Michigan has a lot of bridges. Like, a lot—over 11,000 of them, if you want to get specific about it.
Some are purely functional, connecting you from one place to another without much fanfare.
But then there are the bridges and boardwalks that actually make you want to stop, pull out your phone, and take a photo.
These are the ones with views, history, or just enough visual interest to make them worth the detour.
Here are seven that are legitimately photogenic, whether you’re chasing fall colors, dramatic lake views, or just a solid shot for your feed.
1. Mackinac Bridge
Let’s get the obvious one out of the way. The Mackinac Bridge—”Mighty Mac,” if you’re feeling affectionate—is pretty much Michigan’s most recognizable landmark.
Opened in 1957, the bridge spans the Straits of Mackinac, connecting Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, and it’s nearly five miles long.
The sheer scale of it is what makes it so photogenic.
You can shoot it from below at Straits State Park, from the side at various pull-offs, or—if you’re brave enough to take photos while driving—from the bridge itself (though maybe don’t do that).
The best time to visit is during the annual Bridge Walk on Labor Day, when the bridge closes to traffic and thousands of people walk across it.
Fair warning: you won’t have the bridge to yourself for photos, but the experience is pretty memorable.
2. SkyBridge Michigan at Boyne Mountain Resort
SkyBridge Michigan is a 1,200-foot suspension bridge perched 118 feet above Boyne Mountain Resort, and it’s about as dramatic as pedestrian bridges get in Michigan.
The bridge opened in 2022 and has been a hit with people who like both heights and Instagram content.
There’s a glass floor section in the middle of the bridge, which is terrifying if you’re scared of heights but makes for a pretty striking photo if you’re not.
It’s accessible year-round via chairlift, and fall is especially popular when the leaves turn.
LED lights illuminate the bridge at night during special events, so if you’re planning a trip, check their schedule.
3. Fallasburg Covered Bridge
The Fallasburg Bridge was built in 1871 and covers 100 feet over the Flat River near Lowell.
It’s one of Michigan’s few remaining covered bridges, and it’s still open to vehicle traffic, though you’ll want to drive slowly.
The bridge is in Fallasburg Park, so there’s parking and picnic areas nearby if you want to make an afternoon of it.
Its red paint and the surrounding trees make it a solid subject for photos, especially in the fall when the colors pop.
And no, it’s not a hidden gem—locals know about it, and it’s been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1972—but it’s still worth visiting if you’re in the area.
4. Little Mac Bridge – Manistee National Forest
The Little Mac Bridge in Manistee County was built in 1996 and named after the Mackinac Bridge, spanning 245 feet across the Manistee River.
Unlike its namesake, this is a wooden suspension bridge for pedestrians only, and it’s tucked into the forest along the North Country Scenic Trail.
The setting is what makes it photogenic—dense trees, the river below, and a sense of being genuinely remote even though it’s not that hard to get to.
The bridge has a gentle sway when you walk across it, which is either charming or unsettling, depending on your tolerance for moving structures.
Either way, it’s a great spot for nature photography.
5. Arcadia Marsh Boardwalk
If you’re looking for something a little different, the Arcadia Marsh boardwalk near Traverse City is worth checking out.
This 313-acre preserve is home to a universally accessible 0.75-mile-long boardwalk that floats over marshy waters.
These Great Lakes Coastal Marshes are rare and declining, and Arcadia Marsh is one of only 15 or so remaining coastal marshes along Lake Michigan’s Lower Peninsula shoreline.
The boardwalk is flat, accessible, and has turnout platforms with benches where you can sit and watch for birds.
The best times to visit are July through October, when the marsh is in full bloom,m and the birdwatching is excellent.
It’s peaceful, scenic, and the kind of place where you can get good photos without having to hike for miles.
6. Pierce Stocking Covered Bridge – Sleeping Bear Dunes
In the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the Pierce Stocking Covered Bridge sits along the 7.4-mile Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive.
The bridge was added in the 1960s, though the current version was rebuilt in 1986 after porcupines ate the sides of the original, which is both unfortunate and kind of hilarious.
There’s a pull-off area where you can stop and take photos without blocking traffic.
The bridge itself is simple but photogenic, especially with the surrounding dunes and forest.
If you’re already doing the scenic drive (which you should), the bridge is an easy addition to your photo collection.
7. Manistique Boardwalk and East Breakwater Light
The Manistique Boardwalk is a nearly 2-mile stretch of wooden pathway that runs along the shores of Lake Michigan in the Upper Peninsula.
The boardwalk itself is nice—flat, accessible, with views of the water—but the real draw is the east breakwater light at the end.
This iconic red lighthouse sits at the end of a concrete path that extends far into Lake Michigan and can be accessed via the boardwalk.
It’s one of those classic Michigan lighthouse shots, and sunset here is legitimately beautiful.
The boardwalk is open year-round, though summer and early fall are obviously more pleasant. If you’re in the area, it’s an easy walk and worth the time.
Bridges For Your Next Instagram Post
Bridges and boardwalks aren’t just functional—they’re the kind of places that slow you down and make you actually look at where you are.
Michigan’s bridges range from massive engineering feats like the Mackinac Bridge to small wooden structures in the middle of nowhere, and each one offers a different kind of experience.
Some are easy roadside stops, while others require a bit more effort to reach.
But if you’re looking for spots that are actually worth photographing, these seven will deliver.
Just remember to watch where you’re walking if you’re trying to get the perfect shot, especially on those swaying suspension bridges.
Featured image credit: @greatlifegreatlakes via Instagram