Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park (formerly known as Mill Creek Historic Park) SEE BROCHURE FOR THIS ATTRACTION Come visit the first industrial complex to be constructed in the Straits of Mackinaw this summer at Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park (formerly known as Mill Creek Historic Park). Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park (formerly known as Mill Creek Historic Park) provided sawn lumber to the settlement of Mackinaw Island during the 1790’s and continues to impress visitors with their 18th Century water-powered sawmill demonstrations, replicating the work once done by early settlers. Equally impressive is the sawpit demonstration which actually allows young visitors to assist costumed interpreters by grasping opposite ends of the long saw to demonstrate the vital pioneer skill of sawing logs for building projects. The sawmill demonstrations take place every half hour during peak season (June 12th-August 22nd), with the sawpit demonstration preceding the sawmill every hour. Accompanying the sawpit demonstration is a natural history presentation, taking place in a small forest clearing located near the sawpit. The park is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during that peak season and until 4:00 p.m. during May and towards the end of August. The park also supplies an expert naturalist to provide a guided tour of the park. From beaver to brook trout to bobcat, Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park’s naturalist will introduce you to the many species of wildlife that inhabit the 625-acre site. The spacious park area also offers 3.5 miles of rigorous nature trails with scenic overlooks and an active beaver colony. A nature center and wildlife refuge such as Mill Creek that preserves the Michigan outdoors makes an ideal location for hiking trails for you and your family to hike on and go backpacking. Before leaving the park be sure to stop in the Museum Store offering books and fine gifts related to Mackinaw’s natural history, or ask to watch an audio-visual orientation to nature and history, also available at the Park’s main office. Suggested visit time of 2-3 hours. For more information and a complete listing of events feel free to visit them on their website, www.mackinacparks.com.

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Comments

[SJ]

We had a good time at the park,we were able to see how the lumber was cut back in the past and with the people dressed in early time clothes you got a feel of what it was like in the 1700's.The hiking trails were very nice and the kids got to see different types of wildlife.The workers were friendly and the movie about the sawmill was very informative.Nice place to visit.

[Penelope]

Favorite place in Mackinaw to visit! The tours are very informative and the workers interactive and informative. The kids had a blast with being outdoors, but they still were learning about the area and its past. I would recommend the park for anyone, it's fun for all ages. The lumberjacks were by far our favorite part of the park.