open spring through fall, closes in winter.  Residents and visitors alike love their bridge and are not shy about showing it.  Our first view of the bridge as we approached Mackinaw City sparked the same reaction in us.  The bridge celebrates its 60th birthday in 2017.

The agency charged with the upkeep of the bridge and safety of people crossing is the Mackinac Bridge Authority.  They have offices in both St. Ignace and Mackinaw City.

There is a $4.00 toll payable on the St. Ignace side, which helps pay for maintenance and professional drivers. They drive people across the bridge in bad conditions or if you have a fear of bridges.  Tune your radio to 530 or 1610 AM to hear a broadcast on bridge conditions.  If there are good conditions, you hear a welcoming message to the Upper Peninsula (U.P.).

Enjoy this view of the bridge from  Michilimackinac State Park and hear the broadcast, a 4 min-33 sec. looped message.  A bonus, the freighter Joseph L. Block  goes under the bridge!

This bridge is beautiful, day and night.

Let’s go inside now and take a look at the exhibits.  On the ceiling are hard hats worn by the iron workers.

Five men died in the building of this bridge and their sacrifice will be honored for all time. May they rest in peace.

Some of the other exhibits in the room.

It looks like Santa has another job when he is not delivering gifts.

The museum also had a theater showing a documentary about the Mackinac bridge, a different film was on a TV in the other room.

It turns out both films were for sale, get both for $30 downstairs at Mama Mia’s order counter to watch at home.

We highly recommend coming here to learn more about the Mighty Mac.  Admission is free but donations are encouraged or buy a souvenir.