Impressive $7.5M nature center to open at Arch Rock on Mackinac Island

MACKINAC ISLAND, MI - A massive upgrade is opening near Arch Rock, Mackinac Island’s most famous geological formation.

The Milliken Nature Center, an estimated $7.5 million dollar project, plans to open to visitors on Saturday, June 1. The area features a much-needed expanded and modern restroom area, a nature center and space for guests at Arch Rock to relax.

The new center, designed by Grand Rapids-based firm TowerPinkster, fits seamlessly into the surrounding forest. It features a beautiful stone facade, wood beams, built-in seating, metal roofing and large windows.

“Incorporating a lot of stonework into the building, not wanting it to be a replica of any type of building found on the island, but to really express the natural history of the island and what people encounter here today,” said Mackinac State Historic Parks Director Steve Brisson.

Inside the nature center will be Mackinac State Historic Parks’ newest exhibit, Arch Rock: Unsurpassed in Nature’s Beauty. This exhibit features dozens of historic images of Arch Rock as well as a timeline on how the limestone arch was formed. The space will also highlight the geology of Mackinac Island as a whole, from the formation of the island itself and how features such as Sugarloaf Rock and Skull Cave came to be.

A highlight of the center will be the interactive topographical 3D map of Mackinac Island. There is also an outdoor area for a variety of programs.

The new center is named for former Michigan Governor William Milliken, the Traverse City native who served as governor of the Mitten State from 1969 to 1983, the longest in state history. A bust of Gov. Milliken will be placed on the grounds in the coming months.

The area was closed for construction from last September to April of this year as crews worked all off-season to complete the nature center. Construction on Mackinac Island has never been an easy task - usually only occurring in the off-season, when the weather can be unpredictable.

“Construction projects on the island are always a bit challenging. Everything has to come over. Sometimes the most difficult part of that isn’t getting the materials over. The workers have to come over and either find lodging on the island or come back and forth every day. Most of our construction projects occur over winter when the ferry schedule is reduced,” Brisson said.

This year was a mild winter on the island and the winter ferry was able to run all year. This was very helpful to get the project done in a timely manner, he said.

Arch Rock, a unique natural limestone arch, stands on Lake Huron’s shoreline 146 feet above the Great Lake and can be seen from the island’s perimeter. It has been visited by millions of people since humans first came to the island.

Arch Rock and the Milliken Nature Center can be easily accessed by bicycle, on foot or by horse-drawn carriage. Visitors can view Arch Rock from M-185, the shoreline road that circles Mackinac Island, and walk the 207-step stairway known as Spring Trail to the Arch Rock viewing platform.

The Milliken Nature Center exhibit is open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily, while restrooms at the site are open 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

On June 1, Mackinac State Historic Parks will also open the American Fur Co. Store, Dr. Beaumont Museum, The McGulpin House and The British Landing Nature Center for the 2024 season.