The Straits of Mackinac: Is it Mackinac City or Mackinaw City?

The name of Michilimackinac (the place of the Great Turtle), was first given to Mackinac Island because of its shape, but was eventually given to the Straits of Mackinac region. In 1820 the name Michilimackinac was shortened to Mackinaw.

MackinawCity is the proud gate keeper of the world famous Mackinaw Bridge; rising 552 feet above the Straits of Mackinac. Lake Huron and Lake Michigan meet to create the Straits of Mackinac. Its nickname is Mighty Mac, considered an engineering marvel; 5 miles long and was once the longest suspension bridge in the world. If you are afraid of heights than this bridge is not for you, you're better off taking a ferry to the Upper Peninsula. The bridge sways in high winds and during winter months can be closed due to dangerous crossings. Several cars have been reported throughout the years to have been blown off. Before the bridge had been constructed, travelers had to hail an hour long ferry ride across the Straits. People would wait in line as long as twenty-four hours to catch a ferry on holiday weekends or when the hunting season began. Thanks to the bridge we don't have that problem anymore. The bridge became a brain child in the 1800's to Senator Prentiss M. Brown, Sr. known as "the Father of the Mackinac Bridge" and was designed by Dr. David B. Steinman. The total cost of the construction was upwards of $100 million, an underestimate of $30 million and over 500 workers were housed in St Ignace, Michigan during the construction. The 100 millionth crossing happened on June 25, 1998.