OT: Coolest Michigan Thing Ever - Swimming Under the Mackinac Bridge
The scenic beauty of our state in all four seasons never fails to astound me. This was just posted on one of our local sites - and it might be one of the coolest Michigan experiences I've ever seen.
I didn't know you could do this, but late in the summer, the water is actually warm enough to swim under the Mackinac Bridge. There's a park in Mackinaw City where you can just wade right out there and start swimming under it. I suppose if you were a Diana Nyad type, you could actually swim to the Upper Peninsula.
This link includes a very cool GoPro video of a family swimming under the bridge and under the water. The water looks beautiful. You'll find the link here.
The contrast to the Worst State Ever has never been greater. Ohio has nothing to match this.
August 20th, 2018 at 3:15 PM ^
Embed for the board...
August 20th, 2018 at 3:52 PM ^
Really cool video, I love the guitar music
August 20th, 2018 at 4:24 PM ^
Great choice for a still image from the video
August 20th, 2018 at 3:18 PM ^
I just got back from the UP two days ago. LAX through Minneapolis to the Sault. First time on Mackinac Island in probably 30 years. Great timely post.
August 20th, 2018 at 3:21 PM ^
Yeah... that wasn't worth the build-up in the OP...
August 20th, 2018 at 3:25 PM ^
Certainly NOT the "Coolest Michigan Thing Ever." And it's not like one can only swim in Lake Michigan/Huron in "late summer." Yes, the water is nice and clear (zebra mussels) and there happens to be a big bridge over where they are swimming.
August 20th, 2018 at 3:28 PM ^
Michigan is such a spectacular state. I love Minnesota, where I live now. But I love returning to Michigan for trips; even the drive through the UP is sensational. And, of course, the bridge is a big highlight.
August 20th, 2018 at 5:26 PM ^
I like the drive through the U.P. a lot more than going through the Lower Peninsula (which, apart from the coasts, doesn't have too much to see). The western U.P. especially is gorgeous.
August 20th, 2018 at 9:34 PM ^
I actually just got married less than 2 months ago. We spent our honeymoon in Mackinaw City and St. Ignace. We took a cruise on the Ugly Anne boat tours that took us under the bridge. That was freaking amazing.
August 20th, 2018 at 3:29 PM ^
Running full speed down a 450 foot sand dune into Lake Michigan is way cooler but that's okay too I guess.
August 20th, 2018 at 3:32 PM ^
sleeping bear is pretty awesome.
August 20th, 2018 at 3:32 PM ^
Ah, the big dune at Sleeping Bear! No better view anywhere. How long did it take you to climb back up?
August 20th, 2018 at 3:49 PM ^
Just got back from there on Friday night. Wife wouldn't let me do it this time (she's pregnant with twins and had to keep track of two little boys so I don't blame her). Last time, when I was younger and there was less of me, it was nearly an hour, IIRC.
August 20th, 2018 at 4:26 PM ^
Hey -- congratulations EYB! Twins!! That's so exciting!!
August 20th, 2018 at 9:30 PM ^
Pictured Rocks FTW
My favorite spot in Michigan
August 20th, 2018 at 3:42 PM ^
I live in N MI and have had the chance to do this a little. I've never trained to actually swim the straits but during the bridge walk on Labor Day they will make the 5 mile swim from north to south. I'd love to do it but that is a lot of swimming. I think it is weather dependent too. Helpful link
August 20th, 2018 at 3:43 PM ^
I grew up in Cheboygan and would jet ski under the bridge but the police would come out and chase you off you you hung around the footings
August 20th, 2018 at 3:47 PM ^
I prefer walking out past the light house in St. Joseph when the the lake freezes, but this is pretty cool too.
August 20th, 2018 at 3:48 PM ^
I am fortunate enough to work in Mackinaw City and see that big dumb bridge everyday!
August 20th, 2018 at 3:48 PM ^
While you're up there check out the Lake Michigan Whale Migration Station
August 20th, 2018 at 3:50 PM ^
How about the Air Force/Navy guy that flew a plane under it?
Edit: https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2017/04/michigan_air_force_pilot_flew.html
August 20th, 2018 at 3:51 PM ^
So I've heard the current can be quite strong close to shore under the bridge, so maybe not a good idea for many families.
August 20th, 2018 at 3:55 PM ^
Looked like a pretty calm day out, definitely not recommended in any kind of high wave conditions.
August 20th, 2018 at 4:32 PM ^
And definitely, definitely not if there's a Yugo on the bridge above.
August 20th, 2018 at 5:21 PM ^
Right next to shore it may not be an issue, but you definitely don't want to swim too far out. The Straits get deep really quickly, up to 300 feet, which is pretty crazy to think about.
August 20th, 2018 at 4:50 PM ^
Man, if you would have said they were attractive young ladies, that would have been fine, but you said they were "hot", basically they're turning you on sexually. If you were there age, the dad still would have to keep an eye on you as you might not have the right attitudes toward them, but that you are probably a lot older, is just creepy.
August 20th, 2018 at 4:53 PM ^
Not gunna lie, i was expecting, hoping for, more boobs
August 20th, 2018 at 5:29 PM ^
avatar checks out
August 20th, 2018 at 6:43 PM ^
That is nice, but you need to take a dip in good old Lake Superior. Up along the pictured rocks lakeshore. Wait until the end of July, and it's very refreshing on an 80 degree + day. Out around Grand Marais, and they also have sand dunes. Steep sand dunes. We go out there to recharge for a week every year, end of July early August just before HS football practice begins. Great hiking, kayaking, camping, beer drinking campfire times.
August 20th, 2018 at 7:30 PM ^
I hate camping but I have to admit, you make it sound pretty good.
August 20th, 2018 at 7:41 PM ^
If you’re really up for a challenge you can swim The Straits. It’s called The Mighty Mac Swim. It takes place in August and is limited to 84 swimmers. Oh, and by the way, it’s 4 FRIGGIN MILES.
August 21st, 2018 at 8:46 AM ^
Try to get a slot to go to the top of one of the Mackinac Bridge towers. My sister won one in a silent auction and she and her husband got to go up. Absolutely awesome!
August 21st, 2018 at 10:23 AM ^
Hey, Ohio has Lake Erie...