Michigan Blue Ice

Sherry Trautman Bio Picture

By Sherry Trautman

First Week of March 2018

Michigan Blue Ice is such a breathtakingly beautiful rare sight because it has been viewed by so few!  This phenomenon was last spotted in the Mackinaw City area seven years ago!  I had never heard of blue ice before, so I was giddy to check it out! And I wasn't alone...   

The sparkling nature beauty was enjoyed by thousands of people on the Straits of Mackinaw these past two weekends.  Photographers jockeyed for the best spots, families were taking photos and the bravest (or craziest) of visitors adventured out onto the huge mounds of ice located several yards from shore.

Michigan Blue IceMichigan Blue Ice

Blue Ice Star!

Can you find the star in the photo below?  I had to crawl down between huge ice boulders that were a foot thick to get this fun photo! I think it was worth it!

Michigan Blue Ice StarMichigan Blue Ice Star

The Best Place to Park

The best place to park, in my opinion, is in Shepler's parking lot as the biggest and bluest ice chunks were located in this area.  They definitely decreased in size as you neared the Mackinac Bridge.  We took the photo shown below directly behind Shepler's.

We really enjoyed walking along the shoreline, climbing over ice boulders and walking under the famous Mackinac Bridge.

If the cold weather continues, thousands of people will flood the city this weekend to take photos, climb on the ice and soak in the beauty of this rare phenomenon. 

Blue Ice in Mackinac City MichiganBlue Ice in Mackinac City Michigan

Did you know it has been seven years since Mackinaw City has experienced blue ice? I was positively giddy to get to the city and see it for myself!!

Michigan Blue IceWe are LOVING the Blue Ice!

IF YOU GO:

  • Wear hiking boots with a good grip. The ice is very slippery and you will fall without good boots.  We watched it happen A LOT.
  • Be very careful if you decided to venture off the shore.  There are hollow pockets under the ice and be very thin.
  • The area is very muddy so don't wear your favorite boots you wear out or to work!
  • The ice is VERY SHARP because the crystals are aligned vertically so the top of the ice boulders are very sharp.  
  • The edges of the boulders shear off very easily so be sure to place your hand or foot closer to the center so you don't lose your footing.  See my photos of this here.   
Mackinac Bridge in WinterMackinac Bridge in Winter

The ice isn't blue in this photo, but it's still a neat shot from below the Mackinac Bridge!  It was our first time walking under the bridge so it was pretty exciting!

More Michigan Blue Ice Photos

Please click here to see additional photos of the blue ice!  We also took some awesome drone footage that we think you'll love! 

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About the Lead Author | Sherry Trautman

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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.”

"Sherry & Chris"

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.

Sherry & Chris are at the Inn at Bay Harbor and looking out at the lake.
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