Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park is a great destination to explore and learn about the history of the area. The saw mill has been beautifully reconstructed and is an amazing machine to behold. The park offers many fun activities like a zip line, climbing wall, a rope bridge, demonstrations, and more than 2 miles of trails along the creek and through the woods.
During their operating hours there is a nominal cost to enter the park, and some of the activities require an additional fee. Off season (Oct-Apr) the trails are accessible for walking/hiking, with plenty of parking available where you enter off US-23.
The trails run along both sides of the creek, with two side-loops, and several creek crossing points. It’s well maintained and there are many informational plaques describing features and facts about the environment. Beavers keep busy in the area and there are a few small dams that you can see. From the far parking area, out to the end of the trail and back, you can cover a distance of about 3 miles.
Other notable features include a scenic lookout to the Grand Hotel and the sounds of the forest display. They have a machine there that plays the sounds of the local wildlife.
Overall the degree of difficulty is mainly easy. There are a few small hills and stair climbs, but otherwise flat and level ground.
The park is located 3 miles south east of Mackinaw City on US-23. Here is a link to their website: Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park
