Mackinaw City has a special charm of its own - not to mention many things to do too! Stroll down Huron Street by the Mackinaw City Marina, and you will be sure to see many beautiful boats along the downtown shoreline. View the Straits of Mackinaw from a new perspective by parasailing at the #1 boat slip, or enjoy the sounds of summer by various artists performing at Conkling Heritage Park on the waterfront.Shopping is abundant too, among the many stores in the Mackinaw Crossings Mall and down the historical Central Avenue. Entertainment comes in many forms, including an outside amphitheatre, a five-screen cinema theater, and a nightly laser light music show.

Be sure to gain a historical perspective of the area by touring with the Mackinaw Trolley Company, witness the 1770's Frontier Village enactment at Colonial Michilimackinac, or visit the downtown Mackinaw Bridge Museum. Don't forget to wander through Historic Mill Creek sawmill where you can help cut logs in the sawpit, step into a water-powered mill, see a sawyer cut logs into lumber, and meet a woodworker building an 1820s log cabin.

Don't forget to take the 1 ˝ mile walk along the shore of Lake Huron, by day or by night, to experience over 300 years of history noted by historical markers and sculptures. Stop at the "tip of the mitten" to visit the Old Mackinaw Point Lighthouse, and gaze in awe atone of the country's most spectacular sites, the Mackinaw Bridge. So much to do - Mackinaw City is where history and hospitality meet!

Just a short drive over the historical Mackinaw Bridge, and you will find yourself in the wilderness of the Upper Peninsula - more commonly referred to as the UP ("you-pea"). Due northeast on I-75 is the Soo Locks at Sault Ste Marie, where you can witness the two longest locks in the world as part of this National Historic Site.

Plan a day for the Agawa Canyon train ride or the a romantic evening on the Soo Locks Sunset dinner cruise. Venture to "Paradise", where you can see the famed upper Tahquamenon Falls picturesquely located on the shore of Lake Superior's Whitefish Bay.

Scope out the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, where you can experience the griping tales of ships and men who have braved Lake Superior's cold deep waters and raging storms - including the Edmund Fitzgerald. Or travel north a bit more to witness an awe-inspiring, natural phenomena on a cruise through the world-famous Pictured Rocks along the south shore of Lake Superior. Don't forget to stop on your way back at the Kewadin Casino in St. Ignace to try your luck at the slots or the Blackjack table!

Jump on a ferry boat for a visit to the legendary Mackinac Island. No need to worry about gas prices here - just be sure to bring your bikes for a spin around the island alongside the many horse-led carriages. Take the carriage tour to see the many sites and hear a historical perspective on the island and its residents. Among the most popular places to see are the governor's summer mansion and Fort Mackinac, where you can lunch casually in the Fort Mackinac Tea Room. Visit many of the vintage churches and homes, and even venture "somewhere in time" at the legendary Grand Hotel! Rumor has it, you might even find a fudge shop on the island too!

Northern Michigan has much to offer on its Lake Michigan shoreline, including fabulous site-seeing among towns that hug its many bays. Take a leisurely drive down M-119 through the "tunnel of trees", and you will soon find yourself in the historical town of Harbor Springs. Be sure to take in all the views, including the vintage homes and bayside views of Little Traverse Bay. If you don't stop for unique shopping there, venture south to US-31 into the town of Petoskey. You will be greeted by a charming downtown gaslight village that hosts many restaurants, coffee shops, bookstores, and superb shopping. Wander on foot through the downtown marina to gaze at many sailboats and yachts, or continue on US-31 to Charlevoix where the downtown is embraced by the local marina. Be sure to take a slow drive through the Bay Harbor village, however, and witness the newest development of luxury living in Northern Michigan. Whether you fancy the new construction of Bay Harbor or the historical streets of Charlevoix, your visit will be one not soon forgotten!

If you are game for golfing, the Mackinaw area features over 12 championship golf courses for you. For example, try your talent at the Black Lake Golf Club in Onaway, where nationally acclaimed architect Rees Jones' designed his first northern Michigan course. If you are looking for a picturesque round, play the Hessel Ridge Golf Course in the Upper Peninsula. Prefer a challenge? Master the unique features at the Hidden River Golf & Casting Club in Brutus, which features stands of pine, hardwoods, elevation changes, and the Maple River winding throughout the site. A 3 star rating from Golf Digest's Places to Play was awarded to the challenging Indian River Golf Course, which was also noted as the "Best kept secret in the North" by the Detroit Free Press. A retired air force based is now home to the Kincheloe Memorial Golf Club, where you can play a beautiful 7,000 yard, 18 hole course. Or stay close to home and experience the championship course designed by Jerry Matthews at the Mackinaw Club just south of Mackinaw City.