Photo by Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park
Just outside Mackinaw City is Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park. Overlooking Lake Huron, this is the site of the early 1800’s mill that supplied lumber for much of the area’s buildings. The mill began sawing lumber in the late 1700’s and much of the wood was used on Mackinac Island.
The mill, and a grist mill, were used into the mid 1800’s and was rediscovered in 1972 and archaeologists have uncovered remnants of the dam, two houses, a workshop and several other buildings. A National Registered Historic Site, the park opened to the public as part of the Mackinac State Historic Parks in 1984.
Visitors to the Park will find 625 acres along 3,250 feet of Northern Michigan’s Lake Huron, 3.5 miles of hiking trails, a reconstructed saw mill, mill dam, British workshop, and American millwright’s house. But visitors will also find a variety of family adventure activities including a zipline, forest canopy bridge, and a climbing wall all accompanied by a park naturalist guide.
Daily during the summer months are sawmill and hand saw demonstrations, and natural history presentations plus the adventure tours. During the winter months, snowshoeing through the nature trails offers a different view of the frozen landscape.
Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park is located five miles outside Mackinaw City
There are daily historical demonstrations of a reconstructed 18th century sawmill featuring costumed interpreters. feature daily demonstrations . Sawpit demonstrations and historic farming programs reveal what life was like more than 200 years ago. For the nature lovers, there are 3.5 miles of trails with blooming wildflowers and an abundance of wildlife.
Experience a high-flying adventure through the treetops and above Mill Creek at the Forest Adventure Exerience. Activities include the Forest Canopy Bridge, the Eagles’ Flight Zip Line, and the Treetop Discovery Tower. Experiences run every half hour during the operating season.
The Forest Friends Play Area has fun activities like the Chickadee Zip Line and making birds sing on the Evergreen Trail’s Sounds of the Forest station. Live programs offer fun for all ages and the view from the top of the Treetop Discovery Tower is spectacular.
May-June 2024
9am-5pm
Last Admission: 4pm
June-September 2024
9am-6pm
Last Admission: 5pm
Adults: $10.50
Child: (Age 5-12) $8
Adventure Tour: $11/person
9001 W., US-23, Mackinaw City, MI, 49701
(231) 436-4226
With Lake Michigan on one side and Lake Huron on the other side, Mackinaw City is a true Great Lake’s spot. Read the stories below or go to the Mackinaw City destination page.
The Headlands, just west of Mackinaw City, is one of six International Dark Sky Parks in the U.S. and one of nine in the world.
While it may be the gateway to Mackinac Island, Mackinaw City offers it's own set of awesome festivals and events.
Mackinaw City's Heritage Village lets visitors explore life in the Straits of Mackinac as it was during the era of 1880-1917.
The history of the fur trade in Northern Michigan is captured at Colonial Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City.
With Lake Michigan on one side and Lake Huron on the other side, Mackinaw City is a true Great Lake’s spot with lots of things to do!
McGulpin Rock, near Mackinaw City, has been used as a navigational tool by explorers and mariners since before the Pilgrims landed.
Mackinaw and Mackinac are pronounced the same way. Why? It's the area's rich history with the Native Americans, French, and British.
The Mackinac Bridge is the 10th largest suspension bridge (over water) in the world and connects Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsula.
Built during World War II to haul heavy materials during the winter, the Icebreaker Mackinaw was in service for 62 years then became a museum.
Advertisement – Please scroll below for more information.
Petoskey State Park is one of the premier destinations for campers and outdoor lovers and is tucked away between Petoskey and Harbor Springs.
Fisherman’s Island State Park has more than 2,600 acres and miles of gorgeous Lake Michigan beach and is located just south of Charlevoix.
Shop Northern Michigan antiques shops, art galleries, and furniture stores for home furnishings that are unique and affordable.
The majestic and historic Grand Hotel is one of the first sights visitors see as they head into the harbor on Mackinac Island.
West Michigan is home to numerous artists with so many different talents. Groovy music, vivid paintings, gorgeous photography, and more!
The Headlands, just west of Mackinaw City, is one of six International Dark Sky Parks in the U.S. and one of nine in the world.
The National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods is a 55′ x 22′ redwood cross cut from one redwood tree and with a 28′ tall bronze crucifix.
The Harbor Springs History Museum offers a unique look at the history of the community, starting with the first Catholic missionaries.
The North Country Trail is the longest trail in the U.S. and stretches from North Dakota to New York, passing through Northern Michigan.
The Mackinac Bridge is the 10th largest suspension bridge (over water) in the world and connects Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsula.
Is your business located in Northern Michigan? Contact us today to learn about advertising opportunities with NorthernMichiganGuides.com.
THANK YOU!