The Mackinac Island State Park Commission is a group of people chosen by the State of Michigan to manage state parklands in the Straits of Mackinac area. It uses the name Mackinac State Historic Parks for its public activities. The park includes Mackinac Island State Park, which features Fort Mackinac and historic buildings in the downtown area of Mackinac Island, Michigan. It also includes Colonial Michilimackinac, which has Fort Michilimackinac and the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, and Dousman's Mill (formerly known as Historic Mill Creek). This group works under the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Mackinac State Historic Parks is recognized by the American Alliance of Museums. The collection includes more than one million artifacts, which are cared for by professional staff. Archaeological digging is done, and educational materials, such as lesson plans, are provided. The commission is responsible for maintaining the official Michigan Governor's Summer Residence on Mackinac Island and gives out photos, information packets, brochures, and other promotional materials.
On July 15, 2009, the park celebrated its 20 millionth visitor.
History
The Mackinac Island State Park Commission was created in 1994 by Act 451 to manage the parks. It has seven members, chosen by the governor after getting approval from the State Senate. Each member serves a six-year term. In 2003, the total budget for the Mackinac Park System was $2,950,800. Of this, $1,037,600 came from the Mackinac Island State Park Fund, $76,400 was collected from user fees, and $1,836,800 was provided by the state general fund. Some people have suggested that the park and the commission should be managed by private groups. However, past audits have shown that the commission’s management practices have been effective.
The commission has faced challenges with budget cuts and reduced spending for several years.
The Mackinac Island State Park Commission was established as the official group responsible for Mackinac State Historic Parks. In 1875, the government set aside land on Mackinac Island, which covered half the island, as the second national park in the United States. In 1895, this land was transferred to the state of Michigan, becoming the state’s first park. That same year, the state legislature created the Mackinac Island State Park Commission to protect the park and its historic buildings. Because of the commission’s work, the park now covers 80% of Mackinac Island, including 1,800 acres. The commission also manages parks on the mainland. Altogether, it oversees 2,500 acres of land, more than 110 buildings, and about 1.7 million artifacts.
The chairman of the commission is Dennis O. Cawthorne, who previously served as the Republican Leader in the Michigan House of Representatives. Other members include Frank J. Kelley, the former Michigan Attorney General; Barry J. Goodman; Karen Karam; Richard A. Manoogian; Chuck Yob; and William K. Marvin.