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Michigan dnr > wildlife viewing guide > northern lower peninsula > mill creek

51 Mill Creek State Historic Park Northern Lower Peninsula

wildlife viewing  |  directions and facility information

trail through the trees bridge over water viewing platform
Photo:woods and bridge ©Phil T. Seng; overlook by Mackinac State Historic Parks

mill and creek
Mill Creek features a water-powered sawmill. Living history and/or natural history demonstrations are presented every hour on the hour. A naturalist is available for questions between presentations.
Photo: Mackinac State Historic Parks
Nature trails and scenic overlooks provide a view of the wildlife and natural resources of this site, while the working sawmill and visitor center give a look at the rich history of the Straits of Mackinac and Mackinac Island. Most of Mill Creek State Historic Park is densely wooded and covered by one of the following five forest types: northern hardwoods, upland aspen, lowland aspen, mixed pine, or lowland cedar swamp. Mill Creek is open early May through mid-October. Call ahead or visit the park’s Web site for a schedule of events and activities within the park.

Wildlife Viewing

sharp shinned hawk
Sharp-shinned hawks nest in the park
and can be seen hunting in woodland habitats.
Photo: ©Jeff Dykehouse, Mackinac State Historic Parks

Three and a half miles of nature trails meander through the park's 625 wooded acres. Hike the Beaver Pond Trail to see the dams and lodges of several families of beavers. Watch for these shy mammals at dawn and dusk. Deer, grouse, and woodcock may be seen on the Aspen-Wildlife Forest Trail. Watch for barred or great horned owls in the trees along the Sugar Shack Forest Trail. Listen for the songs of ovenbirds, American redstarts, black-throated green warblers, rose-breasted grosbeaks, veerys, and other forest songbirds as you explore the park. Enjoy the living history and natural history programs presented on the hour throughout the day by the park’s historic interpreters and naturalists.


MapDirections

From Cheboygan, take US-23 north about 13 miles to the park entrance on the left (south) side of the road.

Ownership: Mackinac State Historic Parks, Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries.

Size: 625 acres

Closest Town: Mackinaw City

Weather and Driving Directions for Mackinaw City

Plan Your Trip with travel.michigan.org!

Facilities and Opportunities

RestroomsTrailsPicnicVisitor CenterDrinking WaterEntry FeeBarrier Free

Restrooms – located at the Visitor Center.
Trails – 3.5 miles of nature trails, 2 miles barrier free. Trails include interpretive panels, ramps, stairs, bridges and boardwalks.
Picnic – A large picnic area near the buildings, with a concession stand serving lunches and refreshments.
Visitor Center – interpretive displays, audio-visual programs, and presentations by naturalists on cultural and natural history of Mill Creek and the Straits of Mackinac.
Drinking Water – fountain located at the Visitor Center.
Entry Fee -- Adult $7.50, Children, age 6 to 17, $4.50, children age five and under free. (Fees 2003 and 2004).
Barrier Free – over half (about two miles) of the nature trails and all the public buildings are barrier free.

Addtional information:
Mill Creek State Historic Park web site
For other natural features and businesses in the area, check out the Mackinac Island State Park web site. This Web site provides links to many other Straits area attractions.

E-mail: mackinacparks@michigan.gov

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