JOIN OUR COMMUNITY OF MEMBERS & DONORS IN
Preserving History &
The Natural Beauty of the Straits
Be a Part of Preserving & Sharing Mackinac’s Heritage
Enchanting. Relaxing. Magical. Mackinac evokes so many images of a special place that has allowed individuals and families to create memories and unique experiences. Every season, visitors arrive ready to celebrate, reunite with loved ones, learn something new, experience natural wonders and step back in time. Those who first visited as a child come back full-grown with their own children and even grandchildren to create memories and forge bonds even stronger than the work produced by our blacksmith.
Mackinac State Historic Parks has the unique ability to protect and preserve our most treasured historic and natural resources in the Straits of Mackinac. Thanks to the generosity of members, donors and sponsors, Mackinac Associates has provided over $3,000,000 in support of programs, projects and park improvements since its inception. Through Mackinac Associates you too can be part of preserving these wonderful resources for generations to come.
We want you to join us in preserving our historic and natural resources so that the next generations can enjoy the rich tapestry of the Straits of Mackinac for many years to come.
Join Us!
We are passionate about preserving the rich history and natural beauty of the Straits of Mackinac. You will love all the educational and social benefits of being a member!
What’s Happening
View our events calendar to learn more about upcoming special activities for Mackinac Associates members.
Support
Your donations support a variety of exciting programs, projects and park improvements. We are grateful for your generosity.
Protect Natural Wonder
Be a part of preserving the natural resources of
the Straits of Mackinac.
Passionate About Preserving and Sharing Mackinac’s Heritage
“For the past 40 years I have had the opportunity to witness the outstanding support that Mackinac Associates has provided Mackinac State Historic Parks. Many major projects would not have been possible without the generosity of Mackinac Associates. In the midst of a rapidly changing world, Mackinac State Historic Parks, with the support of Mackinac Associates, carries the important mantle of protecting, preserving, and presenting our rich history and magnificent natural resources for current and future generations. Valerie and I are honored to continue to support these efforts through annual appeals and the planned giving program.”
- Phil & Valerie Porter
See The Generosity of Our Members in Action
The gifts made by our members and donors go directly to projects and experiences that you and your family can experience firsthand and make memories that will stand the test of time. From curating museum exhibits and preserving historical artifacts to educational programs and protecting our outdoor spaces, Mackinac Associates works hard to support initiatives with long-lasting impact.
Mackinac State Historic Parks debuted a new exhibit in summer 2024, Arch Rock: Unsurpassed in Nature’s Beauty, celebrating the “Star Attraction of Mackinac Island State Park.” Featuring dozens of stunning historic images of Arch Rock, a timeline of how this famous geologic icon was formed, and an interactive 3D map of the island, the Milliken Nature Center spotlights Mackinac Island’s geology and natural beauty.
Milliken Nature Center at Arch Rock
SW Rowhouse at Colonial Michilimackinac
In 2024, Mackinac Associates funded the design of the first new reconstruction at Colonial Michilimackinac since 2013. Located on the east end of the Southwest Rowhouse, the building houses a new exhibit that combines archaeological and archival research to help present a more complete version of community life at Michilimackinac in the 1700s: Slavery at the Straits.
Mackinac Island Native American Museum
Mackinac Associates helped finance Biddle House, a very special addition to the community honoring the Anishinaabek people. The museum is named after Agatha Biddle, an Odawa woman whose life provides a lens through which to understand and appreciate the rich Native American history of the island.
Thank You To Our 2025 Sponsors!
Sponsorship helps support our programs, special events, and important projects for Mackinac State Historic Parks throughout the season. Many thanks to these businesses for supporting our mission to preserve and share Mackinac's heritage!
Preserve History
Join us in protecting, preserving, and presenting the rich history and natural resources of the Straits of Mackinac.
