How to walk across the Mackinac Bridge this Labor Day

MACKINAW CITY, MI – The 64th Mackinac Bridge Walk will welcome tens of thousands of people to step onto Michigan’s famous suspension bridge on Labor Day. Here’s how you can be one of them.

The famous 5-mile-long suspension bridge opens to foot traffic once a year. It all started in 1958. An estimated 25,000-30,000 people have participated in recent years.

Who: Anyone can participate. There is no fee or registration. Baby strollers, wheelchairs and service dogs are allowed.

Where: Participants can start from either Mackinaw City or St. Ignace. End your walk on either end.

When: Take your first steps onto the Mackinac Bridge any time between 7 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 5. The bridge is closed to vehicle traffic, except emergency vehicles, from 6:30 a.m. to noon.

How: There are three options to tailor your bridge walk.

• Walk to the middle and turn around, starting from either end. This eliminates the need for transportation across the bridge after the walk. Turnaround points will begin moving toward either end of the bridge at 10 a.m. Start by 11:30 a.m. to walk at least a portion of the bridge.
• Walk the entire bridge, starting from either end. You must reach the middle before 10 a.m., if not you will be sent back to your starting point. You must arrange for your own transportation back across the bridge.
• Walk the bridge twice, starting from either end. To avoid the need for transportation after the walk, simply walk back across the bridge. You must reach the middle of the bridge on your return trip before 10 a.m. or be sent back, which will create the need to find transportation across.

Other important information: There are no restrooms on the bridge and the average length of time to walk across is two hours. Portable toilets will be available at both ends.

Prohibited items include signs, banners, umbrellas, bicycles, roller skates, skateboards, wagons and similar devices. Except for working service dogs, no animals are allowed. There is no smoking.