Have an Adventure. 

This is Mackinac. 

Witness the power of the creek harnessed to cut timber into lumber at one of the oldest industrial sites on the Upper Great Lakes. Smell the sawdust as sawyers demonstrate the pit saw method of cutting lumber, then feel the power of the creek used to cut timber inside the reconstructed sawmill. 

Join trained naturalists for engaging programs showcasing the North Woods, and then take time to explore the natural beauty of Mill Creek State Park, which has more than three miles of groomed hiking trails.

Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park is closed for the 2023 season. We’ll see you in early May, 2024!

Highlights

Live Programs and Tours

Historical demonstrations by costumed interpreters feature daily demonstrations of a reconstructed 18th century sawmill. With a smell of fresh sawdust in the air, the awesome power of the water never fails to impress as the mill springs to life, fed by the pond and ever-flowing currents of Mill Creek. Near the workshop, sawpit demonstrations and historic farming programs highlight what life was like beyond the sawmill more than 200 years ago. On the wild side, guests will make discoveries daily as wildflowers bloom and wildlife flourishes along the 3.5 miles of nature trails – be sure to check for Nature of the North Woods programs happening throughout the day. Click either link below for daily events during your visit!

Exhibits

The Visitor’s Center and Millwright’s House have exhibits on the history of the site featuring archaeological artifacts.

Movie

A fifteen-minute program, The Power of the Water: The Mill Creek Story, is presented in the theater in the Visitor’s Center. It repeats every 15 minutes.

Hands-on Fun

Kids and adults will enjoy the Forest Friends Play Area with the Chickadee Zip Line and making birds sing on the Evergreen Trail’s Sounds of the Forest station. Live programs offer fun for all ages and the view from the top of the Treetop Discovery Tower is not to be missed!

Nature Trails

Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park features three miles of trails on 625 acres. Abundant wildflowers, amazing fungi, and scenic views change with every season. North Woods wildlife, including 130 bird species, a beaver colony, black bear, and bobcat have been seen here. Learn more from a naturalist during one of our “Nature of the North Woods” programs.

Watch the video below to see Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park in action!