Located three miles south of Mackinaw City, this unique park combines history and nature on 625 acres of northern hardwood forest. A working stream-powered sawmill is a replica of the original built here in the 18th century. Over three miles of well-maintained hiking trails, much of it handicapped accessible , meander along the rushing Mill Creek and under the shelter of the maples and oaks. Listen and look for Ovenbird, Redstart, Black-throated Green Warbler, Wood Thrush, and Red-bellied Woodpecker. Visit the bird feeders at the visitor center for close views of White-throated Sparrow, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Red-breasted Nuthatch, and Pileated Woodpecker. A highlight for birders is the 50-foot tall tower with an observation platform at treetop level offering spectacular views of the Mackinac Bridge and Mackinac Island. Here one can be eye to eye with canopy-loving birds such as Blackburnian Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, and Baltimore Oriole. Bald Eagles, Northern Goshawks, and Red-shouldered Hawks soar over the forest from nearby nests and, during spring migration, Golden Eagles may glide by. Plan to spend at least half the day in this one of a kind park with the unique combination of education and fun.
Things To Do
Birding, Hiking, Parking, Picnicing, Touring, Wildlife Watching
