OT: Coolest Michigan Thing Ever - Swimming Under the Mackinac Bridge

Submitted by BursleyHall82 on

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.

MGoFoam

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.

stephenrjking

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. 

Aaron Craft's …

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

 

pugboy

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.

Great_Greene_W…

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.  

doughboy

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.