Mackinac Island State Park was established in 1895. For twenty years before that it had been Mackinac National Park, the United States' second national park. Today, over eighty percent of Mackinac Island is State Park property, and most of this park land remains in its natural condition to be enjoyed.
The park is filled with historic attractions. Fort Mackinac and the Historic Downtown sites are the most prominent, but there are many points of interest and monuments throughout the park.
Mackinac Island State Park contains 70.5 miles of signed and interpreted roads and trails. Some are paved, some are not. Some are shared by horses, bikes and walkers; others are best for hiking only. There are also over 50 interpretive panels throughout the park that describe the natural wonders and historic locations.