1. Arch Rock

    1. Arch Rock

    0

    Mackinac Island, MI

    Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Arch Rock

    4.7 (6 reviews)

    Arch Rock Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Arch Rock

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    2 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Meng H.
    5
    385
    3620

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 0
    Love this 12
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Arch Rock

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Hiking 154 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Fort Mackinac - They don't make them like they used to

    Fort Mackinac

    4.4(93 reviews)
    0.6 mi

    I was made aware of Fort Mackinac when I heard a loud boom coming from the direction of a hill. I…read morethought something had exploded on the island, but no: it was just Fort Mackinac doing their thang. Apparently, they have rifle and cannon firing demonstrations here, which are scheduled, so if you want to see one while you're visiting the fort, make sure to meet at the allotted time. This is a living history museum, and you'll learn a lot about American and British military history. I mean, you probably will, because you'll read the signs and information that's posted. I mostly looked around and admired the architecture and the view, and took photos of pretty or interesting things that I saw. So from my perspective, Fort Mackinac is a cool and visually interesting place to spend an hour or two. You are basically walking into and out of different houses and structures on what used to be a military outpost. Each building has something new to learn about military life, with exhibits that appeal to all ages. I was surprised by how many interactive and hands-on exhibits there were for kids. Keep in mind that some of the buildings are very airy, so if you visit on a cold day, it might be a little chilly. Plus, you're walking in and out a lot, so if you visit during the fall like I did, you might need a jacket. The gift shop is pretty big, with lots of souvenirs to remember your visit not just of Fort Mackinac, but Mackinac Island, as well.

    This is a historic fort located in the island. I would suggest this is your first attraction. Two…read morereasons to visit first - it has a back gate connect to the remaining attractions and the elevation different for easy climb to remain attractions in the island. The ticket can be purchased at bottom entrance. The elevation different is 150 feet from ticket booth to entrance. From sea level is 320 feet. The fort has 20 point of interest. That includes store house, bathhouse, reading room, block house, old hospital, gun platform and more. The experience includes dress up historic solder uniforms. There are several buildings that can be explored. That includes some film explaining the fort. This historic British military fort is important high point in the island. Now it is important tourists attraction and historic center.

    Photos
    Fort Mackinac - Well, looky here

    Well, looky here

    Fort Mackinac - The Kids' Quarters at Fort Mackinac.

    The Kids' Quarters at Fort Mackinac.

    Fort Mackinac - Lunch at the Tea Room has been a memorable part of a Fort Mackinac visit for decades.

    See all

    Lunch at the Tea Room has been a memorable part of a Fort Mackinac visit for decades.

    Thorne Swift Nature Preserve

    Thorne Swift Nature Preserve

    4.7(15 reviews)
    35.4 mi

    I'm not much of a nature walking person, but it's been a very long time since I've been up to this…read morepart of Michigan. We discovered this place while on our way to the tunnel of trees, and I said "hey, let's stop here and check it out!" So we did. Pulling in, the parking and area isn't all that huge, but it's cute none the less. It's kind of an off shoot of the Tunnel of Trees, and we also wanted to catch a glimpse of the water if possible. There was a nice gentleman who greeted us and told us about the paths. He said to stay on the trails, check out the water and it's about a mile and a quarter of a walk. So, off we went. There's a nature center at the front with bathrooms and some educational stuff, but we skipped it and went right to the trails. They have a little map area at the front, but basically this place is one big circle and a designated path so you can't really get lost here. While it is cool to look at, it's also a lot of dead and down trees. They have signage throughout about what you're looking at, and tells you a little bit about it. Things like flowers, trees, bugs and birds. It was pretty busy even for a cooler September day, which was impressive. The coolest part of the walk was getting to see Lake Michigan. It was really super cool and you walk right onto the beach. It's not a huge area at all, literally enough to have one person at a time. There's some great photo opportunities along with a view of the lake and boats, which was fabulous to see. Overall, the place is a good stop to get some exercise at if you've been cooped up in the car and start getting antsy like me. LOL. There is a bathroom along the trail, but it's not a flushing toilet one of those holes in the ground with very little privacy. No doors just walls. Kind of weird because I was afraid someone was going to walk in. Anyway, go check it out, you can do this in less then an hours time!

    Our family never tires of visiting Thorne Swift. The pathways are easy to walk, some are wood and…read moresome mulch. There are steps down to the beach area and an overlook of the dunes. The pond is lovely. If you are fortunate, you may catch a glimpse of some wildlife, today there were a number of cedar waxwings at the pond. All the paths are mostly shaded. Caretakers are on hand to answer questions and give information. The nature house features some interesting animal facts and specimens. Monarch butterfly releases are scheduled and an aquarium with the caterpillars is just inside the door. A variety of classes and talks are offered. Informative signs are scattered along the trails, some with photos. Many of the trees and plants are labeled with signage. There is a donation box in front of the nature house, and ample parking.

    Photos
    Thorne Swift Nature Preserve
    Thorne Swift Nature Preserve
    Thorne Swift Nature Preserve

    See all

    Cut River Bridge Road Side Park

    Cut River Bridge Road Side Park

    4.0(2 reviews)
    28.0 mi

    I didn't know this existed but Nate had us stop when we were traveling through the U.P. last fall…read more I appreciated the clean bathroom facilities and a nice spot to stretch our legs. There are some great views of the bridge when you go underneath it. We also took a second to walk across part of the bridge, but honestly it was a little scary with how fast the cars were whipping by us up there! You can take a path down under the bridge and then even further down to the water - we didn't make it all the way but you'll definitely get your blood flowing doing this! Lots of steps and even though it was shady and not super hot, I was sweaty afterwards! This was a nice place to get out of the car and I'd stop here again on this drive.

    Cute little roadside Park. They call it a million dollar bridge over a 10-cent River, but you're…read morenot there for the river you're there for the views of lake Michigan. There are 263 steps to go down and then come back up and there are decks with seating all the way down, and up, so you can take a rest if you need to. Definitely not handicap accessible. The park itself has vaulted toilets, glorified outhouses, picnic area and a few trails. There's also a door under the bridge with the name of troll door so if you're from the lower peninsula you can get your picture taken with it cuz you're essentially a troll, I got my picture done. Would get 5 stars, Just the one star off for not being handicap accessible, but overall a great free roadside Park and an awesome view of lake Michigan.

    Photos
    Cut River Bridge Road Side Park
    Cut River Bridge Road Side Park
    Cut River Bridge Road Side Park

    See all

    Dousman’s Mill - Sawmill

    Dousman’s Mill

    4.5(19 reviews)
    8.3 mi

    We found the sawmill while driving along the coast from Cheboygan. We decided to stop as it said it…read morewas historic site and place to visit. This place was great! The tour guide was just very enthusiastic and really into milling. She was able to explain everything and it was quite fascinating to see. Well worth the price of the admission tickets. Definitely a must do when in this area.

    This is a historic park on route 23 - about 5-10 minutes drive SE of Mackinaw City. There are a…read morehandful of structures restored from the 1800s. The main focal point is a water powered sawmill that existed there - where one can see the engineering skills of the day. This was the first industrial-like setup of the time. There are scheduled demonstrations run by people who help out at the park to first explain the wood cutting, first the manual effort, then the new way. For our tour, the demonstrator asked for a small child to help - making it interactive in a way. Beyond the tour there are hiking trails - complete through the woods, around, up and down hills and around ponds. For $9 per person additional, there is an adventure tour - great for older kids. Includes ziplining, treetop walking, rock climbing, and a view from the tower. Be prepared though, we showed up at 3:30 (the adventure tours are on the hour) and the last tour (5:00) was already sold out. Very shaded throughout, well maintained... allow 90 minutes without the adventure tour unless you get ambitious and do hiking trails... Allow 2.5 hours otherwise (either hiking or adventure tour).

    Photos
    Dousman’s Mill - Inside sawmill

    Inside sawmill

    Dousman’s Mill - Play area

    Play area

    Dousman’s Mill - Welcome sign

    See all

    Welcome sign

    Arch Rock - hiking - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...