Michigan
Mackinaw historic mill reopening delayed. When will it open?
Is it Mackinac or Mackinaw? A brief information
Here is a fast rationalization of which Michigan cities and landmarks are spelled Mackinac and Mackinaw… and a little bit of historical past on why there are two spellings.
Dousman’s mill close to Mackinaw Metropolis will stay closed by the 2026 season resulting from building delays, Mackinac State Historic Parks introduced on Monday, Feb. 16.
Initially scheduled for April, the timeline for work on the historic web site has been pushed again, and Mackinac State Historic Parks workers is just not assured will probably be met, the Michigan Division of Pure Sources Company mentioned in a Feb. 16 assertion.
Since September 2025, building has been underway on the David A. Armor Customer Heart and restroom amenities. The guests heart will now be accomplished in June and the restrooms in Might, after delays, the company mentioned.
“After in depth session with workers, we now have made the troublesome resolution to not open Dousman’s Mill,” mentioned Steve Brisson, director of Mackinac State Historic Parks. “Housing our company safely is our primary precedence, and we imagine the present situation of Dousman’s Mill doesn’t enable us to do this successfully.”
The historic mill will now reopen in early Might 2027, in accordance with the company’s assertion.
Here is what you’ll want to know concerning the timeline for Dousman’s Mill reopening.
When will Dousman’s Mill reopen?
Dousman’s Mill is at the moment set to reopen in early Might 2027, in accordance with Mackinac State Historic Parks.
Why was the reopening postponed?
Building delays at Dousman’s Mill led Mackinac State Historic Parks to delay reopening the historic web site, the DNR workplace mentioned.
“After in depth session with workers, we now have made the troublesome resolution to not open Dousman’s Mill,” mentioned Steve Brisson, director of Mackinac State Historic Parks. “Housing our company safely is our primary precedence, and we imagine the present situation of Dousman’s Mill doesn’t enable us to do this successfully.”
Building of the David A. Armor Customer Heart and restrooms on the web site was scheduled to be accomplished in April, however has now been postponed till June and Might, respectively. The DNR company mentioned its workers is skeptical that the work might be accomplished inside that timeline.
The place is Dousman’s Mill?
Dousman’s Mill is situated 3 miles east of Mackinaw Metropolis in northern Michigan.
“Expertise the ability of nature as bushes are was lumber at one of many oldest industrial websites on the Higher Nice Lakes. Watch sawdust fly as sawyers use axes and an enormous pit noticed to chop lumber by hand. Then witness the superior energy of water as Mill Creek is harnessed to run Michael Dousman’s reconstructed sawmill,” Dousman’s millsays the web site.
The tourist attraction welcomes guests to the location of a former dam, sawmill and later grain mill, courting to the late 18th century, in accordance with its web site. The location now includes a reconstructed mill dam, sawmill, workshop and millwright’s home, together with interpreted nature trails and Nice Lakes shoreline.
What are Mackinac State Historic Parks?
Mackinac State Historic Parks is an company throughout the Michigan Division of Pure Sources accountable for managing residing historical past museums and parks within the Strait of Mackinac area of northern Michigan.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.