MACKINAW CITY — Dousman’s Mill Historic Site will not operate during the 2026 season due to construction delays on the David A. Armour Visitor’s Center and restroom facilities. The historic site, located three miles east of Mackinaw City, was previously known as Historic Mill Creek.
Construction on the new facilities began in September 2025 with an original completion goal of April 2026. The timeline has since been pushed back to late May for the restrooms and June for the Visitor’s Center, though park officials expressed doubt that those revised deadlines will be met.
Steve Brisson, director of Mackinac State Historic Parks, stated that the decision followed extensive discussions with site staff. “After extensive discussion with staff, we have made the difficult decision not to open Dousman’s Mill,” Brisson said. “Being able to safely accommodate our guests is our first priority and we feel that the current state of Dousman’s Mill does not allow us to effectively do that.”
Visitors who already purchased tickets for the 2026 season are eligible for a refund. Mackinac State Historic Parks will also allow guests to apply those tickets toward admission at any of its other sites, such as Fort Mackinac or Colonial Michilimackinac.
When the site reopens in 2027, the Visitor’s Center will feature a new exhibit highlighting the history of the mill, a renovated theater space and a museum store. Upgraded restroom facilities will include family and attendant stalls. The Millwright’s House is also scheduled to receive an exhibit upgrade and new programming for the 2027 season.
The site was recently renamed Dousman’s Mill from Historic Mill Creek to honor Michael Dousman. A wealthy fur trader based on Mackinac Island, Dousman purchased the water-powered sawmill and the surrounding grounds in 1819. He operated the site until the 1830s. The water-powered sawmill remains the primary attraction of the historic site.
The history of the area dates back to 1790, when Robert Campbell established the first sawmill on the property. After Dousman’s ownership ended in 1839, the land was bought and sold multiple times, eventually hosting limestone quarrying operations from 1865 to 1920. The property reverted to state ownership in the 1950s.
The mill site was rediscovered in 1972 by Ellis Olson, an amateur archaeologist and teacher. Archaeological excavations began in 1973 and the property was transferred to the Mackinac Island State Park Commission in 1975. The site first opened to the public as a historic park in 1984.
Dousman’s Mill Historic Site is scheduled to reopen in early May 2027. New and engaging programs are expected to debut during that season.