Governor Leads 50th Bridge Walk Monday

On Labor Day, Monday, September 3, Governor Jennifer Granholm will lead the 50th Annual Mackinac Bridge Walk from St. Ignace to Mackinaw City.

Walkers can begin their journey anytime between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. The two eastern lanes of the bridge will be closed to traffic. As crowds diminish, a third lane will be opened to vehicles to accommodate the holiday traffic.

On average, walkers take 90 minutes to complete the trek.

Wheelchairs and strollers are allowed, but wagons are not. Participants who arrive with wagons for towing children can exchange them for strollers provided by the Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA).

Pets are prohibited, with the exception of seeing eye dogs. Banners and flags are also prohibited.

Portable toilets will be located at both ends of the bridge. There will be no facilities on the span.

Designated parking areas will be available at Bridge View Park in St. Ignace and on Department of Natural Resources property, just north of Graham Avenue in St. Ignace. Participants can also park in lots in St. Ignace and Mackinaw City.

For $2, from 5 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the Mackinac Bridge Authority will shuttle participants both ways across the bridge. Buses will stop at Conkling Park in Mackinaw City and at MBA's administration building at the foot of the bridge in St. Ignace.

Upon completing the trek, each walker will receive a certificate. This year, it commemorates the 50th anniversary of the bridge. Businesses throughout St. Ignace and Mackinaw City will post numbers in their windows that match numbers on certificates. Walkers with matching numbers will be eligible for prizes and discounts.

Early Boats

Arnold Transit Company and Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry will provide early boat departures to and from Mackinac Island for the Bridge Walk.

Shepler's will leave Mackinaw City for the Island at 5:30 a.m. Ferries will travel from the Island to St. Ignace at 6 a.m. and 7 a.m.

Arnold Transit will offer departures from the Island to St. Ignace at 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. A boat will leave St. Ignace for the Island at 6:30 a.m.