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Mackinac Bridge Authority News

Sept. 7, 2026

Media contact: James Lake, LakeJ1@Michigan.gov, 906-250-0993

34,000 visit the Mighty Mac for the 2026 Annual Bridge Walk

ST. IGNACE, Mich. - Clear skies made for a beautiful sunrise start of the 2026 Mackinac Bridge Walk today, providing exceptional conditions for the roughly 34,000 people who made plans to participate.

That turnout was on the upper end for turnout in recent years, which has ranged from 21,000 to 35,000 since 2018. About 33,000 walked the bridge in last year’s event.

The bridge, which closed at 6:30 a.m. to all vehicle traffic for the walk, reopened promptly at noon.

Based on the success of the recent events, the 2026 Annual Bridge Walk again started from both St. Ignace and Mackinaw City, which eliminated the need for busing and offers additional options for participants.

The bridge walk has been an annual event since 1958, with the exception of 2020 when it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2026 walk was the 68th event.

Participants in the Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Walk heading north past the north tower. MDOT photo

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer leads the 2026 Mackinac Bridge Walk. MDOT photo

The American flag on display under the Mackinac Bridge north tower. MDOT photo

People walk in each direction past the north tower during the 2026 Mackinac Bridge Walk. MDOT photo

Spanning the Straits of Mackinac since 1957

Mackinac Bridge Authority

N415 I-75 St. Ignace, Michigan 49781
906-643-7600 | MackinacBridge.org