Aerial Cable Ride, Treetop Bridge Being Added to Historic Mill Creek Site

An aerial cable ride and a treetop bridge are new interactive features being added to Historic Mill Creek near Mackinaw City, designed to boost attendance at the site.

In May, visitors to the 625-acre Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park will be able to soar over Mill Creek on the Eagle's Flight Zip Line and walk through the treetops on the Forest Canopy Bridge. A park naturalist will guide visitors through this high-ropes nature experience.

"This is a thrilling new way to learn about the natural wonders of our northern Michigan environment," said Phil Porter, director of Mackinac State Historic Parks, which operates Mill Creek. "These experiences will provide insight, education, and understanding."

According to Jeff Dykehouse, curator of natural history, the experience will offer a chance to learn about animals like squirrels and birds while experiencing the thrill of walking through the forest canopy and gliding over a pond.

"Some of the Discovery Park elements will let visitors get up into the different layers of the forest, where they can better learn about the animals that live there," Mr. Dykehouse said.

Attractions for small children are also being added, including a Water Power Station and Forest Friends Play Area.

"This initiative takes advantage of new, interactive experiences used in other eco-tourism destinations," Mr. Porter said. "Our new programs will combine all of the existing educational and interpretive messages of Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park and deliver them in new and exciting ways."

Construction, underway by Mackinac State Historic Parks and Ropes Courses, Inc. of Allegan, is scheduled to be completed by season opening.

Other features at the park are the 18th-century reconstructed Millwright's House, sawpit, and water-powered sawmill, British Workshop, American Millwright's House, an audiovisual program, and a 3.5-mile nature trail.

The site dates to 1790 and contained the sawmill, gristmill, many buildings, a large orchard, and 40 acres of cultivated land. The sawmill ceased operation in 1839 and the site was overgrown and lost, until rediscovered in 1972. Mackinac State Historic Parks began archaeological study and reconstruction soon after.

Much of the new eco-tourism project is being funded by Mackinac Associates, which is providing the Forest Canopy Bridge, and Presque Isle Electric and Gas Co-op.