Mackinac Island State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mackinac Island State Park |
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Map of Mackinac Island showing the state park boundaries
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| Location | Mackinac Island, Michigan United States |
| Area | 2.81 sq mi (7.3 km2) |
| Established | 1875 (Mackinac National Park) 1895 (Mackinac Island State Park) |
| Governing body | Michigan Department of Natural Resources / Mackinac Island State Park Commission |
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Mackinac Island State Park
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U.S. National Historic Landmark District
Contributing Property |
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| Part of | Mackinac Island (ID66000397) |
| Designated NHLDCP | October 15, 1966 |
Mackinac Island State Park is a special place in Michigan, United States. It's a state park located on Mackinac Island, which is an island in Lake Huron. This park covers about 80% of the whole island, which is about 1,800 acres.
What makes Mackinac Island unique is that cars are not allowed! The only highway, M-185, goes around the park and is used by bikes and horses. The park is managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Mackinac Island State Park Commission. In 2009, the park welcomed its 20 millionth visitor!
Contents
Park History
From National Park to State Park
Mackinac Island State Park has a very interesting history. It was first created in 1875 as Mackinac National Park. This made it the second national park in the United States, right after Yellowstone National Park!
A senator from Mackinac, Thomas Ferry, helped make this happen. He suggested that soldiers already stationed at Fort Mackinac could also take care of the park. This idea helped convince other lawmakers. The park was then managed by the United States Department of War.
By 1888, the park started to get better. They built trails, improved roads, and even put up an observation tower at Fort Holmes, the highest point on the island.
However, in 1890, the military decided the fort was no longer important for defense. The soldiers left, and there was no one to look after the park. The government even thought about selling it!
But people who loved the island didn't want that to happen. They started a campaign to save the park. In September 1895, their efforts paid off! The U.S. government gave the park and fort to the State of Michigan. This is how Mackinac Island State Park became Michigan's very first state park. The state created the Mackinac Island State Park Commission to manage it.
War of 1812 on Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island played a big role in the War of 1812 between the United States and Canada (which was a British colony back then).
Fort Mackinac was built by the British during the American Revolutionary War. In 1796, the British gave the fort to the Americans. But they built another fort nearby on St. Joseph Island. Both nations wanted to control the waters of northern Lake Huron.
At the start of the War of 1812, the British quickly captured Fort Mackinac. They held onto it until the war ended. In 1814, the Americans tried to get the fort back in the Battle of Mackinac Island, but they didn't succeed.
When the war ended with the Treaty of Ghent in 1815, Mackinac Island was returned to American control.
Exploring Historic Areas
Mackinac Island State Park is full of history! You can visit many old buildings and important sites.
Historic Buildings to See
- Fort Mackinac - This old fort is now a museum where you can learn about its past.
- Fort Holmes - Another historic fort on the island.
- Mission Church - A historic church that is now a museum.
- Mission House
- American Fur Company Retail Store & Dr. Beaumont Museum - Learn about the fur trade and an important doctor.
- Matthew Geary House
- Benjamin Blacksmith Shop - See how a blacksmith worked long ago.
- Biddle House - Another historic home that is now a museum.
- Governor's Mansion (Lawrence Andrew Young Cottage) - The summer home for Michigan's governor.
- Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum - This building was once called the Indian Dormitory.
- McGulpin House - A very old house that is now a museum.
Important Historic Sites
- Battlefield of 1814 - Where the battle took place during the War of 1812.
- British Landing - Where the British landed when they captured the island.
- Cemeteries - Old burial grounds.
- Lime Kiln - A historic place where lime was made.
- Marquette Park
- Wawashkamo Golf Club - A historic golf course.
Amazing Caves and Rock Formations
The park also has incredible natural features, like unique rock formations and caves!
- Arch Rock - A famous natural limestone arch.
- Gitchi Manitou
- Sugar Loaf - A tall, cone-shaped rock.
- Cave of the Woods
- Crack-in-the-Island
- Eagle Point Cave
- Skull Cave - A cave with a spooky name!
- Friendship's Altar
- Sunset Rock (sometimes called Chimney Rock)
- Devil's Kitchen
- Robinson's Folly
Other Park Features
- Anne's Tablet - A monument in the park.
Images for kids
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Eastern shore of Mackinac Island, near Mission Point.
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The main biking road around Mackinac Island, eastern shore.
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One of many scenic beaches on Mackinac Island.
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Extensive forests cover the core of Mackinac Island.
Mackinac State Historic Parks
The Mackinac State Historic Parks is an organization that manages several parks and museums in the Straits of Mackinac area. It's part of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The main parks it manages are:
- Mackinac Island State Park, on Mackinac Island, which includes:
- Fort Mackinac
- Historic Downtown Mackinac
- The Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum
- Michilimackinac State Park, in Mackinaw City, which includes:
- Colonial Michilimackinac
- Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
- Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park, also in Mackinaw City
This organization is overseen by the Mackinac Island State Park Commission. This commission has seven members chosen by the governor of Michigan. They serve for six years.
