WATER-POWERED SAWMILL
The centerpiece of the park is the 18th-century reconstructed, water-powered sawmill. Water is released and the flutter wheel begins to turn, shaking the building and giving you a sense of its power. As the saw and its frame move up and down more than 100 times a minute, it’s not hard to see the power contained in the small creek. A days work typically produced 140 boards, far more than the handsaw method.
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HANDSAW DEMONSTRATION
Demonstration held at the sawpit area across the Mill Creek footbridge near the sawmill
A historic interpreter and a guest grasp opposite ends of the long hand saw to demonstrate the vital pioneer skill of sawing logs for building projects. Two men working a 12 hour day could cut 14 boards this way.
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AMERICAN MILLWRIGHT'S HOUSE
The reconstructed Millwright’s House has been rebuilt in its exact location after meticulous archaeological work. View:
- Original grist stone used to grind corn
- Original remains of the fireplace
- Artifacts found at the site including tools and utensils
- A reconstructed food cellar
- Interactive video about the seasonal experiences of the Millwright’s family
- Scene of the Millwright’s family around the fireplace in the exact location of the fireplace
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CREATURES OF THE FOREST NATURE PROGRAM
Presented in the Forest Clearing area
A park naturalist, surrounding by furs, animal mounts, natural props, and learning tools, talks about the flora and fauna of northern Michigan and the Mill Creek area.
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NATURE TRAILS
There are 3.5 miles of nature trails, many of which are accessible by ramp. Take a leisurely walk on trails that follow the creek, rest on benches, and then continue on where you’ll discover a working beaver dam or the reconstructed sugar shake.
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ADVENTURE TOUR
Begins under the canopy by the zip line landing platform near Mill Creek
Experience nature at an entirely new level with the park naturalist guided Adventure Tour, consisting of the Forest Canopy Bridge, Eagle’s Flight Zip Line, and Nature Trail Climbing Wall....MORE. In order to participate in the Adventure Tour, you must be at least 4 feet tall and weigh between 50-250 pounds. Read all guidelines and restrictions.
$7.00 per person per tour in addition to park admission
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TREETOP DISCOVERY TOWER
Set on the park’s eastern bluff, the 50’ Treetop Discovery Tower is a hub for natural history learning. At the top of the tower, learn about the amazing recovery of the American Bald Eagle. The tower offers a spectacular view of the Straits of Mackinac, the Mackinac Bridge, and Mackinac Island. Look closely on a clear day, and you can even see Fort Mackinac from here! The Nature Trail Climbing Wall is mounted on the side of this tower.
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FOREST FRIENDS PLAY AREA
This is a great play and learning center for children 10 and under:
- Large, climbable animals including a bear, beaver, and frog
- Fun facts about these animals
- Bronze casting animal track footprints
- Benches surrounding this enclosed area
- Otter Slide, new in 2009
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WATER POWER STATION
Sponsored by Presque Isle Electric and Gas Co-op, our local Touchstone Energy Cooperative
Combine fun and learning with the sheltered Water Power Station:
- Hands-on 18th-century waterwheel replicas provide splashy play opportunities. Pull the ropes to release water and watch it power the wheels and ring bells
- Large pull-handle squirter
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