Straits State Harbor, the newest public boat harbor in Michigan and perhaps the most energy-efficient harbor on the Great Lakes, will open to the public on Saturday, July 18. This harbor is located on the former State Car Ferry Docks property in Mackinaw City, and features 130 slips and a three-lane boating access site. It is one of the most "green" facilities built by the state of Michigan.

This project was completed in multiple phases for a total cost of $10.7 million. It was funded through the Michigan State Waterways Fund, a restricted fund derived from boat registration fees and a portion of the Michigan marine fuel tax for the construction, operation and maintenance of recreational boating facilities, harbors and inland waterways.

The harbor will be open for community tours on Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m. The tours, which last approximately 45 minutes, will highlight the energy-saving, "green" features of the harbor, along with other amenities. A ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the harbor will take place at 6 p.m. with Department of Natural Resource Director Rebecca Humphries and Michigan State Waterways Commission Chair Bob Brown, along with other local officials.