Image courtesy of Mackinac State Historic Parks
Dousman’s Mill Historic Site, located three miles east of Mackinaw City, will not operate during the 2026 season due to construction delays on the new David A. Armour Visitor’s Center and upgraded restroom facilities.
The decision was announced by Mackinac State Historic Parks after ongoing construction setbacks made it unlikely the site could safely accommodate visitors this year.
“After extensive discussion with staff, we have made the difficult decision not to open Dousman’s Mill,” said Steve Brisson, Director of Mackinac State Historic Parks. “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.”
Construction on the Visitor’s Center and restrooms began in September and was initially expected to be completed in April. The timeline has since shifted to late May for the restroom facilities and June for the Visitor’s Center, with uncertainty surrounding those projected dates.
Image courtesy of Mackinac State Historic Parks
Looking Ahead to 2027
Dousman’s Mill is now slated to reopen in early May 2027 with significant enhancements.
Formerly known as Historic Mill Creek, the site was renamed Dousman’s Mill to reflect its 19th-century owner, Michael Dousman, a prominent Mackinac Island fur trader and businessman who purchased the water-powered sawmill and surrounding grounds in 1819.
When the site reopens, visitors can expect:
A new exhibit in the Visitor’s Center highlighting the history of Dousman’s Mill
A renovated theater space
An updated museum store
Upgraded restrooms, including family and attendant stalls
A refreshed exhibit in the Millwright’s House
New interactive and educational programs
The water-powered sawmill will remain the site’s central attraction.
A Site Rooted in History
The area’s first sawmill was established in 1790 by Robert Campbell. After Dousman purchased the property in 1819, he operated the mill until 1839. The property changed hands multiple times throughout the nineteenth century and was later used for limestone quarrying from 1865 to 1920.
In the 1950s, the land reverted to state ownership. The mill site was rediscovered in 1972 by amateur archaeologist and teacher Ellis Olson, with archaeological work beginning in 1973. The property was transferred to the Mackinac Island State Park Commission in 1975 and officially opened to the public in 1984.
Ticket Information
Anyone who has already purchased Dousman’s Mill tickets for the 2026 season may request a refund or apply their ticket to any other Mackinac State Historic Parks site.
For additional information about Dousman’s Mill and other Mackinac State Historic Parks sites, visit mackinacparks.com.
The MIFP Team
