Mackinac Straits

The main attraction is the narrow strip of land between Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, the Mackinac Straits, whose name is derived from the Algonquin word for "big turtle". Traffic crossing the large bridge and river traffic can best be observed from the west side of Mackinac Island. It was once of great strategic importance, and Fort Michilimackinac, a British fort built in the late 18th C, was the scene of fierce fighting between British and French forces. Fourteen buildings have been restored, and private cars are banned on the island. Ferry services operate from Street Ignace and Mackinaw City.