Colonial MichilimackinacMichilimackinac, about a mile (2km) from the centre of
Mackinaw City, was the first stop for new arrivals back in the
outpost days, around the 1700s. Today it remains the first
destination for tourists visiting the area, being the site of a
reconstructed 1715 French fur-trading village and military outpost
that was later occupied by the British. The working colonial
village is a living history exhibit that fascinates visitors while,
within the stockade, archaeological excavations continue at the
site. The historic park includes a vivid audio-visual recreation of
a soldiers' barracks, a unique permanent underground archaeological
tunnel exhibit displaying hundreds of original artefacts, a
recreated Native American summer encampment illustrating life on
the shores of the Great Lakes in the 18th century, as well as
musket and cannon firing demonstrations and demonstrations of
pioneer skills like blacksmithing and open-hearth
cooking.Historic Mill CreekMill Creek, located on US-23 a few miles south-east of
Mackinaw City, was constructed by a Scotsman, Robert Campbell, in
1780, making it one of the first industrial sites in the Great
Lakes area. The mill, now reconstructed, provided sawn lumber for
the Mackinac Island settlers. Today the water-powered sawmill sits
in a delightful wooded setting among nature trails and forest
management displays, providing an interesting attraction for
numerous visitors. Demonstrations are given of logs being sawn,
craftsmen in period dress show how houses were built and a nature
programme to encourage visitors to discover the area's flora and
fauna is offered. The site includes a picnic area, or there is a
cookhouse serving lunches and snacks. The surrounding area includes
four miles (6km) of nature trails that bypass an active beaver
colony.Mackinac IslandVisitors who step ashore on Mackinac Island from one
of the three ferry services from Mackinaw City can be forgiven for
believing they have stepped back in time into a Victorian village.
The small population of 500 permanent residents have preserved the
island settlement and the surrounding natural beauty to the point
that no motor vehicles are allowed on the island; the only way to
get around is on foot, bicycle or horse and buggy. The island, 80
percent of which is a state park, boasts 140 miles (225km) of roads
and trails, ideal for hiking. The longest route is right around the
island, following the scenic eight-mile (13km) Lake Shore road.
Other popular walks include the Turtle's Back, Tranquil Bluff Trail
and British Landing nature trail. Every year in early June the
island comes alive with a Lilac Festival, featuring the world's
longest horse-hitch parade, fireworks, hayrides, country line
dancing, free outdoor concerts, boat cruises and garden
tours.Fort MackinacFrom its position on Mackinac Island, Fort Mackinac
has stood sentinel over the Straits of Mackinac for 115 years,
having been built by British soldiers during the American
Revolution. The original fort has been restored as a National
Historic Landmark and is one of Michigan's favourite attractions.
Visitors can stroll through the 1780 officer's stone quarters, play
dress-up in the discovery room, enjoy an audio-visual presentation
in the Post Commissary, view the exhibits and watch lively
demonstrations.Great Lakes Shipwreck MuseumAbout an hour's drive north of the Mackinaw Bridge,
situated in one of the most scenic spots on Michigan's Upper
Peninsula, lies the intriguing Shipwreck Museum alongside the
historic Whitefish Point Light Station on the shore of Lake
Superior. The museum is the only one of its kind, dedicated to
highlighting the perils of maritime transport on the Great Lakes.
The lighthouse on the site is the oldest active lighthouse on Lake
Superior. The museum brings to life the dramatic shipwreck legends
of the area with artefacts and exhibits telling stories of the
ships and sailors who came to grief in the treacherous lake.
Visitors can also take a guided tour of the restored 1861
Lightkeepers Quarters, a duplex building with period furnishings,
descriptive panels and artefacts from the days when keepers and
their families lived here.
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