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Old 01-08-2025, 08:33 PM   #1
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2021 30' Flying Cloud
Sioux Falls , South Dakota
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Mackinac Bridge?

We're starting to plan our summer travels, and one possibility includes the Mackinac Bridge late July/early August. Any thoughts on that? I'd especially like to hear from anyone with a larger (30' or longer) trailer or a local.
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Old 01-08-2025, 10:10 PM   #2
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The bridge crossing is fun, if the wind is high they close traffic to trucks and RV's but that doesn't happen very often. They do close down lanes for some special events, like the bridge walk during Labor day, etc.. We have crossed it several times with our 31 foot.

https://www.mackinacbridge.org/


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Old 01-09-2025, 02:56 AM   #3
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We crossed it last summer with our 30’ during a storm. It was a bit squirrelly on the wet grating with the wind and they had half the bridge closed for work so it was only one lane for us and the opposing traffic in the next lane. I probably wouldn’t recommend it under those conditions for anyone not fully comfortable towing, but I didn’t mind it myself and I think in normal conditions it wouldn’t be an issue for most anyone. One thing to be aware of, at least when we were there, is many people go to the UP on holiday weekends and the line returning south at the end of the weekend can be crazy long and many hours of waiting. That may have just been because of half the bridge being closed when we were there though (didn’t impact us since we were going north, opposite the traffic).
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Old 01-09-2025, 06:33 AM   #4
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We have crossed the bridge many times with no problems. I try to stay in the right lane which not grated, but often find that lane closed.
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Old 01-09-2025, 08:10 AM   #5
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We crossed last September on Labor Day after the annual walk. The bridge is shut down to vehicle traffic for the walk. Traffic was backed up a bit northbound but not an issue. I’ve heard that traffic can back up significantly at times. We returned southbound about a week later with no delays or issues.
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Old 01-09-2025, 08:23 AM   #6
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Growing up in Michigan I've crossed the Mighty Mac many times. I've never been across it when half of it wasn't closed for construction.
Like others have said, avoid it on holidays and weekends, especially summer time.
It should be a lovely trip for you.
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Old 01-09-2025, 09:01 AM   #7
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We crossed on our way home picking up our 25'. It was very windy, 40mph, but we had no issues. I don't suppose it's any different than being in high winds on the highway, just that it's a long way down. It was early spring and no traffic.
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Old 01-09-2025, 09:06 AM   #8
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As a former Michigan residents we have also been across the Big Mac many times, including last summer on our way to munising. I wouldn’t cross in a storm, snow or high winds but it is really is pretty easy to cross. I think the speed limit is 40-45 mph and slower truck or trailer traffic is accepted and common. Have fun in the UP and enjoy the pasties and smoked whitefish.
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Old 01-09-2025, 12:04 PM   #9
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Don't forget your toll money......
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Old 01-09-2025, 01:40 PM   #10
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Bridge no problem, clouds of black flying bugs yikes

I we stayed in June at Mill Creek Campground, and we’re just swarmed by black flying flies bugs maybe somebody can recommend the right time to go, but there was clouds of them.
The island was awesome!
Need two days just for that.
Definitely worth a visit.
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Old 01-10-2025, 12:50 PM   #11
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Thanks for all the helpful advice. Looks like we'll be able to do that part of our trip easily.
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Old 01-15-2025, 10:28 AM   #12
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More UP recommendations?

We're also planning a trip through the UP and over the Mackinack Bridge on our way back from the Canadian Maritimes en route to Chicago or down through Wisconsin. Any thoughts on campgrounds, places to stay along the way? Thank you!!!
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Old 01-15-2025, 11:26 AM   #13
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I've crossed many a time, from motorcycle to truck and trailer. If you are at all nervous, or have misgivings about the crossing, they will provide an escort for you, and will bring you across safe and sound, at no more than 20 mph. It is a service they are happy to provide. i seem to recall that they might actually have a driver for you if you wish, during this escort. When you get there, ask.
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Old 01-15-2025, 12:02 PM   #14
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Mackinac

I’ve crossed it many times, but only in a car. I don’t think you’d have a problem.
See the bridge after sundown.
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Old 01-15-2025, 02:50 PM   #15
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We took a two-week trip to the UP last September. it was our first "long trip" with the AS. Our route was from Iowa through Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan, then across the bridge into the UP. We stayed at Straits State Park and took the ferry to Mackinac Island for a day, then spent several days at Tahquamenon State Park (Rivermouth) and several more days at Munising City Park. We went on west and then south through Wisconsin before coming back home to Iowa.

The UP was wonderful! We loved Straits and Tahquamenon parks--would love to have stayed longer in each. Munising City Park was OK, just not as back-in-the-woods as the others. We also spent nights in Wabasis Lake County Park near Grand Rapids and Waseco County Park near Columbus, WI. Nice stays in both of those.
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Old 01-15-2025, 05:38 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dee_gee View Post
The UP was wonderful! We loved Straits and Tahquamenon parks--would love to have stayed longer in each. Munising City Park was OK, just not as back-in-the-woods as the others. We also spent nights in Wabasis Lake County Park near Grand Rapids and Waseco County Park near Columbus, WI. Nice stays in both of those.
Thanks! We're looking for a trip that isn't too far from Minnesota that we can do in a week this summer. We can also hit Nueske's on the way back and also load up on cheese curds*. Last time we stopped was in a snowstorm on the way back from picking up our new trailer.

*On Hwy 29 transversing Wisconsin East to West, near Abbotsford there's Nasonville Dairy outlet which IMHO has the best cheese curds, but in Wisconsin those are fighting words.
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Old 01-15-2025, 09:42 PM   #17
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I’ve been over the bridge countless times over the past 5 decades… the worst part (aside any big winds) is an 8’6” wide Airstream makes the tollbooth lanes feel 8’ wide….
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Old 01-16-2025, 06:33 AM   #18
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As you cross the bridge, have your co-pilot watch the BRIDGE CAM on their phone and capture your pic! As you can see it was a bit foggy on our trip northbound.

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Old 01-17-2025, 08:50 PM   #19
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Thanks for the tips. Looks like I need to allow more time there.
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Old 01-18-2025, 11:30 PM   #20
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No need for cash you can pay with a card at the toll booth. Those are on the north side of the bridge, the UP (Upper Peninsula) side. By the way, do you know what the UP residents call those of us who live in the LP (Lower Peninsula)? Trolls of course, because we live below da bridge! Oh, and it is pronounced Mac-in-awe regardless of the 2 spellings with a c or a w on the end of the word.
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