You don't have to drive four hours and deal with 40,000 people to walk across a bridge on Labor Day.

The Grand Crossings Bridge Walk here in Grand Rapids is low key and less stressful.

I have nothing against the Big Mac Labor Day Bridge Walk that is synonymous with the end of summer is Michigan. I think every one should do it at least once, but, if you've already done it, and you're looking for a nice outdoor event, The Grand Crossings may be more your speed.

Over 40,000 people are expected to head to Mackinaw City and St. Ignace to walk the five miles across the Mackinac Bridge on Monday. Gov. Rick Snyder will lead walkers across the span beginning at 7 a.m. Walkers can start across the bridge up until 11 a.m., and buses are available to bring walkers from Mackinaw City to St. Ignace for $5. All details on the walk are available on the Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) website at www.mackinacbridge.org.

The stress level for the Big Mac walk is high. There's the long drive, and then you'll be searched by the State Police before heading out. I'm not kidding.

However, the local event, Grand Crossings, offers many of the same features of the Big Mac walk, without the hassle. You'll get five miles of hiking in, cross more bridges, be home in time for lunch, and you'll do it with about 5,000 of your closest friends. How's that for a Labor Day event?

Grand Rapids Mayor George K. Heartwell will lead the walk, which steps off at 8 a.m. Monday from Ah-Nab-Awen Park, near the corner of Pearl Street and Front Avenue. Free parking is available in city lots Area 7 by Big Boy and the Scribner lot.

Grand Crossings is part of the Active Michigan Summer initiative organized by the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports.

More info at (616) 456-3168.

And now for some fun bridge facts, courtesy of Experience Grand Rapids:

Blue Bridge. One of the longest truss bridges in Michigan, this was originally a railroad crossing over the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids. It's been converted to a pedestrian walkway connecting downtown with Grand Rapids Public Museum, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum and Grand Valley State University.

"Pearl Street Bridge. Michigan's third longest concrete arch bridge is actually not an arch bridge anymore - but it retains the historic arch façade. Spans the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids.

"Fulton Street Bridge. Michigan's second largest concrete arch bridge retains much of its historical integrity. It runs parallel to downtown's Pearl Street Bridge over the Grand River. Together, the bridges lend a charming European feel to downtown, especially when they're lighted at night.

"Sixth Street Bridge. This wrought-iron bridge was constructed in 1866 and is the longest pin-connected highway truss in Michigan. Spans 544 feet over the Grand River just north of downtown. HistoricBridges.org calls it "a model for how all bridges, especially historic bridges, should be cared for.

More From Mix 95.7