Take a Walk Across the Little Mac Bridge in Reed City
One of the most recognizable Michigan landmarks is the Mackinac Bridge, a five mile long suspension bridge that connects the Lower Peninsula to the Upper Peninsula at the point where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron meet. In Reed City, you can walk across a much smaller Mackinac Bridge replica named the Little Mac Bridge while enjoying the surrounding areas of Linear Park and Rambadt Park.
The Little Mac replica bridge is 150 feet long, crossing the Hersey River about a block away from the intersection of US-10 and Old US-131. For comparison, this bridge is 1/175th the size of the Mackinac Bridge. Unlike the Mackinac Bridge, this wooden suspension bridge is open to foot traffic every day of the year (in non-Covid years the Mackinac Bridge is open to pedestrian traffic on Labor Day).
The Little Mac Bridge will sway and move while you walk across it, but don’t worry. It was designed this way and you are in no danger! From the bridge you have a good view of the Hersey River. This 13 mile long river flows through the southwest corner of Osceola County and empties into the much larger Muskegon River.
The Little Mac Bridge can be reached from either Rambadt Park or the parking area near the Welcome to Reed City sign. If entering from Rambadt Park, you’ll see a campground, playground, a performance pavilion, and more. Before reaching the bridge and the river you’ll follow a boardwalk on a scenic trail – keep your eyes open to see all of the plant life and possible wildlife in this area.
From the parking lot on Old US-131, head towards the river and then follow the footpath to the bridge. You’ll see some planted garden areas, and have the chance to sit on one of the benches along the river to take in some great views.
There are at least two other bridges in Michigan referred to as Little Mac/Mini Mac. One is found on the Manistee River and was constructed in 1992 while the other can be found in St. Louis at a storage facility. If you’re looking for other scenic footbridges in Michigan, check out the links below. If you just can’t get enough of Michigan’s bridges, then you’ll probably love our post about Fall Color at Michigan Covered Bridges too!
Presque Isle River footbridge, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
suspension bridge at Two Hearted River State Forest Campground
O-kun-de-kun Falls bridge on the North Country Trail
Black River Harbor suspension bridge on the North Country Trail
