Mackinac Associates, the friends group for Mackinac State Historic Parks, will kick off the public phase of its Where Michigan Meets campaign for the redesign and renovation of Michilimackinac State Park, on Tuesday, May 19, at 10:00 a.m. at the Colonial Michilimackinac Visitor’s Center.

Mackinac State Historic Parks seeks to redesign the 15-acre Michilimackinac State Park area located between Colonial Michilimackinac and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse along the Lake Huron shoreline at the base of the Mackinac Bridge. The site is visited by hundreds of thousands of visitors yearly and is the premiere spot for views of the Mackinac Bridge.

The redesign will create a new experience for visitors highlighting the importance of the history of the Straits of Mackinac and the construction of the Mackinac Bridge. The project will incorporate updated amenities, refreshed landscaping, and accessible picnic areas. Irrigation will also be run through the park, keeping it green and welcoming throughout the summer season. Other updated amenities will include a special events pavilion, a boardwalk along the southern shore of Lake Huron, a pergola available for weddings, accessible picnic pods, and interpretive panels sharing the history of the Straits of Mackinac.

Michilimackinac State Park was designated a state park in 1909, making it the second oldest in the state. It served as a campground for many decades and was also home to a maritime park for a period of time. Colonial Michilimackinac sits within the park boundary to the west, and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse is surrounded by the park to the east.

Total cost for the project is around $3.5 million.

Mackinac Associates are friends preserving and sharing Mackinac’s heritage. Founded in 1980, the group has helped every major project since that time. Major initiatives include the reconstruction of Fort Holmes, exhibits at the Biddle House, featuring the Mackinac Island Native American Museum, major updates to the Kids’ Quarters at Fort Mackinac, new cannons at Fort Mackinac and Colonial Michilimackinac, and funding for Mackinac State Historic Parks’ education outreach programs. Where Michigan Meets will be its largest project to date.

Those interested in supporting the campaign can reach out to Michelle Walk, Chief Development Officer, at walkm1@michigan.gov or 231-436-4100.