Mackinac County

Mackinac County is a county in Michigan's eastern Upper Peninsula. Situated along the Straits of Mackinac between Lakes Michigan and Huron, the county is known for its historical significance, tourism industry, island communities, forests, and transportation infrastructure.

The county seat is St. Ignace, while the county is internationally recognized as the home of Mackinac Island, one of Michigan's most famous destinations.

Mackinac County is among Michigan's oldest counties and has played a significant role in the history of the Great Lakes region.

For centuries the Straits of Mackinac served as an important center for Indigenous trade and transportation. The area later became a major hub for French fur traders, missionaries, and military operations during the colonial era.

The county's history is closely connected to:

• Great Lakes Fur Trade
• Fort Mackinac
• War of 1812
• Mackinac Island History

Today, tourism and historical preservation remain central to the county's identity.

Mackinac County occupies a strategic location between Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas.

Major geographic features include:

• Straits of Mackinac
• Lake Michigan
• Lake Huron
• Mackinac Island
• Bois Blanc Island
• Extensive forests and shoreline

The county contains hundreds of miles of coastline and numerous islands.

The county's most famous destination is:

• Mackinac Island

Known for its historic architecture, horse-drawn transportation, and preserved nineteenth-century character, Mackinac Island attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

Notable attractions include:

• Fort Mackinac
• Arch Rock
• Mackinac Island State Park
• Historic downtown Mackinac Island

Tourism associated with the island is a major economic driver throughout the region.

One of Michigan's most recognizable landmarks is located within Mackinac County:

• Mackinac Bridge

Completed in 1957, the bridge connects Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas across the Straits of Mackinac.

The bridge remains one of the longest suspension bridges in the Western Hemisphere and is among Michigan's most visited landmarks.

• St. Ignace

• Mackinac Island
• Cedarville
• Engadine
• Moran

• Clark Township
• Garfield Township
• Hendricks Township
• Hudson Township
• Marquette Township
• Moran Township
• Newton Township
• Portage Township
• St. Ignace Township
• Wawatam Township

Major industries include:

• Tourism
• Hospitality
• Transportation
• Forestry
• Government services
• Healthcare
• Small business

Tourism is the county's largest economic sector and supports thousands of seasonal and year-round jobs.

Outdoor recreation opportunities include:

• Boating
• Fishing
• Camping
• Hiking
• Snowmobiling
• Wildlife observation
• Cycling

The county's forests, islands, and shoreline attract visitors throughout the year.

Protected lands include:

• Mackinac Island State Park
• Hiawatha National Forest
• Straits State Park
• State wildlife and recreation areas

These lands preserve important natural, recreational, and historical resources.

Major transportation infrastructure includes:

• Interstate 75
• Mackinac Bridge
• Mackinac Island Ferry Service
• Regional airports and harbor facilities

The county serves as a transportation gateway between Michigan's two peninsulas.

Educational institutions include:

• St. Ignace Area Schools
• Les Cheneaux Community Schools
• Mackinac Island Public School
• Regional educational programs

Educational services support communities throughout the county.

• Mackinac Bridge
• Mackinac Island
• Fort Mackinac
• Arch Rock
• Straits State Park

Mackinac County is governed by an elected Board of Commissioners and provides county services including:

• Law enforcement
• Courts
• Public health
• Emergency management
• Property records
• Community services

County government offices are located in St. Ignace.

• St. Ignace
• Mackinac Island
• Chippewa County
• Luce County
• Mackinac Bridge

• United States Census Bureau
• Mackinac County Government
• Mackinac State Historic Parks
• Michigan History publications
• State of Michigan records

counties upper_peninsula mackinac_county mackinac_island st_ignace mackinac_bridge straits_of_mackinac