Ghetto of its former self

Question

I’ve been vacationing in Mackinaw city every year with my family for the last 25 years. It used to be a pristine, relaxing, gorgeous lake town with unique shops and great hospitality. The last few years the city has really went in the dumps in every aspect imaginable. I unknowingly booked a hotel during the first annual bike rally and I will never consider visiting this area another day in my life. Instead of relaxing, quiet lake scenery, we had to deal with a thousand trashy, drunk motorcyclists revving their bikes and blaring music into the late hours of the night. One biker had visibly piss stained pants and another was blocking traffic while simultaneously cursing and flicking off cars. Mackinaw city used to be the epitome of pure Michigan and is now a trashy ghetto that can’t even upkeep it’s browned water fountains and fading, chipped sidewalks. I would visit literally any other lake town in MI before this.

Answer

Mackinaw City has long been a classic northern Michigan vacation spot, known for its proximity to Mackinac Bridge, Lake Huron vistas, and family-friendly attractions. Over the years, visitor experiences can vary widely depending on the timing of the trip, local events, and changes in town management or tourism patterns.

It sounds like your recent experience coincided with the inaugural annual bike rally, which can drastically change the atmosphere of the city for a short period. These events often attract large groups, which can lead to noise, crowds, and behavior that contrasts sharply with the quiet, relaxing experience you previously enjoyed.

Here’s some context and options for future visits to Mackinaw City or alternative destinations:

Event timing matters: Major events, such as bike rallies, festivals, or holiday weekends, significantly affect the character of Mackinaw City. If you are looking for a peaceful vacation, avoid weekends with special events. Checking the city’s event calendar before booking is recommended.
Hotel and neighborhood choice: Properties near the main downtown strip or near event venues are more likely to be affected by noise and crowds. Consider hotels or vacation rentals on the outskirts of town or along quieter parts of the lakeshore.
Alternative periods: Visiting in late spring (May–early June) or early fall (September) often provides the calmer, quieter experience many travelers seek, with fewer tourists and events.

If you are reconsidering Mackinaw City altogether, Michigan has many other charming lake towns that offer a similar northern Michigan experience without the potential crowd disruptions:

Petoskey: Historic downtown, beautiful views of Little Traverse Bay, and family-friendly activities.
Charlevoix: Known for its quaint downtown, unique architecture, and waterfront parks.
Harbor Springs: Offers scenic lakeside views, boutique shopping, and quieter streets.
Traverse City (East Bay / Old Mission Peninsula): A larger town with beautiful lakes, wineries, and outdoor activities, but can be quiet outside peak summer weeks.

In short, while your negative experience was likely influenced by a major event and location choice, Mackinaw City itself still retains much of its charm during non-event times. If the goal is a relaxing, scenic vacation, planning around event schedules or considering alternative lake towns in northern Michigan may better meet your expectations.

Ghetto of its former self

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