Dousman’s Mill, a historic site located three miles east of Mackinaw City formerly known as Historic Mill Creek, will not operate during the 2026 season, owing to construction delays on the David A. Armour Visitor’s Center and restroom facilities.
“After extensive discussion with staff, we have made the difficult decision not to open Dousman’s Mill,” said Steve Brisson, Mackinac State Historic Parks Director. “Being able to safely accommodate our guests is our first priority, and we feel that the current state of Dousman’s Mill does not allow us to effectively do that.”
Construction on the Visitor’s Center and restroom began in September with an April completion date. That timeline has been delayed to late May for the restroom and June for the Visitor’s Center, and Mackinac State Historic Parks staff have doubts on whether those timelines will be met.
Dousman’s Mill Historic Site will now open in early May 2027. It was renamed Dousman’s Mill from Historic Mill Creek to reflect the owner of the site, Michael Dousman. A wealthy fur trader and businessman located on Mackinac Island, Dousman purchased the water-powered sawmill and grounds in 1819. He operated the site until the 1830s. The water-powered sawmill will remain the highlight attraction. The Visitor’s Center will feature a new exhibit highlighting the history of Dousman’s Mill, along with a renovated theater space and museum store. Restrooms will be upgraded to include family and attendant stalls. The Millwright’s House will also receive an exhibit upgrade for 2027. New and engaging programs will also debut in 2027.
Anyone who purchased Dousman’s Mill tickets from Mackinac State Historic Parks for the 2026 season is welcome to a refund, or the ticket can be applied to any of our other Mackinac State Historic Parks sites.
A sawmill was first established at the area that became Dousman’s Mill in 1790 by Robert Campbell. Dousman purchased the property in 1819 and ran it until 1839. The property was bought and sold a number of times in the nineteenth century, with limestone quarrying operations conducted on the property from 1865-1920. In the 1950s the property reverted to state ownership. In 1972 the mill site was rediscovered by amateur archaeologist and teacher Ellis Olson, and archaeological work began in 1973. The property was transferred to the Mackinac Island State Park Commission in 1975 and was opened to the public in 1984.
A downloadable version of this release can be found here. Additional pictures of the site available by request. For more information on Dousman’s Mill and other Mackinac State Historic Parks sites, visit mackinacparks.com.
Mackinac State Historic Parks, a family of living history museums and parks in northern Michigan’s Straits of Mackinac, is an agency within the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Its sites—which are accredited by the American Alliance of Museums—include Fort Mackinac, the Biddle House, featuring the Mackinac Island Native American Museum, The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum, Benjamin Blacksmith Shop, American Fur Co. Store & Dr. Beaumont Museum, McGulpin House, and Mackinac Island State Park on Mackinac Island, and Colonial Michilimackinac, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, Dousman’s Mill, and Michilimackinac State Park in Mackinaw City. Mackinac State Historic Parks is governed by the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, established in 1895 to protect, preserve and present the parks’ rich historic and natural resources for the education and recreation of future generations. Visitor information is available at (231) 436-4100 or online at www.mackinacparks.com.
