The Bridge View Exit in Northern Michigan Leads to Nowhere and Everything

Exit 343 on Interstate 75 in Michigan could be considered an exit to nowhere. There is no highway, no connection to anyplace other than an amazing view of the Mackinac Bridge and the Straits of Mackinac, that makes this exit to nowhere truly everything that's great about Michigan.

The exit is known as Bridge View and it's the final exit heading southbound in the Upper Peninsula just before the bridge connecting St. Ignace to Mackinaw City.

The exit also comes as a bit of a revelation. Unlike the experience of driving I-75 northbound when the bridge comes into view while you're still miles to the south, due to the topography of the Upper Peninsula, the 1/4 mile ahead sign for the Bridge View exit happens just ahead of a curve that gives the first glimpse of the Mighty Mac - just a few hundred feet ahead of you.

READ MORE: Michigan Once Considered a Plan to Build a Bridge to Mackinac Island

It is that stark difference between the two peninsulas is really summed up by the difference feeling approaches to the bridge as this Redditor pointed out,

I always love seen those rock formations when you exit the bridge going north. It's instantly recognizable. It feels like you've just entered a whole new land. Even though you only traveled a few miles from the LP.

Get our free mobile app

We are perhaps being a little unfair saying the Bridge View exit goes nowhere, you can follow Boulevard Drive back to US 2. The exit also includes access to the Father Marquette National Monument. But the main attraction is Bridge View Park, a small plot of land just to the west of the foot of the bridge and toll plazas. The park is maintained by the Mackinac Bridge Authority.

Without a doubt, the exit would be a worthwhile stop when you are visiting the Straits of Mackinac.