By Abby Bell
Stepping back in time while visiting Mackinac Island is an experience both tourists and Eastern Upper Peninsula (EUP) locals cherish. From the ferry ride to the island, bustling Main Street with its horse-drawn carriages and bikes, to the serene natural beauty of Mackinac Island State Park - the island is a unique and treasured destination favored nationwide.
Whether enjoying a leisurely carriage ride or the exhilarating 207-step climb up from M-185, the new Milliken Nature Center at Arch Rock is a must-stop on any island bucket list.
Under the stewardship of Mackinac State Historic Parks, the Milliken Nature Center was conceptualized about five years ago and received full bipartisan support in Michigan’s state budget. Michigan-based architecture firm TowerPinkster designed the facility, and Spence Brothers of Traverse City completed construction.
Island construction projects require detailed preparation. All materials and equipment for the new nature center arrived on the island by freight boat—a true feat compared to a mainland construction site accessible by semi-truck. Once on the island, construction was completed in the offseason to limit disruption to the visitor experience. The mild 2023 -2024 winter aided the contractor as crews were able to work through the winter to complete construction. The nature center opened in May 2024 and is named after former Michigan Governor William Milliken, known for his love of Mackinac Island.
“They listened to the vision of what we wanted out here, what's needed as far as the comfort station and the nature center,” states Mackinac State Historic Parks Director Steve Brisson. “They looked at how the crowd interacted at the site and what needed improvement. They did a very nice job.”
The new comfort station features state-of-the-art bathroom facilities with energy-efficient lighting and water filtration. A new septic system and drain field ensure the facilities will remain operational for the future. The nature center’s modern design blends naturally into the limestone cliffs and breathtaking lake vistas beloved by island guests. Visitors have plenty of space to soak in the serenity of the area with built in wooden benches, a water station and picnic tables around the grounds.
While state funding covered the costs for the comfort center and facility construction, educational exhibits inside the nature center were funded by a donor, the Richard Card family, who love the island and are passionate about preserving its history. The Mackinac State Historic Parks team designed all exhibits in-house. A highlight of the nature center is a topographical 3-D island model with an interactive display of water levels and geographic landmarks. Other exhibits showcase the island's unique geography, including Sugarloaf Rock and Skull Cave. Children are especially attracted to the immersive viewing lens of Arch Rock.
“We hope that visitors to Arch Rock will now learn more about the island's geology and how Arch Rock came to be,” Brisson states. “We hope they leave with a deeper appreciation for the natural world.”
Brisson explains the features of the Milliken Nature Center were designed with future events in mind. Mackinac State Historic Parks plans to offer live naturalist demonstrations at the center’s outdoor space. For those who have always dreamed of being married on the island, the open deck offers a place for friends and family to gather in a scenic setting while vows are exchanged.
Whether you visit the Milliken Nature Center to learn about island geography or to relax while enjoying the view, you will leave inspired by Arch Rock's natural wonders and ready to tackle the next item on your island itinerary.