MI Man Celebrates Mackinac Bridge Milestone 50 Years Later

ST. IGNACE, MI — A Fruitport man last week celebrated the 50th anniversary of driving the 25 millionth vehicle to cross the Mackinac Bridge, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation.

Bob Kuchar was 24-years-old on May 21, 1974, when he drove his 1972 Suzuki 250 motorcycle across the Mackinac Bridge as part of his plan to ride around Lake Michigan on his motorcycle.

Kuchar said he was surprised to learn he was on the 25 millionth vehicle to travel across the span. The surprise included a photo op with MBA Executive Secretary Lawrence Rubin and a prize package worth $500 donated by Straits-area businesses.

It also included hotel and meal vouchers, as well as a free tank of gas. Unfortunately, he had just filled up his four-gallon tank right before crossing.

As his trip continued around the lake, Kuchar stopped in Manitowoc, Wisconsin where an approaching storm scuttled the rest of his trip. He decided to cross back across the lake on the ferry to Ludington.

When Kuchar got home, his parents had several newspapers laid out on the kitchen table with articles about his historic Mackinac Bridge crossing.

"It was an experience for a 24-year-old, and it was just a cool feeling to be the 25 millionth across," he said. "I couldn’t have been more welcomed by the Bridge Authority representatives from St. Ignace and Mackinaw City."

On May 21, 1974, Bob Kuchar was a 24-year-old General Motors employee on vacation when he crossed the Mackinac Bridge on his 1972 Suzuki 250 motorcycle. Michigan Department of Transportation.

Kuchar, who is now 74, planned to cross the bridge this time on his 2019 Husqvarna 350 FE dual-sport motorcycle, but instead opted to carry it across in his truck due to concerns about crossing the bridge in high winds on Thursday, May 23.

Though he's crossed the bridge several times over the years, this crossing was just a day trip. After a quick tour of the Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) administration and maintenance facility, he enjoyed a lunch at Clyde’s in St. Ignace before heading home.

"To have my name associated with the iconic Mighty Mac, I'm no less humbled as I again was welcomed to visit with you all," Kuchar said. "Some family and friends offered regrets that I didn't get another picture of me on my cycle paying the toll, but most said, 'maybe next time.'"

On May 23, 2024, Kuchar drove his 2017 Ford F-150 across the bridge to mark the 50th anniversary of his historic 1974 crossing. Michigan Department of Transportation.

Kuchar retired from DELPHI Automotive Systems in 2005 and now lives in Fruitport with his wife of 45 years, Jackie. The couple has three children and two grandchildren.