The 2023 Annual Bridge Walk is currently scheduled for Monday, Sept. 4, 2023. Any updates will be posted here as the event approaches.
The Mackinac Bridge will be closed to public traffic from 6:30 a.m. to noon on Monday, Sept. 4, 2023 to accommodate the 2023 Annual Bridge Walk.
No bus transportation across the bridge will be provided as part of the event. Walkers who decide to walk across the entire bridge will need to arrange their own transportation back to the end of the bridge where they started after the bridge reopens to public traffic at noon. There is limited parking space available west of the Mackinac Bridge Authority plaza area.
For those seeking alternative transportation during the event, the local Mackinac Island ferry companies offer transportation between St. Ignace, Mackinaw City, and Mackinac Island, as well as between St. Ignace and Mackinaw City. Local transportation companies also offer shuttle service between various locations.
There is no fee or registration required to participate in the walk. The walk begins at 7 a.m. You may start walking any time after the governor’s party starts the walk at approximately 7 a.m. No one will be permitted to start after 11:30 a.m., so make sure you arrive early.
The walk begins in St. Ignace at the north end of the Mackinac Bridge in the Upper Peninsula, and in Mackinaw City at the south end of the bridge in the Lower Peninsula. To participate in the walk you may:
– Walk form either end of the bridge, turning around at the midpoint and returning to the city you started from, where your transportation is located. The turnaround points will move towards the ends of the bridge beginning at 10 a.m., but walkers can walk at least a portion of the bridge if you start by 11:30 a.m. Walkers must be on the side of the bridge they wish to return to before 10 a.m. or you will be turned back.
– Walk from either end of the bridge and continue across to the other side. This option is most like previous bridge walks. However, since bus transportation across the bridge will not be provided, walkers who choose this option will need to arrange for their own transportation back across after the bridge reopens at noon. Walkers who do not reach the midpoint of the bridge before 10 a.m. will be turned back.
– Walk from either end of the bridge, continuing across to the other side, then walking back to the end of the bridge you started from. This option will mean a 10-mile round trip for participants. If walkers in this option do not reach the midpoint of the bridge on their return trip by 10 a.m. will be turned back.
Walkers will use the left-hand outside paved lane as they walk onto the bridge, regardless of which end of the bridge they start from. Walkers who turn back at the midpoint will turn right, then return using the opposite side outside paved lane. Walkers who choose to cross the entire bridge will stay in the left-hand outside paved lane all the way across.
The Michigan State Police and other official personnel will be available in the event of an emergency.
Please note, there are no restrooms on the bridge and the average length of time to walk the bridge is about two hours. Portable toilets will be available in St. Ignace and Mackinaw City.
Baby strollers and wheelchairs are allowed on the bridge during the walk. Prohibited items include signs, banners, umbrellas, bicycles, roller skates, skateboards, wagons and similar types of devices. With the sole exception of working service dogs, no animals are allowed. Walkers must stay away from bridge railings. The inside lane in both directions will remain open for emergency vehicles.
Except for pre-qualified, registered participants in the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness Run, no running or racing is permitted on the bridge. Playing tag on the bridge is not permitted and no smoking on the bridge, please. For information on the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness Run, please go to www.michiganfitness.org or contact the Governor’s Council at 517-347-7891.
You will receive a numbered bridge walk certificate at the completion of your walk. Certificates will be distributed at both ends of the bridge. Individuals under the age of 18 should have the permission of a parent or guardian to participate in the walk. Any two or more people walking together should make plans for a meeting place in the event that they become separated during the walk.
Disclaimer of liability: Before beginning the walk, all participants should carefully determine that they are physically fit and medically able to participate in the annual walk since the physical strain of the walk could lead to serious health problems. Participants should also understand that walking involves risks of injury from falls due to the surface condition of the bridge, contact with other participants, and the effects of weather including high heat and/or humidity.
THE STATE OF MICHIGAN, MACKINAC BRIDGE AUTHORITY, ST. IGNACE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, MACKINAW CITY CHAMBER OR COMMERCE, AND ALL THEIR RESPECTIVE EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, VOLUNTEERS AND SPONSORS ASSUME NO OBLIGATIONS WITH REGARD TO SUCH RISKS AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY ARISING FROM ANY WALKER’S PARTICIPATION IN THE ANNUAL WALK.
As in the past, persons who need reasonable accommodations due to disability may contact the Mackinac Bridge Authority by August 30, 2023 at 906-643-7600. TTY users may call the Michigan Relay Center at 800-649-3777.
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In the spirit of the beginning of my most favorite season 🍁🍂….here is another image to inspire those cozy fall vibes! This dreamy sunset along the Straits of Mackinaw shores in October 2022 was just perfection! This image has me especially excited about my first scheduled fall trip in northern lower Michigan and the UP….kicking off this next weekend! 😀👏🏼 You may also wonder if perhaps I submerged myself in knee deep water for this one? But of course! Doing what I do best! Wading in the water! Hahaha can’t keep me outta that water 😂🤪 I hope everyone has had a fantastic weekend! 🧡#sunset #neverstopexploring #wilderness #beach #mackinacbridge #mackinawcity #shotz_fired #mynorth #puremichigan #longexposure #nightphotography #natgeo #natgeotravel #natgeoyourshot #earth_shotz #ig_shotz #nikonnofilter #michiganders #midwestlivingmag #natgeotravel #artofvisuals #earth_pix #nikonusa #zcreators #upnorth
In the spirit of the beginning of my most favorite season 🍁🍂….here is another image to inspire those cozy fall vibes! This dreamy sunset along the Straits of Mackinaw shores in October 2022 was just perfection! This image has me especially excited about my first scheduled fall trip in northern lower Michigan and the UP….kicking off this next weekend! 😀👏🏼 You may also wonder if perhaps I submerged myself in knee deep water for this one? But of course! Doing what I do best! Wading in the water! Hahaha can’t keep me outta that water 😂🤪 I hope everyone has had a fantastic weekend! 🧡#sunset #neverstopexploring #wilderness #beach #mackinacbridge #mackinawcity #shotz_fired #mynorth #puremichigan #longexposure #nightphotography #natgeo #natgeotravel #natgeoyourshot #earth_shotz #ig_shotz #nikonnofilter #michiganders #midwestlivingmag #natgeotravel #artofvisuals #earth_pix #nikonusa #zcreators #upnorth...
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Fall is a favorite 🍁
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📸 sbohon1
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#autumn #autumnvibes🍁 #autumncolors #leafpeeping #leafpeeper #fall #fallseason #fallvibes #michigan #michiganautumn #michiganfall #michiganseasons #nomi #northernmichigan #mackinacbridge #straitsofmackinac #greatlakes #greatlakesstate #mackinawcity #mackinawcitymichigan
Fall is a favorite 🍁 . 📸 sbohon1 . #autumn #autumnvibes🍁 #autumncolors #leafpeeping #leafpeeper #fall #fallseason #fallvibes #michigan #michiganautumn #michiganfall #michiganseasons #nomi #northernmichigan #mackinacbridge #straitsofmackinac #greatlakes #greatlakesstate #mackinawcity #mackinawcitymichigan...
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Construction work with a view ….
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It’s the busy summer season at the Mackinac Bridge for tourists and bridge work.
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Details on link in bio on how the work will impact the drive.
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📸 Mackinac Bridge Authority
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#mackinacbridge #mackinacbridgeauthority #mackinacbridgecrossing #mightymac #straitsofmackinac #lakemichigan #lakehuron #greatlakes #greatlakesstate #mittenstate #mittenstatelove #smittenwiththemitten #tourism #michigantourism #michigan #nomi #northernmichigan
Construction work with a view …. . It’s the busy summer season at the Mackinac Bridge for tourists and bridge work. . Details on link in bio on how the work will impact the drive. . 📸 Mackinac Bridge Authority . #mackinacbridge #mackinacbridgeauthority #mackinacbridgecrossing #mightymac #straitsofmackinac #lakemichigan #lakehuron #greatlakes #greatlakesstate #mittenstate #mittenstatelove #smittenwiththemitten #tourism #michigantourism #michigan #nomi #northernmichigan...
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It’s October! Mackinac Island just might be at its most beautiful in the fall! 🍁🎃🍁
Living for the light last night! 💫 I hope everyone was able to enjoy that magic!...
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🌉 Driving across the Mackinac Bridge is a treat for some. But it's a terror for others. The 5-mile bridge that connects Michigan's Upper and Lower peninsulas is a scary sight for some drivers. Luckily, there is help for those who fear the trip across. The Mackinac Bridge Authority's Drivers Assistance Program was created specifically to help those drivers. Anyone can simply call a number and a Mackinac Bridge Authority employee will show up to drive your car across the Mighty Mac.
"We have people available 24 hours a day, doing multiple things," said Ned McLennan, maintenance supervisor for the Mackinac Bridge Authority. "One of those things is the Drivers Assistance Program."
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🚗 The service is completely free.
McLennan said workers are happy to help. They would rather drive a vehicle across the bridge than have a worried motorist freeze up. "And, yes, some drivers have stopped abruptly in the middle of the bridge. That can create a dangerous situation," McLennan said.
"If they are worried or think they will have a problem, it's better to stop and ask," he said.
"It doesn't matter what type of vehicle you drive because these workers can handle anything. They all have commercial drivers licenses and many have motorcycle endorsements.
"We can drive anything and we have," McLennan said.
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Source: link in our bio. 🔗
🌉 Driving across the Mackinac Bridge is a treat for some. But it's a terror for others. The 5-mile bridge that connects Michigan's Upper and Lower peninsulas is a scary sight for some drivers. Luckily, there is help for those who fear the trip across. The Mackinac Bridge Authority's Drivers Assistance Program was created specifically to help those drivers. Anyone can simply call a number and a Mackinac Bridge Authority employee will show up to drive your car across the Mighty Mac. "We have people available 24 hours a day, doing multiple things," said Ned McLennan, maintenance supervisor for the Mackinac Bridge Authority. "One of those things is the Drivers Assistance Program." _____ 🚗 The service is completely free. McLennan said workers are happy to help. They would rather drive a vehicle across the bridge than have a worried motorist freeze up. "And, yes, some drivers have stopped abruptly in the middle of the bridge. That can create a dangerous situation," McLennan said. "If they are worried or think they will have a problem, it's better to stop and ask," he said. "It doesn't matter what type of vehicle you drive because these workers can handle anything. They all have commercial drivers licenses and many have motorcycle endorsements. "We can drive anything and we have," McLennan said. _____ Source: link in our bio. 🔗...
🎉 A new survey ranks Michigan's Mighty Mac among the nation's top 10 most scenic bridges.
The Mackinac Bridge ranked seventh nationwide, falling within the top 10 of a 100-bridge ranking. The survey of the 100 most scenic bridges in the U.S. comes from - you guessed it - Gunther Volkswagen Fort Lauderdale, a Volkswagen dealership in Florida.
Gunther Volkswagen Fort Lauderdale gathered the findings by surveying 3,000 travelers across the U.S. on which iconic bridges they'd like to feature in their daily commute.
So which six bridges ranked ahead of the Mackinac Bridge? Read the link in our bio. #mackinac #mackinacbridge #michigan #bridges
🎉 A new survey ranks Michigan's Mighty Mac among the nation's top 10 most scenic bridges. The Mackinac Bridge ranked seventh nationwide, falling within the top 10 of a 100-bridge ranking. The survey of the 100 most scenic bridges in the U.S. comes from - you guessed it - Gunther Volkswagen Fort Lauderdale, a Volkswagen dealership in Florida. Gunther Volkswagen Fort Lauderdale gathered the findings by surveying 3,000 travelers across the U.S. on which iconic bridges they'd like to feature in their daily commute. So which six bridges ranked ahead of the Mackinac Bridge? Read the link in our bio. #mackinac #mackinacbridge #michigan #bridges...
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Good morning from the Mighty Mack! Headed to the Porkies for some fun mistateparks project work with swnaturephoto and b_still_photos, and what a way to kick off the weekend!! Blue ice and theee most perfect light we could have asked for! On the run so only time check in for a quick second (i promise to catch up with everyone soon!!) but wanted to share this gorgeous blue ice scene from this morning! 💙❄️ #snow #mackinacbridge #winter #weather #sunrise #blueice #neverstopexploring #ice #shotzdelight #uptravel #shotz_fired #eclectic_shotz #mynorth #puremichigan #natgeo #natgeotravel #natgeoyourshot #earth_shotz #ig_shotz #uptravel #reflections #nisifilters #nikonnofilter #michiganders #midwestlivingmag #natgeo #natgeotravel #ipulledoverforthis #visualambassadors #ig_myshots #earth_pix #nikonusa
Good morning from the Mighty Mack! Headed to the Porkies for some fun mistateparks project work with swnaturephoto and b_still_photos, and what a way to kick off the weekend!! Blue ice and theee most perfect light we could have asked for! On the run so only time check in for a quick second (i promise to catch up with everyone soon!!) but wanted to share this gorgeous blue ice scene from this morning! 💙❄️ #snow #mackinacbridge #winter #weather #sunrise #blueice #neverstopexploring #ice #shotzdelight #uptravel #shotz_fired #eclectic_shotz #mynorth #puremichigan #natgeo #natgeotravel #natgeoyourshot #earth_shotz #ig_shotz #uptravel #reflections #nisifilters #nikonnofilter #michiganders #midwestlivingmag #natgeo #natgeotravel #ipulledoverforthis #visualambassadors #ig_myshots #earth_pix #nikonusa...
Before all the snow melts and the current deep freeze subsides this time around, I have to post this shot! It’s become a tradition of mine to post once it finally “feels like winter” and it does still, even if it might not next week😂🥲❄️🥶 mistateparks puremichigan mackinawcitymi mackinac_parks
#travel #explore #puremichigan #michigan #midwest #winter #snow #ice #winterwonderland
#greatlakes #greatlakesstate #mackinac #mackinaw #mackinacbridge #mackinacisland #blueice
Before all the snow melts and the current deep freeze subsides this time around, I have to post this shot! It’s become a tradition of mine to post once it finally “feels like winter” and it does still, even if it might not next week😂🥲❄️🥶 mistateparks puremichigan mackinawcitymi mackinac_parks #travel #explore #puremichigan #michigan #midwest #winter #snow #ice #winterwonderland #greatlakes #greatlakesstate #mackinac #mackinaw #mackinacbridge #mackinacisland #blueice...
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I woke up at 4am in Petoskey and drove up to Straights State Park to catch this #sunrise but I had no idea we’d be getting this incredible #cloud that drifted in, then lit up bright pink and red from the sun, and then parked itself right above the #mackinacbridge !! 😍 This was definitely one for the books!! 10/17/2021 ❤️☁️❤️☁️ puremichigan puremittigan sonyalpha #sonya7II sigmaphoto #sigma100400mm #fall #autumn #fallsunrise
I woke up at 4am in Petoskey and drove up to Straights State Park to catch this #sunrise but I had no idea we’d be getting this incredible #cloud that drifted in, then lit up bright pink and red from the sun, and then parked itself right above the #mackinacbridge !! 😍 This was definitely one for the books!! 10/17/2021 ❤️☁️❤️☁️ puremichigan puremittigan sonyalpha #sonya7II sigmaphoto #sigma100400mm #fall #autumn #fallsunrise...