Mackinac National Park
Mackinac National Park was a United States national park that existed from 1875 to 1895 on Mackinac Island in northern Michigan, making it the second U.S. national park after Yellowstone National Park. Head to Mackinac Island to see it. Its history begins in 1875.
A park & preserve inside Mackinac Island
Winters are cold
January nights drop to 13°. When to go ↓
St. Ignace is the nearest base
St. Ignace is 6 miles west, with 26 places to stay. Where to stay ↓
Established in 1875
Mackinac National Park dates from 1875. About ↓
Best months: Jun, Jul, Aug and Sep
June, July, August and September are the mild months, with highs of 68–75°. When to go ↓
Written from NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Overture places to stay, Census town figures, Wikidata and Wikipedia.
Highs and lows by month
Plan a visit to Mackinac around the weather below.
Mackinac National Park
Mackinac National Park was a United States national park that existed from 1875 to 1895 on Mackinac Island in northern Michigan, making it the second U.S. national park after Yellowstone National Park. The 1,044-acre (422 ha) park was created in response to the growing popularity of the island as a summer resort. Its creation was largely the result of efforts by United States Senator Thomas W. Ferry, a native of the island. Senate Bill 28 "to set aside a certain portion of the island of Mackinaw and the straits of Mackinaw, within the State of Michigan as a national park" was introduced December 2, 1874, and signed by President Ulysses S. Grant on March 3, 1875. The national park covered 821 acres (332 ha) while the fort retained 103 acres (42 ha) and the remainder of the island was privately owned.
- Type
- Park & preserve
- Established
- 1875
- Wikipedia readers
- 19K a year
Towns to stay in near Mackinac National Park
For a bed close by, look to Mackinaw Township (50) and Mackinaw City (45).
Compare 8 towns
| Town | From Mackinac | Drive | Places to stay | People | Typical home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mackinac Island 41% vacation homes | in town | — | — | 617 | $733K |
| Mackinaw Township 46% vacation homes | 9 mi southwest | 15 min | 50 25 hotels · 11 motels · 7 inns & B&Bs · 4 lodges & cabins · 3 campgrounds | 495 | $279K |
| Mackinaw City 40% vacation homes | 9 mi southwest | 15 min | 45 27 hotels · 8 motels · 7 inns & B&Bs · 2 lodges & cabins · 1 campground | 836 | $224K |
| St. Ignace | 6 mi west | 10 min | 26 18 hotels · 6 motels · 1 inn or B&B · 1 lodge or cabins | 2,351 | $132K |
| St. Ignace Township 26% vacation homes | 13 mi north | 20 min | 13 3 hotels · 4 motels · 2 inns & B&Bs · 4 campgrounds | 1,007 | $179K |
| Carp Lake Township 52% vacation homes | 15 mi southwest | 25 min | 12 4 hotels · 1 motel · 1 inn or B&B · 6 lodges & cabins | 747 | $195K |
| Wawatam Township 39% vacation homes | 12 mi southwest | 20 min | 6 3 hotels · 2 motels · 1 campground | 697 | $227K |
| Moran Township 38% vacation homes | 20 mi northwest | 30 min | 16 6 hotels · 3 motels · 1 lodge or cabins · 4 campgrounds · 2 RV parks | 1,072 | $230K |
Getting there
Nearest airports with airline service
Beyond Mackinac
Within 65 miles you can add these well-known places.
18 mi LakeLake Michigan–Huron
2in town LandmarkFort Mackinac
38 mi Ancient siteFort Michilimackinac
46 mi DamSoo Locks
58 mi WaterfallTahquamenon Falls
46 mi MuseumSt. Ignace Mission
5in town MuseumRobert Stuart House
65 mi MuseumGreat Lakes Shipwreck MuseumPhoto credits
Lake Michigan–Huron: ChongDae, Public domain · Fort Mackinac: P. Hughes, CC BY 4.0 · Fort Michilimackinac: WMrapids, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Soo Locks: USGS, Public domain · Tahquamenon Falls: Bobak Ha'Eri, CC BY 3.0 · St. Ignace Mission: Andrew Jameson, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Robert Stuart House: Royalbroil, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum: Doug Coldwell, CC BY-SA 4.0
Mackinac in questions
Is Mackinac National Park in Mackinac Island?
Yes. It’s inside Mackinac Island, MI.
When is the best time to visit Mackinac National Park?
June, July, August and September, with highs of 68–75°.
What is the closest airport to Mackinac National Park?
Pellston Regional Airport of Emmet County (PLN), about 22 miles away. The nearest big hub is Gerald R. Ford (GRR), about 211 miles.
Where should I stay near Mackinac National Park?
Mackinaw Township (9 mi, 50 places to stay), Mackinaw City (9 mi, 45 places to stay) and St. Ignace (6 mi, 26 places to stay).
Ask a local in Mackinac Island
Ask a question, or answer one, in Mackinac Island’s Town Square.
Sources: National Park Service · ski areas © OpenSkiMap / OpenStreetMap contributors · Wikidata · Wikipedia readership · NOAA climate normals · U.S. Census.