Ghost Plants of Mackinac
Mackinac is home to more than 270 species of wildflowers. Our park naturalist, Kyle, recently re-discovered one to add to the list.
Mackinac is home to more than 270 species of wildflowers. Our park naturalist, Kyle, recently re-discovered one to add to the list.
Join us as we celebrate the American Revolution with special events, daily programs, and more, and learn all about what’s new for 2026.
Long before tourism was established as a major driver on Mackinac Island, Sugar Loaf was a popular attraction. Learn more about this majestic natural curiosity.
Over the past two centuries, dozens of amateur and professional botanists have documented the rich natural history of Mackinac Island. To date, about 600 species of wild plants have been identified on Mackinac Island, including 270 wildflowers. Read on to learn more.
When you visit the Straits of Mackinac this summer, we invite you to slow down (or even sit down) and ponder the earth beneath your feet. You never know – you may reveal evidence of ancient life which thrived in very different waters, nearly 400 million years ago!
As the calendar flips to 2025, the Mackinac State Historic Parks team is hard at work protecting, preserving, and presenting the rich history of the Straits of Mackinac by creating new exhibits, galleries, and tours, improving visitor experiences, celebrating a major anniversary, expanding our collections area and library, and finishing major infrastructure improvements on Mackinac Island.
As we prepare for the first official day of winter, let’s look at the amazing adaptations animals use to get ready for the long winter.
Our Park Naturalist, Kyle, is ready to set the story straight: Chimney Rock and Sunset Rock are not one and the same. Let’s revisit Chimney Rock:
The millstones currently on display at Dousman’s Mill are the originals, and they had a wild ride to get back to the site. But also – how were they made? And how did those rocks end up here at the Straits?
