Walk the Mackinac Bridge on Labor Day

If you are looking for something to do on Monday (Labor Day) morning, September 5th, 2016, why not do something special. How about an activity that you can do only one day a year...Walk the Mackinac Bridge! And, the walk itself is actually FREE!

Usually the “Mighty Mac” bridge — that spans between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan — is closed to foot traffic. However, every year -- on Labor Day -- you have a chance to walk the 5-mile bridge along with thousands of other people from St. Ignace to Mackinaw City.

This year marks the 59th annual Bridge Walk. If you stroll across the bridge you will see many people with jackets covered in patches. Each patch indicates the year they walked the bridge. There are some individuals that have walked just about every one of the annual bridge walks.

I’ve done the Bridge Walk a couple of times. I’ll get together with a group of friends on Sunday evening and we will drive up to Mackinaw City. Once you park your vehicle in Mackinaw City, you can purchase a bus ticket for $5 that will transport you to the starting point — St. Ignace — on the north end of the bridge. Bus transportation starts at 5:30 am. (You can also park in St. Ignace and then take the bus back to the starting point after you have completed the walk)

Arrive to the starting point early! People will begin lining up in St. Ignace by 5:30 in the morning. At 7:00 am, Governor Rick Snyder will start the walk. No one will be permitted to begin the walk after 11 am.

You will see people of all ages taking part in this event. Some of the hats and costumes that people wear are quite interesting as well.

A whole new perspective of the Mackinac Bridge awaits you as you take part in the morning walk. Many people get freaked out about the metal, grated part of the bridge. (Many don’t like to drive over that surface, let alone walk over it.) Don’t worry...you can walk on the paved or metal part of the bridge. If you don’t want to look down and see the water below you...stay on the paved portion!

Once you complete the walk, you will be given a certificate to commemorate your accomplishment.

Here is additional information on the Bridge Walk.

Maybe I’ll see you up there on Monday!