The Mackinac Bridge, an engineering marvel, stretches across the Straits of Mackinac, linking Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. Completed in 1957, this suspension bridge has become a significant landmark and tourist attraction. The Algonquin Native Americans referred to the straits as “Michilimackinac,” meaning “the jumping-off place” or “great road of departure.” These Native Americans traveled around the straits instead of crossing them, viewing the straits as the end of their trail.

Maggie LaNoue’s pen and ink drawing, “Straits of Mackinac,” beautifully captures the bridge’s elegance and the surrounding waters. The artist flew in a small airplane in 1986 to photograph the bridge and its environs, using these images as the basis for her artwork. The bridge, with its 3.5-mile span and 295-foot depth, connects Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, creating a vital passageway for shipping and transportation.

The straits are not only a hub for commerce but also a historical route for Native Americans and fur traders. Today, visitors flock to the region to admire the bridge, explore Mackinac Island, and enjoy the area’s natural beauty. The Mackinac Bridge continues to be a source of inspiration for artists, photographers, and tourists alike.

Straits of Mackinac – Catalog # 52_mini

Extra Series Information: This pen and ink drawing is part of the Mackinac Island series by Maggie LaNoue. Giclée prints and cards of this artwork are available, offering a timeless piece of Michigan’s heritage.