Where Michigan Meets:
Redesigning Michilimackinac State Park
Make Your Legacy Where Michigan Meets
At Michilimackinac State Park, something timeless is always unfolding. Families gather, children run along the shoreline and generations pause together under the sweeping silhouette of the Mackinac Bridge—a view that never loses its sense of wonder.
Now, you have the chance to be part of that story.
By helping shape the future of the picnic grounds, you’re doing more than enhancing a destination…you’re creating a place where memories are made. Where your kids will laugh in the grass, your grandkids will chase the breeze off the water and future generations will experience that same awe the moment the bridge comes into view.
This is your opportunity to leave something lasting. A space that brings people together. A place that feels like home, even for those just passing through.
Join us as we transform Michilimackinac State Park picnic grounds into the gathering place it deserves to be!
Michilimackinac State Park is Michigan’s second state park, established in 1909 and sits at the foot of the Mackinac Bridge.
This picnic area is open to the public free of charge and is the most visited spot in the region to view and photograph the Mackinac Bridge. It serves as the entryway for both Colonial Michilimackinac and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse historic sites.
Why Redesign?
This park is the most popular place to view the iconic Mackinac Bridge.
The day-use area at Michilimackinac State Park evolved from a campground to a maritime park, and it now is a popular public gathering space that is in desperate need of a refresh. Since the early 1980s, the landscaping and design has stayed basically the same.
This project promises making the park a landmark all its own.
Mackinac State Historic Parks staff and Mackinac Associates members talk about the Where Michigan Meets: Michilimackinac State Park redesign campaign.
The Vision
We want to transform the 15-acres of Michilimackinac State Park between the Colonial Michilimackinac Visitor’s Center and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse into a gathering space worthy of the incredible setting.
Updated amenities will include:
A Pavillion perfect for special events
A Boardwalk along the southern edge of the park along Lake Huron
A Pergola that will be available as a wedding venue
Accessible picnic pods to ensure all visitors have access to the picnic spaces
Interpretive Panels to share the storied history of the Straits of Mackinac
Total Cost: $3.46 million
Support the Where Michigan Meets Campaign
There are a variety of ways to support the Where Michigan Meets campaign.
Make a donation
Make a pledge - Gift commitments can be fulfilled through monthly or annual giving
Sponsor one of the features within the park
