Thousands of people will have the opportunity to set foot on the Mackinac Bridge this Labor Day for the annual bridge walk.
On Monday, Sept. 7, the bridge will close to drivers from 6:30 a.m. to noon.
"It is something special, so if you haven't ever participated in the bridge walk, it is a very fun event but there is a lot of people," Ashley Miller, Michigan State Police public information officer, said. "It's really important we're all kind to one another, we're following the rules of what time to start."
Here are some tips and recommendation for tackling the walk from the Mackinac Bridge Authority and the Michigan State Police.
How to stay safe while participating
- Dress in layers, in case of weather
- You can always turn around when needed
- Stay on the paved path
- If needed, find a first responder at different points on the bridge
- Bring snacks and water for the walk
- Wear comfortable shoes
Do's and Don'ts for the walk
- Don't bring wagons, skateboards, bicycles, roller skates or in-line skates
- Do start the walk before 11:30 a.m.
- Don't bring signs, banners or other large objects
- Do schedule individual transportation back to your starting point
- Don't run on the bridge or play tag
- Do stay away from the outside railing
- Don't smoke on the bridge
- Do have permission from a parent or guardian to participate, if under the age of 18
Walkers have the option to start from either the St. Ignace or Mackinaw City side of the bridge.
James Lake is with the Mackinac Bridge Authority. He said since walkers are starting from both sides, there's not enough time to provide bus transportation during the walk.
"We ceased that service because we found with the new requirements to close the bridge during the walk, and the window of time that people would have to participate, we couldn't get everyone across the bridge with the buses in order to start on time and finish the walk," Lake said.
The walk, from one side to another, is roughly five miles. Depending on how fast people can walk, it's estimated to take around two hours to walk across the entire thing.
Lake said they're asking drivers not to line up waiting for the bridge to reopen.
Information for Drivers
- Plan ahead for the closure
- Change your travel schedule in accordance with the closure
- Arrive before the bridge closes or afterwards
Enchanted Knights is a medieval renaissance fantasy store located in Mackinaw City. Rene Raymond is a manager at the store.
She said the walk draws many people to the area, as it's one of the last big events of the summer season for the shop. She recommends making any lodging accommodations ahead of time.
"There's going to be a lot of people up here, so if you don't have a place to stay, that is probably the biggest thing," Raymond said.
Trevor LaJoice, with the Boardwalk Coffee and General Shop in St. Ignace, recommendations doing the bridge walk at least once.
"It does get pretty crazy up there, but it's a fun time," LaJoice said. "Everyone's like laughing and just having a good time going across the bridge."
