Mackinac Island Parks

Mackinac Island, Michigan, is truly a park-lover's paradise! As 85% of the island is maintained by the Michigan Parks Commission, Mackinac Island has plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature, recreation and history in its many parks.

Mackinac Island State Park

Eighty percent of Mackinac Island is dedicated to Mackinac Island State Park. This 1800-acre wooded park features 61 miles of trails and roads perfect for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and in the winter, cross country skiing. Along the way, visitors enjoy the flora and fauna, as well as historical cemeteries, monuments and picturesque cottages. At the British Landing Nature Center, naturalists share facts and answer questions about local plants and wildlife. Be sure not to miss the limestone rock formations: Arch Rock, Sugar Loaf and Skull Cave. Mackinac Island State Park is also home to M-185, the nation's only state highway that does not allow motorized vehicles. This 8.2-mile shoreline highway offers breathtaking views of Lake Huron's dazzling blue water.

Fort Holmes - Mackinac Island

For another great view, visit Fort Holmes, the island's highest point. At 320 feet above lake level, visitors get a panoramic vista of Fort Mackinac and the Straits of Mackinac far below.

Fort Mackinac - Mackinac Island

Once you've seen Fort Mackinac from above, your curiosity will most likely lead you to its gates. This fortress, built in 1780 by the British to protect the Great Lakes Fur Trade, is a National Historic Landmark, and continued to be used by the American military until 1895. Today, visitors have an opportunity to see how life was lived in the 1880s by civilians and soldiers alike. Fort Mackinac features historical re-enactments, demonstrations, and 14 historical buildings.

Historic Mill Creek - Mackinac Island

One more park with a perfect balance of history and nature is Historic Mill Creek. This 625-acre park is the site of the first industrial venture in the Straits of Mackinac; a lumber mill. Visitors can watch as a water-powered saw grinds logs for lumber, and can even help islanders in eighteenth-century attire saw logs to the proper length for building. History is not the only thing preserved at Mill Creek, as the park is also dedicated to preserving nature and local plants and animals. Visit two new trails through hardwood and aspen forests to see natural habitat, or take a walk with a naturalist for a guided, informational opportunity.

Marquette Park - Mackinac Island

Once you've visited the historic and natural parks on Mackinac Island, it's time to enjoy a still and restful experience at Marquette Park. This park owes its name to Jesuit priest and explorer Father Jacques Marquette, and was heralded in 2003 as one of the Nation's Top 10 Lawns by a Briggs & Stratton lawn-company contest. Marquette Park is the perfect place to sit and watch bicycles and carriages go down the streets, as well as 1,000-foot freight ships traveling on the water of Lake Huron. From here, you can even hear the firing of cannons at Ft. Mackinac!

With so many parks offering educational opportunities, recreation sites and scenic views, Mackinac Island is a treasure waiting to be explored. Be sure to bring your camera and your favorite walking shoes so you can enjoy all the park experiences Mackinac Island has to offer!