Arch Rock
Mackinac Island, MI
A limestone natural arch 44 m above Lake Huron on the east side of Mackinac Island. Reach it by bike or on foot from town; a lower viewpoint on the shore road looks up at it.
Arch Rock is a natural arch of limestone breccia on the east side of Mackinac Island, Michigan. According to Lonely Planet it rises about 45 metres (150 feet) above Lake Huron and is one of the island's best-known sights. Breccia is a poor material for natural bridges, so formations like this are rare in the Great Lakes region.
Indigenous peoples regarded the place as spiritually significant and told many stories about it. Alexis de Tocqueville visited in August 1831 and called it the "Giant's Arch". The arch helped lead to the creation of Mackinac National Park in 1875, followed by Mackinac Island State Park in 1895, of which Arch Rock is still a part.
A staircase leads up from the lakeshore road; alternatively you can reach it from the island's interior via Arch Rock Road, and the Arch Rock Bicycle Trail also leads there. Lonely Planet advises coming early in the morning, because tour groups gather around midday.
- Nearest town
- Mackinac Island, MI
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 45.8574, -84.6069
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Tiki RV ParkMotorhome stopover6 mi from Arch RockTentsMotorhomesElectricityToiletsWaste disposal
- Castle Rock CamparkMotorhome stopover7 mi from Arch RockTentsMotorhomesElectricityToiletsWaste disposal
- Tee Pee CampgroundsMotorhome stopover8 mi from Arch RockTentsMotorhomes
- Roberts Landing CampgroundMotorhome stopover9 mi from Arch RockTentsMotorhomes
- Wilderness State Park CampgroundCampsite16 mi from Arch RockTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Wilderness State Park Pines CampgroundCampsite16 mi from Arch RockTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
All campsites in Michigan · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Arch Rock?
Arch Rock is in Mackinac Island, MI, at GPS 45.8574, -84.6069. It is about 6 mi from St. Ignace.
Can you camp near Arch Rock?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Straits State Park Semi Modern Waterfront, about 5 mi away; within 25 mi there are 26 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Arch Rock?
Arch Rock is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Mackinac Island and the Upper Peninsula’s Lake Michigan shore.
What is there to see near Arch Rock?
Places worth a stop nearby: Fort Mackinac (1 mi), Mackinac Bridge (6 mi), Colonial Michilimackinac (8 mi) and Tunnel of Trees (M-119) (32 mi).
When is the best time to visit Arch Rock?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)