Historical Facts & FAQ

Who owned the mill? Robert Campbell constructed the original dam and sawmill in the late 1780’s. His son sold it to Michael Dousman in 1819.

Michael Dousman

Where was the lumber used? Mill Creek’s market was Mackinac Island. Lumber from the sawmill was used to build the Mission House (1825) and the Mission Church (1829).

How many years did the mill operate? Approximately 50 years. From the late 1780s until about 1839.

Was there other activity on the site? Yes. A gristmill was eventually added to the operation. Agricultural products, including hay and beef, were also produced on the site.

Who discovered the site? The historic mill site was rediscovered by Ellis Olson of Cheboygan in 1972.

When was archaeological work done on the site? Archaeological excavations have taken place at Mill Creek periodically from 1972 through 1994.

Archaeological master map of Historic Mill Creek.

What structures have been found? The remnants of the dam, two houses, a workshop and several other structures have been located.

When did the site open to the public? Historic Mill Creek opened to the public in June of 1984.

Federal Recognition: Historic Mill Creek is a National Registered Historic Site.

Acreage and other features:
• 625 acres
• 3,250 feet of Great Lakes Shoreline
• 3.5 miles of interpreted nature trails (1.5 miles are handicap accessible).

Reconstructed structures at Mill Creek:
• The mill dam
• Sawmill
• British Workshop
• American Millwright’s House.

Artist's rendition of the American Millwright's House, the most recent reconstruction at Historic Mill Creek (2005).