Mackinaw City Blue Ice

Mackinaw City Blue Ice-It's Not Just Any 'Ole Ice!

Thousands flocked to Mackinaw City to view the simply breath-taking rare blue ice phenomenon!

When I first read on social media about the blue ice appearing in Mackinaw City, Michigan near the Mackinac Bridge, I about lost my mind. I instantly texted Chris (in a panic) and declared, "WE MUST GO NOW!" Never mind that he was at work...

After talking me off the ledge with a voice of reason, we settled on leaving Saturday morning. So I packed snacks, our photography and drone equipment and warm clothes in preparation for our trip.

Almost too excited to sleep, I was staring at Chris at 7:30 a.m. the next morning while he was still asleep saying, "are you awake yet?" (Good thing he loves me.)

What's the Science Behind Blue Ice?

Why is the ice so blue? Well, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Lake Superior experiences blue ice near their famous winter ice caves. They explained the phenomenon by stating, "Ice only appears blue when it is sufficiently consolidated so that air bubbles do not interfere with the passage of light. Without the scattering effect of bubbles, light can penetrate ice undisturbed. In ice, the absorption of light at the red end of the spectrum is six times greater than at the blue end. Six feet into the ice, most of the light in the red spectrum can’t be seen. A lack of reflected red wavelengths produces the color blue in the human eye."

Mackinaw City's Blue Ice Really Brought the Crowds!

Mackinaw City was packed with families excited to see the blue ice, photographers hoping to capture magical shots and people just wanting to get outside to enjoy the sunny day!! Spirits were high and everyone was having a wonderful time.

Even though it was cold, the bright warm sun warmed our hands as we took tons of photos, drone videos and walked along the shoreline. I was shocked to see so many people wander far out onto the ice especially since temperatures were rising and I noticed many hollow pockets deep under the snow and ice.

Our Words of Wisdom: “Never follow anyone else’s path. Unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost and you see a path, then by all means follow that path.”

We're Sherry and Chris the founders of one of Michigan's most comprehensive and Top Travel Blogs!

Sherry Trautman is a seasoned business owner and a multifaceted content creator, deeply entrenched in the world of travel in Michigan. With her extensive background in writing, editing, photography, marketing, website design, web mastering, social media, and publishing, she is the driving force behind the acclaimed Michigan Travel site "Travel-mi.com." A lifelong Michigander, Sherry's journey began in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan led her to St. Joseph during her formative years, and further to Kalamazoo for her higher education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design and Fine Art from Western Michigan University. Her career initially blossomed in Battle Creek, where she contributed significantly to aviation, marketing, and the art industry.

In 2018, Sherry, alongside her husband Chris, embarked on a passionate endeavor with the inception of Travel-MI.com. This venture was not just a business but a full-time commitment to exploring and celebrating the diverse landscapes and communities of Michigan. Together, they tirelessly traverse the state, curating unique experiences, capturing stunning visuals, and weaving engaging narratives that showcase Michigan's rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty. From her early experiences in different Michigander locales to her extensive professional background, Sherry's life and work epitomize a deep-rooted expertise in Michigan travel, making her an authoritative voice in this niche.

Mackinaw City Blue Ice