“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ― Mark Twain
Mackinac Island never goes out of season. But crossing the Mackinac Island ice bridge is next level magic—and an adrenaline rush.
Michigan’s crown jewel is one of those places where time seems to stand still, things move at a slower pace, and it’s hard to imagine people really do everything via horses and bicycles. If you visit Mackinac Island during the winter, it’s an extra special treat because you get to see real island life. And a pure Michigan winter landscape.
I also love the island’s history. After studying abroad in London while earning my master’s degree, I gained an appreciation for how relatively young America is in comparison to countries across the Atlantic. Seeing the British Landing historical marker (and others) is a reminder of the importance of the Straits of Mackinac to the Midwest region.
Mackinac Island ice bridge on “bucket list”
Just as spending seven weeks in London was a “bucket list” experience, so was crossing the ice bridge to Mackinac Island.
My boyfriend turned the big 5-0 in February, and we decided to commemorate the big day with a snowmobile trip to the Upper Peninsula. I bought him gift certificates for one of our favorite getaways in Grand Marais as a Christmas/birthday present. It just so happened the ice bridge to Mackinac Island was in primo condition, so I talked him into to leaving a day early so we could do it.
Ice, ice baby
Some years, the ice bridge never forms. Other years, it’s risky to cross. This year, it was perfect – frozen solid with a nice base of snow and snow covering all of the island. I’m always up for an adventure but also leery of crossing big bodies of frozen water, so I talked to a local about the conditions for extra assurance.
We stayed overnight at the Voyager Inn in St. Ignace — a clean hotel for $50 a night on a Thursday — and unloaded the snowmobiles across from the Mackinac Grille, where we also had a delicious whitefish dinner the night before. This is a spot near the ferry dock parking, and it was fun to see cars buried with a foot of snow on them.
We had a smooth transition onto the ice, hit the throttle, and whizzed past the Christmas trees guiding the way. With blue skies above us and perfect snow-covered ice, the conditions couldn’t get much better. The trip across the ice took less than 20 minutes. I never felt scared, but maybe that’s because the ice felt plenty solid. Thankfully, I didn’t hear creaking or see any cracks as can sometimes happen.
Locals rely on Mackinac Island ice bridge
While locals rely on the Mackinac Island ice bridge to travel to and from the mainland in the winter, most locals seem reluctant to promote the ice bridge to snowmobilers and tourists. The lady who checked us in at the hotel said she would never do it, but then went on to say her mom took off walking across it.
For locals who live on the island, the ice bridge is a lifesaver during the harshest months of winter.
The ferry stops when the ice gets too thick so air travel is the only other way to get on and off the island. The ice bridge is the main thoroughfare to grab groceries, ferry supplies back and forth, or head downstate (or upstate) for a few days. We even saw a fat-tire biker riding across on our return trip.
The ice bridge connects at British Landing, where there is a sign for snowmobiles to pay $5. On busy days, an officer monitors the traffic (we saw him as we departed the island). We started out by riding north around the perimeter of the island and never passed another sled.
Perfect winter day
In town, we met a friendly couple from Traverse City who brought their grandchildren on an experience of a lifetime. Their parents agreed it was worthy of skipping school. They were gracious enough to take a few photos of us with Main Street in the background.
After lunch at The Mustang Lounge, we tried to ride inland to Arch Rock and Fort Holmes but those were closed to snowmobilers. We stopped for a few more photos at a scenic overlook and in front of Grand Hotel. And then, as quickly as we crossed over, we hit the throttle and headed back for St. Ignace to load up for our two-hour drive to Grand Marais.
Mackinac Island still busy in winter
One thing that surprised me was how much construction activity takes place during the off-season. We saw construction at Mission Point, Pink Pony, Grand Hotel, Island House Hotel and other businesses — and horses pulling wagons full of discarded building materials. There are a couple of stores, restaurants and hotels open for tourists and locals who stay year-round.
During the winter, island residents come together for community events, including a winter festival in early February and a St. Patrick’s Day weekend. They enjoy game nights, potlucks, winter activities, and a slower pace. There is also a strong sense of community among the locals and workers who consciously trade the rat race for labor-intensive work and limited amenities.
Always hard to say goodbye
Perhaps it was the adrenaline rush of crossing ice, but I was sad to leave the island on that perfect winter day. Mackinac Island always has a magical quality. I wish we could have lingered a little longer and explored more of the island’s interior.
The Mackinac Island ice bridge held up for more than a month in 2019, until a warm-up had locals spreading the word among snowmobiling groups that it had officially closed. Hopefully, I am fortunate enough to go again someday and stay overnight. As we loaded our sleds for another two-hour drive to the shores of Lake Superior, we met a couple who planned to do just that.
It’s worth the trip, especially if you love a pure Michigan adventure. Crossing the ice bridge was truly a magical experience — and one I won’t soon forget!
Read about some of our other snowmobile adventures: Michigan Snowmobile Trip Takes Us to Mackinac Bridge and Snowmobiling Pictured Rocks Always a Highlight of Winter.
If you’re planning a trip to Mackinac Island, read my blogs on my Top 10 Tips to Save Money: Mackinac Island on a Budget: 10 Tips to Save Money and Mackinac Island on a Budget: 10 Tips to Save Money (Part 2). Or learn why fall is one of our favorite seasons to visit: Mackinac Island in Fall: Enjoy Autumn Splendor, Natural Attractions.
Marla R. Miller is an award-winning journalist and content marketing writer who lives in Norton Shores. Please “like” or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
