The area near the Straits of Mackinac is a stunning and historically rich region in the northern part of Michigan, where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron converge. Known as the “gateway to the Upper Peninsula,” it encompasses picturesque landscapes, charming towns, and significant cultural landmarks.
Mackinaw City (Lower Peninsula side) and St. Ignace (Upper Peninsula side) are two quaint towns that serve as gateways to the Straits. They feature local shops, restaurants, and historical sites. Attractions include Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, Colonial Michilimackinac, and Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum.
In summer, the region is bustling with tourists who enjoy the mild weather, outdoor adventures, and vibrant local festivals. Autumn transforms the area into a canvas of vibrant fall foliage, making it an ideal time for scenic drives and hikes. Winters, though cold, provide serene landscapes blanketed in snow, creating opportunities for quiet retreats and winter sports.
Table of Contents – Straits of Mackinac Webcams
What Are Live Cams?
Live webcams are a fantastic way to get a real-time look at a location without physically being there. These live feeds are particularly useful for travelers, locals, and anyone interested in exploring a new place from the comfort of their home. In Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, Michigan, live cams are strategically placed in some of the most picturesque and significant spots along the Straits of Mackinac.
Live Mackinac City, Michigan Webcams
The first webcam to keep an eye on is the Mackinac Bridge webcam. You can watch travelers head north to the Michigan Upper Peninsula and live from your computer. You can also watch the traffic and activity of Bridge from your phone or tablet. This is especially useful when traveling and wanting to see what’s happening on the bridge and get a feel for weather conditions. You may have to refresh your browser to get the latest webcam update.
Mackinac Bridge Camera from the Riviera Motel in Mackinaw City
The Riviera Motel in Mackinaw City offers guests stunning views of the Mackinac Bridge and the surrounding waters. Its prime location places visitors within walking distance of attractions like the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse and Fort Michilimackinac State Park. The motel features a heated outdoor pool, complimentary Wi-Fi, and rooms equipped with cable TV and air conditioning. Guests can choose between lake view rooms, which provide a scenic view of the lake from inside the room and the balcony, and bridge view rooms, offering a direct view of the Mackinac Bridge from both the room and the balcony.
The family-owned establishment is known for its friendly service and proximity to local shops, restaurants, and ferry services to Mackinac Island. Additionally, the motel provides discount coupons for nearby attractions and a complimentary shuttle to the ferry docks, enhancing the convenience for guests planning a day trip to the island. For more information see their website at Shadow of the Bridge
This is a sister page to the Houghton Michigan Webcams, Bradenton Webcams, Nome Alaska Webcams, Port Charlotte, Sarasota Webcams, and Charleston SC Webcams.
Pro Tip: If several webcams in the same area are not working, it could indicate a power outage.
Current Straits of Mackinac Weather Forecast
Current weather for Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, Michigan.
Embedding webcams is tricky. Sometimes, it’s best to click on the camera and view it in its tab.
The featured image and source of some webcams on this page are from Windy.com
St. Ignace WebCam – Live In St. Ignace, Michigan
This webcam offers one of the most interesting views of traffic headed south toward the Mackinac Bridge on the St. Ignace side. This is a perfect cam to watch during the end of a busy holiday weekend. If traffic crossing the bridge is heavy you will see vehicles waiting to pay the toll here.
Voyager Inn – St. Ignace
The Voyager Inn, located in St. Ignace, Michigan, serves as a convenient base for exploring the Upper Peninsula. The hotel offers a variety of room types, including deluxe king, poolside, double, and queen beds, all equipped with refrigerators and microwaves.
Guests can enjoy amenities like a heated indoor pool, hot tub, complimentary continental breakfast, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel is pet-friendly, providing unique rooms for guests traveling with pets for a small additional fee.
The Voyager Inn also offers a free shuttle service to nearby ferry docks and casinos, making it easy for guests to visit local attractions like Mackinac Island. With its proximity to museums, shops, and sporting events, the Voyager Inn provides a comfortable and accessible lodging option for travelers seeking to experience the charm of St. Ignace and the
360 View of Mackinaw City
The 360-degree view from Google Maps offers a unique angle on Mackinaw City and the Bridge. On a fine summer day, you can see the beaches and the piers to board ferries to Mackinac Island. Great to see a sample of the area and what it looks like in case you want to visit in the future
Mackinac News Updates
The Surprising History of Mackinac City and St. Ignace Michigan
Mackinaw City: Where History Plays Games
Did you know Mackinaw City was the site of one of the most clever surprise attacks in history? Back in 1763, during Pontiac’s Rebellion, Native Americans staged an innocent game of baggatiway (think of it as lacrosse’s wild cousin) outside Fort Michilimackinac. British soldiers, being overly curious spectators, watched as the ball “accidentally” soared through the fort’s gates. The players, seizing their Oscar-worthy moment, ran in after it and turned the friendly match into a full-scale siege. Fast forward a couple of centuries, the city built the engineering marvel we know as the Mackinac Bridge. At five miles long, this suspension bridge literally connects Michigan’s two peninsulas, overcoming gnarly currents and winter chills that would send most people running for a heated blanket.
St. Ignace: A Holy Start and a Fur-tastic Fort
St. Ignace, meanwhile, played host to the French Jesuits’ grand arrival in 1671. Father Jacques Marquette thought, “What better place to name after St. Ignatius than this beautiful slice of the Upper Peninsula?” It became a hub for French fur traders and explorers who didn’t mind the occasional black fly. Later, Fort de Buade popped up in 1681 as a trading post so bustling, even Antoine Cadillac (yes, the Detroit guy) ran it before moving on to bigger city dreams. But, as with most dramatic exits, the Jesuits packed up their mission in 1705, leaving St. Ignace with more questions than answers—and probably a few leftover beaver pelts.
Final Thoughts About Straits of Mackinac Webcams
There are many great spots to watch on each side of the bridge between St. Ignace to the north and Mackinaw City on the south side. But one of the best places to see all this beautiful city is right in your home. You must tune into one of our live webcams or weather stations to see what’s happening.