Is it pronounced Mackinaw or Mackinac?
Whether it is spelled Mackinaw as in Mackinaw City or Mackinac as in Mackinac Island, they are pronounced the same way: Mack-i-naw.
Why is it spelled Mackinac but pronounced Mackinaw?
The founders of Mackinaw City opted for the phonetic “aw” spelling, probably as a way to distinguish their town from Mackinac Island for confused postal carriers. Today Mackinaw City retains the “aw” spelling while the bridge, straits and island steadfastly cling to the “ac” spelling.
How do locals pronounce Mackinac Island?
Mackinac Island
If you’re a native Michigander, you know that this popular Northern Michigan destination is correctly pronounced “MACK-in-awe Island”.
Is Mackinac Island the same as Mackinaw?
MACKINAC NAMES
There is Mackinac Island, the Mackinac Bridge, Straits of Mackinac, Mackinac County, Mackinaw City and the United States Coast Guard Cutter, Mackinaw. But whether it’s spelled Mackinac or Mackinaw it’s pronounced the same way, with an “aw” at the end.