More than 240 years have passed since wooden sloops brought wild hay to the King’s Cattle on Mackinac Island. During your next visit, scan the watery horizon and imagine the scene from a bygone era. Perhaps you’ll glimpse a broad, white sail billowing in the wind. Or listen closely, and just maybe you’ll hear soft, clanking cowbells as supper makes its way across the Straits of Mackinac.
More than 230 species of birds have been recorded on Mackinac Island and in the surrounding straits region. Here, we take a look at some detailed observations that a summer resident and ornithologist made in 1893.
In 2023 we accessioned 643 objects into our collection. Let’s learn about some!
Ice fishing has been an important part of the Straits for thousands of years, but dramatic scenes of net poles so numerous that they appeared almost as a forest are now nearly forgotten.
What’s the best season to visit the Straits of Mackinac? All of them! Learn a little about each season at the Straits:
When you think of Mackinac, you might think of fudge, or no cars, or horses, or the fort. But potatoes? “The best potatoes in the world grow at Mackinac.” Or at least they did. Read on!
What can you expect in 2024? A lot! Read more:
Unusual things have been found on Mackinac Island and the Straits of Mackinac over the years. But a walrus skull? That might be the most unusual of all. Read on for the amazing story of how it ended up in the Straits.
We’ve compiled five our favorite hikes with a little insider info to make your next visit to Mackinac Island State Park even better!
