Mackinac State Historic Parks will not operate Dousman’s Mill, located three miles east of Mackinaw City, during the 2026 season due to construction delays affecting the David A. Armour Visitor’s Center and restrooms.
“After extensive discussion with staff, we have made the difficult decision not to open Dousman’s Mill,” said Steve Brisson, Mackinac State Historic Parks Director. “Our first priority is to safely accommodate our guests, and we feel that the current state of Dousman’s Mill does not allow us to effectively do that.”
Contractors began construction on the Visitor’s Center and restrooms in September with an anticipated April completion date. They have delayed that timeline to late May for the restrooms and June for the Visitor’s Center. Mackinac State Historic Parks staff doubt those deadlines will be met.
Exciting Upgrades for 2027
Mackinac State Historic Parks will reopen Dousman’s Mill Historic Site in early May 2027. The organization renamed the site from Historic Mill Creek to reflect its owner, Michael Dousman. A wealthy fur trader and Mackinac Island businessman, Dousman purchased the water-powered sawmill and grounds in 1819 and operated the site until the 1830s.
The water-powered sawmill will remain the highlight attraction. The Visitor’s Center will feature a new exhibit on the history of Dousman’s Mill. It will also include a renovated theater space and museum store. The upgraded restrooms will include family and attendant stalls. Staff will upgrade the Millwright’s House exhibit for 2027 and debut new programs.
Mackinac State Historic Parks will offer refunds to anyone who purchased Dousman’s Mill tickets for the 2026 season. Guests may also apply their tickets to any other Mackinac State Historic Parks site.
Dousman’s Mill History
Robert Campbell established the first sawmill at the site in 1790. Dousman purchased the property in 1819 and operated it until 1839. Owners bought and sold the property several times during the nineteenth century. Operators conducted limestone quarrying there from 1865 to 1920. The property reverted to state ownership in the 1950s.
In 1972, amateur archaeologist and teacher Ellis Olson rediscovered the mill site. Archaeologists began work in 1973. The state transferred the property to the Mackinac Island State Park Commission in 1975. The Commission opened it to the public in 1984. Learn more about the history of Dousman’s Mill here.
Posted February 17, 2026
By Dominick Miller, Chief of Marketing
