Handcrafted Cross Art in 1957 Mackinac Bridge Steel

Our Cross Art Selection

Celebrate Faith and Michigan Heritage in Your Landscape

Honor your home, cottage, or church grounds with cross art handcrafted from retired Mackinac Bridge steel preserved from its construction in 1957. Designed and built by Blue Water Icon in our custom workshop, each outdoor steel cross blends timeless symbolism with the character of Michigan’s most iconic span. Whether you’re seeking a decorative yard cross for the garden, a large yard cross to anchor a front lawn, or a lighted yard cross that glows after dusk, these pieces are made to be seen—and to be kept.

  • Freestanding and wall-mounted formats
  • Multiple design profiles: classic, modern, and rustic
  • Optional lighting for evening visibility
  • Created from authentic, retired 1957 Mackinac Bridge steel

Ready to browse available designs and current stock? Visit the Shop to see what’s ready to ship nationwide. For custom requests, reach out any time.

First-time visitors can explore related designs in our Display Pieces collection to round out an entryway, patio, or memorial setting.

Why Mackinac Bridge Steel Matters

The Mackinac Bridge is a symbol of the Great Lakes and the Up North lifestyle. Working with retired bridge steel preserved from its construction in 1957 means each cross art carries authentic history—surface textures, rivet stories, and the patina of a hard-working structure built to last. The result is a decorative cross art that connects faith and place, making a meaningful focal point for Michigan homes and anyone who loves this region.

Styles and Sizes

Garden cross: Well-proportioned for flower beds, memorial corners, and small patios.

Statement cross: A striking option for long driveways, lakeside yards, or chapels.

Wall-mounted cross: Ideal for porches, entryways, and interior feature walls.

We build cross art in several configurations so you can match your setting:

To learn more about our process and story, visit the About Blue Water Icon page.

Information needed from client for publishing exact specs:

Height range(s) and available size tiers for each style

Base dimensions and mounting hardware included

Approximate weight(s) for freestanding and wall-mounted versions

If you need help choosing the right scale, contact us with your location photos and dimensions—we’re happy to advise on sightlines and proportion.

Finishes and Lighting Options

Every outdoor cross art is crafted for display, with finish options that complement both modern and rustic properties. We can accommodate various patina and protective clear-coat approaches to help balance aesthetics and durability.

Information needed from client:

  • Standard finish options (raw, sealed, painted, pre-rusted appearance)
  • Maintenance recommendations for each finish
  • Lighting details for lighted cross art models (brightness, color temperature)
  • Power source confirmation (solar or plug-in) and any included components

For personal inscriptions or dates, pair your cross with our engraving services.

Lighting Type 1

Lighting Type 2

Lighting Type 3

Finish Type 1

Finish Type 2

Finish Type 3

Installation and Care

Freestanding crosses generally set into a base or anchor system, while wall-mounted crosses use lag screws or specialty anchors appropriate to the surface.

General guidance:

Placement: Choose level ground with clear sightlines from road, path, or patio.

Anchoring: Confirm fastener type and footing depth based on soil and wind exposure.

Sealing: Re-apply clear coat or protection as recommended to preserve finish.

To learn more about our process and story, visit the About Blue Water Icon page.

Information needed from client:

Included hardware list per model

Recommended installation method for freestanding and wall-mount versions

Care interval for sealants/finishes and warranty details (if any)

If you prefer professional installation, ask us for regional recommendations and we’ll help connect you with a qualified contractor.

Customization and Personalization

Make a one-of-a-kind piece by customizing dimensions, silhouettes, or inscriptions. From a compact garden cross to a large cross art for a lodge or church, we can tailor the design to your space and story. Designers and builders: we welcome trade inquiries for multi-property or community projects.

Popular requests:

Family names, dates, or memorial text

Cross arm profile and edge treatments

Lighting accents and mounting approaches

Ordering and Lead Times

We sell through craft shows and our e-commerce shop with nationwide shipping. Stock and made-to-order availability can vary based on show season and workshop schedule.

Contact us for details on time needed to produce your order, shipping times and return policies.

For the latest availability, browse the Shop or contact us with your timeline.

FAQs

We offer multiple size options to match gardens, porches, and open lawns. Contact us for current dimensions or a size recommendation for your space.

Hardware needs vary by wall type. We can include or recommend anchors once you confirm whether you’re mounting into studs, masonry, or drywall. Add your wall type at checkout and we’ll advise.

Some customers love a weathered look, while others prefer sealed raw or painted finishes. Custom finish requests are welcome.

We support both decorative and functional lighting concepts and will confirm whether current models are solar, plug-in, or configurable.

Freestanding crosses typically anchor into a base or footing; wall-mounted versions use appropriate lag bolts or anchors. If you’d like professional help, contact us for installer recommendations.

Gallery and Reviews

See how homeowners and designers style crosses across patios, gardens, and lakefront properties. Then explore feedback from customers who value the Mackinac Bridge heritage and craftsmanship.

Related Pieces

Round out your entryway or garden with other display and functional pieces handcrafted from retired bridge steel:

Next Steps

Ready to buy a decorative cross art piece or a large statement piece? Visit the Shop to view current inventory and place your order.

Want a personalized garden cross or lighted cross art? Send us a note with your ideas, and we’ll confirm options, lead times, and pricing.