Welcome to the Park of the Week Newsletter for March 7, 2024. This week’s park–now a state park–was once the second national park created in the United States.
Mackinac Island State Park
Location
Mackinac Island, Michigan, United States
Claim to fame
Established in 1895, Mackinac (pronounced Mackinaw) Island State Park was the first state park in Michigan. Prior to that though, it was the second national park created in the United States, after Yellowstone National Park.
In 1875, Congress created the national park at the urging of US Senator and island native Thomas W. Ferry. From 1875 to 1895, Mackinac National Park protected the natural beauty of the island. The soldiers of Fort Mackinac oversaw the park, and when the fort was decommissioned in 1895, the park was turned over to the state of Michigan with the requirement that it continue to be protected as a public park.
Reason to visit
Today Mackinac Island is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region. The island is known for its ban on automobiles (horses and bicycles are the main modes of transport), its fudge, and its historic and natural beauty.
The state park is 1,800 acres, covering over 80% of the island. The park maintains 70.5 miles (113.5 km) of roads and trails frequented by bikes, horses, and hikers. The island has many unique geologic features, like limestone arches, stacks, and sea caves, of which Arch Rock is the most famous. The interior of the island is thickly forested, shielding hikers from the bustle of the busy tourist parts of the island.
Mackinac Island State Park also oversees many of the historic sites across the island, including cemeteries, a peace garden, and various historic structures, like Fort Mackinac.
Wild Fact
Fort Mackinac and its soldiers once managed Mackinac National Park, but the fort was not always so peaceful. The island and fort were captured by the British early in the War of 1812. At the time the island was critical to the fur trade and Native American relations in the region.
In 1814, American troops attempted to reclaim the island, attacking Fort Mackinac, but they were forced to retreat after heavy losses. The British controlled the island for the duration of the war, returning it to US control after the treaty of Ghent in 1815.
In 1898 the site of the Battle of Mackinac was turned into the Wawashkamo Golf Course, which still operates today as a part of Mackinac Island State Park.
Thanks for reading. Each Thursday, we send out an image and description of a unique natural or cultural treasure like the one above. Learn new things, explore special places, and find your inspiration: sign up for the free newsletter today.