The Mackinac Bridge Walk is Back — Here is What You Need to Know

Another event that was canceled last year because of the pandemic is now a go for Labor Day. The annual Mackinac Bridge walk is back after being canceled last year.

My Mom and Dad walked the Mackinac Bridge years ago and both said that when you got to mid-way across the suspension bridge the view was absolutely amazing.

The 63rd annual walk got its start back in 1958 with only 68 walkers. The event took place during the bridge's dedication ceremony, and the first walk was led by then-Governor G. Mennen (Soapy) Williams. That dedication ceremony was to celebrate the opening of the bridge linking the upper and lower peninsula.

For those of us who were not around back then, before the Mackinac Bridge, you had to take a ferry ride to get to the U.P. My Dad would tell stories of the long lines waiting to cross especially during hunting season. Miles and Miles of cars waiting for a ferry ride across the Straits of Mackinac.

Since the first bridge walk governors have led the way, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer plans to do just that on Labor Day.

The Mackinac Bridge walk begins at 7 am Labor Day morning and takes about 2 hours to complete the 5-mile walk. Your walk can start from either Mackinac City or St. Ignace, however, no walkers will be allowed to start after 11:30 that morning.

Baby strollers and wheelchairs are allowed on the bridge walk, things that are not allowed include bicycles, skateboards, wagons, and umbrellas. The Mackinac Bridge Authority has a complete list of rules and what you can and can't bring on your walk.