Mackinac National Park was created in 1875 as the United States' second national park, three years after Yellowstone. What were some features of the national park? Why did the park get created? Join Interpretation Coordinator Jack Swartzinski for a guided bike ride through the former Mackinac National Park to learn about how Mackinac National Park […]

Mackinac National Park was created in 1875. However, the question of how the amenities of such a park would be paid for persisted. One solution was to grant leaseholds on the East and West Bluffs. Since the 1840s wealthy island visitors had expressed interest in constructing cottages on the bluffs of Mackinac Island. By 1882 […]

Join naturalist Kyle Bagnall on a guided walk to explore one of Mackinac Island’s oldest and most iconic rock formations. In August 1894, Major Clarence Bennet issued a warning to guests of Mackinac National Park – anyone found guilty of defacing Sugar Loaf would be expelled from the park! On this two-mile walk, we’ll explore […]

As the idea for Mackinac National Park was being debated in the Senate and House in the mid-1870s, the idea had a few factors working in its favor: one, the U.S. government already owned the land; and two, the troops garrisoned at Fort Mackinac could care for the grounds, which would help ease and significant […]