It's almost time to lace up your walking shoes and step onto the Mackinac Bridge for the annual "bridge walk" on Labor Day, Sept. 1.
From 6:30 a.m. to noon on Labor Day, walkers will have the chance to either walk to the middle of the bridge, from either St. Ignace or Mackinaw City, and back to their starting point — or complete the entire one-way, 5-mile trek across the span between Michigan's two peninsulas.
The 2025 walk will close the Mackinac Bridge to close vehicular traffic for those interested in walking one of Michigan's most iconic bridge.
Organizers say participants will receive a numbered bridge walk certificate at the completion of the walk.
Here's what to know about the annual bridge walk.
What is the annual Mackinac Bridge walk?
The Mackinac Bridge Authority closes the bridge to vehicular traffic for the walk, the only time during which pedestrians can cross the bridge.
Following the bridge's November 1957 opening to vehicle traffic, the first walk across the structure took place in June 1958 in connection with bridge dedication ceremonies, the Mackinac Bridge Authority notes. The walk moved to Labor Day in 1959, and would become a tradition on that holiday. Although the event was suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it resumed for 2021.
When is the annual Mackinac Bridge walk in 2025?
The bridge walk is set for Sept. 1, 2025, with traffic closed for the walk from 6:30 a.m. to noon, the Authority said.
How long is the walk?
Walkers can trek halfway and return to Mackinaw City or St. Ignace or walk the entire bridge length, which runs about 5 miles, the Mackinac Bridge Authority says.
Anyone who walks the entire length needs to arrange their own transportation to get back to the other side of the bridge.
Except for pre-qualified, registered participants in the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness Run, no running or racing is permitted on the bridge.
What else should I know about the walk?
The turnaround points will move toward the ends of the bridge beginning at 10 a.m., but walkers can walk at least a portion of the bridge if they start by 11:30 a.m. Walkers must be on the side of the bridge they wish to return to (or past the halfway point if going all the way across) before 10 a.m. or they will be turned back.
Walkers must use the left-hand outside paved lane as they walk onto the bridge, regardless of which end of the bridge they start from, the Authority said. Walkers who turn back at the midpoint will turn right, then return using the opposite side outside paved lane.
Walkers who choose to cross the entire bridge will stay in the left-hand outside paved lane all the way across.
The inside lane in both directions will remain open for emergency vehicles.
Are there restrooms for the public?
There are no restrooms on the bridge and the average length of time to walk the bridge is about 2 hours. Portable toilets will be available in St. Ignace and Mackinaw City.
Where can I park?
There is limited parking space available west of the Mackinac Bridge Authority plaza area. Parking lots are available throughout both St. Ignace and Mackinac City.
Is the event free?
There is no fee or registration required to participate in the walk, according to the Bridge Authority.
What items are prohibited?
The following items are prohibited:
Signs and banners
Umbrellas
Bicycles, roller skates, skateboards, wagons and similar types of devices
With the exception of working service dogs, no animals are allowed.
Participants can see the bridge authority's website for further details on the walk and what items are allowed on the bridge during the event.
Want to check out the walkers from home? How to view Mackinac Bridge cams
Travelers can check the Mackinac Bridge Cam online for updates. The images from multiple cameras are configured to automatically update every 60 seconds.
Cameras capture the administration building looking south, the dock in St. Ignace, looking south; Bridge View Park in St. Ignace, looking south; from Mackinaw City, looking north; and St. Ignace, along Interstate 75.
How many vehicles pass over the Mackinac Bridge?
The Authority said 374,000 vehicles passed over the bridge in May 2025.
Bridge traffic in August 2024 topped 640,000 — the most vehicles since at least 2014.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Mackinac Bridge walk nears for 2025: See times, item restrictions, more
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