Fun things to do in Michigan

...The Big Mackinac Bridge that is!
When the Bridge was built, it was the longest single span suspension bridge in the world. It still holds one in awe and is a must if you travel from the lower to the upper peninsula of Michigan. On Labor Day, you can also join thousands of people who walk across the 5 mile span! Here are just a few of the statistics of the bridge that can be found on the official Mackinac Bridge web page:
Total Length of Bridge (5 Miles)
26,372 Ft.

Total Length of Steel Superstructure
19,243 Ft.

Length of Suspension Bridge (including Anchorages)
8,614 Ft.

Total Length of North Approach
7,129 Ft.

Length of Main Span (between Main Towers)
3,800 Ft.

Call of the Wild is a small privately owned museum which features 60 exhibits of wildlife in their native habitat. The emphasis is on animals of the northern latitudes. There are bobcats, wolves, an eleven foot standing Polar Bear, and much more. The displays may not be quite as professionally done as in some larger museums, but we still found them interesting.

There is also a Wildlife Theatre, and interactive exhibits which are fun and educational. For all of our fellow "chocoholics," the gift shop offers 36 varieties of homemade fudge, as well as clothing, jewelry, souvenirs, etc.

The Call of the Wild Museum is open year round. Admission is $6.00 for adults and $4.00 for children.

Four miles downstream from the upper falls, The Lower Taquemenon Falls is less dramatic than the upper falls but just as beautiful in it's own way. It is actually a series of interesting cataracts where the river divides, forming an island. Rowboat rentals are available for crossing the river to explore the falls from the island.

Established in 1892 but now inactive as a lighthouse, this old castle like structure is today a maritime museum, operated by the Mackinac Island State Park Commission. It is also the proposed site for a national lighthouse museum. The lighthouse is the focal point of an expansive green waterfront park area, which offers fabulous views of the Mackinac Bridge.

The Soo Locks are not only the top attraction in Sault Ste. Marie, but also one of the top for the entire state of Michigan. They are the largest waterway traffic system on earth. On any pretty day there will be scores of people standing along the sides watching some of the world's biggest freighters pass through. But the best way to experience the locks is to take the trip yourself and let the other tourists watch you. Your trip will take you into both American and Canadian waters. Besides the locks you will get fantastic views of Michigan's oldest city, as well as it's larger Canadian counterpart.

This is without doubt one of the best maritime and lighthouse museums on the Great Lakes. We enjoyed the video presentation and numerous artifacts and exhibits. Imaginative visitors can relive the last moments of the legendary Edmund Fitzgerald and many other ill fated vessels claimed forever by the Great Lakes. Among the displays is the actual bell of "Big Fitz," which was removed from the wreck and restored in 1995.

The museum is in the old keepers residence and includes a very nice gift shop.

This pretty little one and a half story lighthouse seems to have been built backwards, its tower facing the town instead of the water. Established in 1868, and inactive since 1939, the completely restored structure now serves as a museum operated by the Delta County Historical Society. The museum highlights the life of Mary Terry, the first light keeper who served for 18 years. She was one of the first female light keepers on the Great Lakes.

The lighthouse and museum are open June 1 - Sept. 1 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and in Sept. from 1-4 p.m.

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Springtime waterflow volume makes the Tahquamenon Falls spectacular. Their reddish color is due to tannins and other minerals which, shaken by the turbulence, form a natural foam downriver.
Located in the relevant State Park, the much more dramatic Upper Falls can be reached through a 2-mile hike from the Lower Falls or a 5-minute walk from a parking lot.