Cruise under the Mackinac Bridge aboard a classic wooden lobster boat while local guides narrate shipwrecks, ferry history, and Native stories of the Straits. This one-hour tour combines close bridge views with regional maritime history.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The boat slips from the MRA dock and the cold air off the Straits of Mackinac pushes at your jacket, the bridge rising ahead like an engineered horizon. Onboard Ugly Anne — an authentic North Atlantic wooden lobster boat — passengers lean the rail to watch the channel narrow and the bridge’s steel ribs frame the sky.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires basic mobility to step on/off a small boat
Wildlife
History
The Mackinac Bridge opened in 1957, replacing a long-running system of car ferries that connected Michigan’s peninsulas and reshaped regional travel.
Conservation
The Straits are a sensitive Great Lakes ecosystem; operators and visitors are encouraged to avoid littering, respect wildlife, and follow guidelines to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Reserve your spot on the Mackinac Bridge History Cruise today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Dress in layers
Wind from the Straits can make temperatures feel much colder; bring a windproof layer even on sunny days.
Non-slip footwear
The wooden deck can be wet and uneven—wear shoes with good traction.
Bring binoculars
Binoculars make it easier to spot eagles, lighthouses, and wreck sites from the boat.
Arrive early for boarding
Tickets are collected at the dock; arrive 20–30 minutes early to secure seating and pick up any printed materials.
Windproof jacket
Blocks sharp Straits winds and adds warmth during cool crossings.
spring
Non-slip shoes
Improves safety on wet wooden decks and when boarding.
Binoculars
Enhances wildlife and lighthouse viewing from a distance.
Camera with polarizing filter
Reduces glare off the water for clearer photos of the bridge and shoreline.
summer