Visiting Mackinac Island This Summer

Step back in time this summer with a trip to Upper Michigan's Mackinac Island and surrounding historic attractions.

From the Victorian-era homes of the island, to the Redcoats you'll find walking the streets of Colonial Michlimackinac, from the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse to the working Historical Mill Creek, you'll find something to tickle the fancy of just about every member of the family.

The centerpiece of it all is Mackinac Island, a tranquil 1,800-acre location in the Straits of Mackinac, where Lakes Michigan and Huron meet. The island, home to Fort Mackinac and other attractions, bans all automobiles, inviting visitors to walk its trails, enjoy a brisk bike ride around the island or to travel to horse-drawn carriage.

About 80 percent of the land on the island is part of a state park and open to public exploration. In fact, Mackinac Island was originally the nation's second national park, behind only Yellowstone. In 1895, the property was transferred to the state and became a state park.

Each of the parks, museums and attractions have their own special highlights:

Mackinac Island State Park

The island, home to Fort Mackinac (see below), is accessible by ferries from Mackinaw City (lower peninsula) and St. Ignace (upper peninsula). Highlights include:

* Sunset Rock, a new addition to park property, a spectacular scenic lookout on the island's west bluff atop a natural rock formation. Fantastic prehistoric geological formations Arch Rock and Sugar Loaf are natural limestone wonders that tower over the Straits and the forest floor.

* M-185, the nation's only state highway that doesn't allow motor vehicle traffic. Stretching eight miles around the island's perimeter, M-185 is a scenic shoreline road. There are 72 miles of roads and trails within

Mackinac Island State Park, most of which are wooded inland trails for hikers, bikers and horseback riders in spring, summer and fall. Many interior eastern trails are groomed and excellent for cross-country skiing during the winter.

* Fort Holmes, which features a panoramic view of the Fort Mackinac and the Straits of Mackinac at the island's highest point -- 320 feet above lake level.

Fort Mackinac

This 18th and 19th century British and U.S. military outpost features 14 original historic buildings and is a National Historic Landmark. Abandoned by the military in 1875, the fort became part of Michigan's first state park, in 1895. On a limestone bluff overlooking the village streets of Mackinac Island, and the waters of Lakes Huron and Michigan. Historic interpreters in 1880s American military uniforms introduce visitors to fort life using sights and sounds of period music, rifle and cannon firings, dramatic re-enactments of historic events, and walking tours of the fort. Fort Mackinac's signature cannon salute echoes over the harbor and the village.

Historic Mill Creek

Originally constructed by Scotsman Robert Campbell in the 1780s, Historic Mill Creek is one of the first industrial sites in the Great Lakes. A reconstructed 18th century water-powered sawmill is nestled in a 625-acre wooded setting with nature trails and forest management displays. Attractions include a reconstructed millwright's home and a sawmill area where young visitors can learn to cut and hew logs, just like their 1800s forebears did.

Colonial Michilimackinac

This reconstructed 1715 French fur-trading village and military outpost, which was later occupied by British military and traders, features re-enactments from British 1770s occupation and the American Revolution era. The area is a National Historic Landmark.

A Native American encampment exists just outside the fort walls.

Fort Mackinac Kids'Quarters

Located inside the Officers' Stone Quarters - Michigan's oldest standing public building - Kids' Quarters draws visitors in with hands-on history like games of checkers, a dress up area, fife playing and Morse Code. The exhibit is themed based on the diary of Harold Corbusier, the 10-year-old son of the post surgeon stationed at Fort Mackinac in the 1880s.

Mackinac Island Historic Downtown

The stories of Dr. William Beaumont and Alexis St. Martin, the McGulpins, Biddles, the Ferrys, Schoolcraft and American Indians offer unique opportunities for visitors to experience the history of the Straits of Mackinac in the 1820s and 1830s. Visitors can draw a greater understanding of the fur trade community and its cultures by talking to costumed interpreters and seeing the hands-on cooking and crafts demonstrations in the buildings, as well as artifacts and exhibits.

Admission

Mackinac Combination-Seven Day Pass
$25 adult, $15 youth; Unlimited admission for seven consecutive days from date of purchase to: Fort Mackinac • Colonial Michilimackinac • Historic Mill Creek • Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse

Mackinac Family Heritage membership--Season pass
$59 (1-2 adults and children or grandchildren under 18) Unlimited season admission all of the above, plus 15% discount in museum stores, subscription to Curiosities newsletter.

Web: www.MackinacParks.com
E-mail: MackinacParks@michigan.gov

231-436-4100 (October-April); 906-847-3328 (May-Sept.)