The Rise and Fall of Mackinac National Park
When you think of national parks, places like Yellowstone or Yosemite probably come to mind. But did you know that America’s second national park wasn’t a vast wilderness out West, but rather a small island in Lake Huron in Northern Michigan? On March 3, 1875, Mackinac National Park was officially designated, just three years after Yellowstone. However, its time as a national park was short-lived, and in 1895, it transitioned to Michigan’s first state park. So what happened? Let’s dive into the history of Mackinac National Park and its lasting legacy.
The Birth of Mackinac National Park
Mackinac Island had long been a place of significance. Native American tribes, French fur traders, and British and American soldiers all left their mark on this small but strategically located island. By the mid-19th century, Mackinac was becoming a popular summer retreat, attracting visitors with its natural beauty and cooler climate.
Recognizing its potential, U.S. Senator Thomas W. Ferry, a Mackinac Island native, championed the effort to establish the island as a national park. On March 3, 1875, President Ulysses S. Grant signed the bill creating Mackinac National Park, setting aside 1,044 acres for public use. The park was managed by the U.S. Army, with soldiers from Fort Mackinac doubling as park rangers.
Life as a National Park
Mackinac National Park operated differently from today’s federally managed parks. There was no National Park Service yet, so the Army ran the park, maintaining roads, trails, and leasing small plots of land to help cover costs. The park featured stunning rock formations like Arch Rock and Sugar Loaf, along with scenic bluffs overlooking Lake Huron. Visitors came for the peaceful landscapes, fresh air, and recreational activities like fishing and hiking.
The Transition to a State Park
For 20 years, Mackinac National Park functioned under military supervision. However, in 1895, the federal government decommissioned Fort Mackinac, and with no Army presence left, the national park status became unsustainable. Rather than let the park fall into disrepair, Michigan Governor John T. Rich requested that the land be transferred to the state, and Mackinac became
Michigan’s first state park.
A condition of the transfer was that the land had to remain a park, or it would revert to federal control. This led to some challenges over the years, such as when the city wanted to expand the island’s airport in the 1960s. However, the park commission ensured that Mackinac remained a protected space for future generations.
Mackinac Island State Park Today
Today, over 80% of Mackinac Island is preserved as a state park, offering visitors a unique glimpse into both history and natural beauty. Cars have been banned on the island since 1898, making for a peaceful atmosphere where transportation consists of walking, biking, or horse-drawn carriages. Visitors can explore over 70 miles of trails, visit historic Fort Mackinac, and marvel at natural wonders like Arch Rock.
Mackinac’s brief time as a national park helped shape the future of America’s park system, demonstrating the importance of preservation. Though it lost its national park status, Mackinac Island State Park continues to thrive as one of Michigan’s most beloved destinations, proving that some places don’t need a national designation to be truly special.
