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    The Headlands Photos

    Recommended Reviews - The Headlands

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    No white light! Even though I used white light for this picture, whoops.
    Victoria M.

    If you are in Mackinaw City then you must visit the Headlands - no excuses! Only a few minute drive west from Mackinaw and easy to navigate, even at night. Signage takes you to a paved winding road through the woods to get you to the viewing area. Lots of information along the path but since we went during the night we were unable to read anything. The driving path took a solid few minutes to get through. Tons of parking and a quick walk to the viewing areas. Woods surround you along with tranquil water while you look out. We were able to watch a sunset which was breath taking. The main observatory is amphitheater seating with stones as seats and there was a building behind us. The building was closed but I assume this was the gift shop and welcome area. A secondary viewing area is behind the main building and has a walking path which is lit up with red lights. Benches and picnic tables are spread throughout. If you want more of a solitary viewing area then I suggest finding a seat here rather than the amphitheater seating. The clouds came in quickly, so we only had a 10-15 minutes of good star viewing. Thankfully, the clouds were moving around and we caught glimpses of the stars. The stars we could see were amazing! I wish we went on a night where a park worker was present to let us use a telescope and get information about the night sky. I do caution to bring a red colored flashlight or make your own because it is very dark and while lights are not allowed! Even if it is a cloudy day - the park is a nice place to go for a walk and enjoy the gorgeous views of nature.

    Chris H.

    Located 10 minutes west of Mackinaw City is this Dark Sky Park. Meaning there are no lights ate night within a nearly 10 mile radius. This allows for a truly spectacular view at night. While it may nit be as good as out in the desert where there are no ligjts within 50 miles, it is still one of the best views in Michigan. There are no white lights allowed in this park so a red light flashlight is a good thing to have. The park is very nice in daylight too. A great place to relax. Overall a 5 star experience. Will I return? You bet I will!

    Found this on a tree.. odd
    Sara S.

    Beautiful spot to gaze at the stars at night.... It's located a bit away from the main area of town, but not much of a drive. My husband and I have been here both during the day and at night. The viewing area/beach filled up pretty quickly at dusk to view the Milky Way and other stars. The Milky Way was super easy to spot and clear to the naked eye. The area is not lit much at night, which means be careful where you walk! No white light is allowed on site and there were signs posted everywhere stating such. It's really a peaceful area to star gaze. It was quiet at night, although if you looked around, the observation area was packed, with people spilling in from the parking lot as soon as dusk hit. We did not bring chairs or blankets,cans as such,Cajuns up sitting on the ground, but truthfully, that was just fine. It's a must for any fan of astronomy or even the casual observer. It might actually not be the best for impatient children or restless types, but the Headlands was a nice way for us to wind down an evening in Mackinaw City. We toured the super cute gift shop/observatory, which appeared recently constructed. The gift shop, open during daytime hours, was filled with interesting souvenirs and I bought some jewelry while I was there.

    Not too crowded.
    A M.

    So much fun! We arrived early to see the sunset. My kids tried to find yooper stones on the beach. The full moon made it too bright to see the meteor shower, but there were some volunteer astronomers set up with very impressive telescopes. We were able to see a 2 star system and the rings of Saturn! Can't wait to return.

    Mj J.

    If you know me, then you know.....I am a true "moonchild"! I love everything to do with our universe and solar system. I am know to hop in my car just to chase some shooting stars. I even have a Star Guide app. on my phone. I can't explain to you how excited I was to find out that we have an International Dark Sky Park, here in Michigan. We were planning our trip to the UP and a friend of mine suggested that I visit the Sky Park located in Mackinaw City. I was in shock!!! What?? Wait a minute....how AWESOME is this! We planned our route to stop in Mackinaw City, which is about 4 hours from my house, spend the night in Mackinaw City and then head on up to the UP the next day to continue our Waterfall/Brewery Trail of the UP. The Headlands by far is a must stop and see if you are in the area. This park is open 24/7 365 days a year and you are able to come and go as you please! Due to social distancing they did not have their telescopes out for people to view the amazing sky. You must also be prepared with a red light to see your surroundings in the pitch black of the night. I have to say that this place has to be one of the most romantic places I have ever been. It was quite late and we were the only two people in the park. We walked through the area and found the perfect spot to gaze at the sky above us. There is something humbling about this type of experience as you sit in silence, starring up at the Milky Way, and realize your role in the balance of this magnificent universe. We can't wait to come back and visit!

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    8 years ago

    Staff were super!! They loved teaching and sharing their knowledge. Enjoyed the program on the Monday we went. Excellent venue!

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    Ask the Community - The Headlands

    Review Highlights - The Headlands

    My hubs and I went to Dark Sky Park and I was slightly disappointed that we didn't get to see as many stars as I expected there to be.

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    WaWatam Park

    WaWatam Park

    4.0(1 review)
    2.6 mi

    Nice, though very small park situated on the water, not far off from the downtown area. It's within…read moreeasy walking distance to the bars and restaurants along the main tourist area, just a few steps from some really unique lakefront properties. Keep in mind, it's a tiny park that abuts the rocky beach line, although it's kid-friendly with playground equipment, a few picnic tables, benches, and a number of nice shady spots perfect for kicking back, reading a book or staring out at the water. You can even still see the bridge from here, but it's a little far away. Mostly, you see the boaters, kite fliers and para gliders, and obvious comings and goings of the ferries from nearby Mackinaw Island since this park isn't far from where the ferries launch. There is a restroom here on site, but I'd call it primitive. No mirrors in the restroom and no hot water or hand soap. It could use some improvements. This park's name reflects the Native American presence in Mackinaw history. There is an even a totem pole on the premises. I like this park. It's park size is not very impressive, though the view and quietude here are both worth it. Just please clean up that awful restroom. I liked it even though it's more a little, slightly out of the way roadside park. I like watching the boats come in and waves crash up against the rocks. It's a nice place to take good pictures, too. My wife and I took a bunch of selfies down here with the luminous water as a background. I think it's quieter because it isn't as heavily used as the park near the bridge. Seriously, I like it that way.

    Photos
    WaWatam Park - Great view of the lake

    Great view of the lake

    WaWatam Park
    WaWatam Park - Semi-rustic restroom

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    Semi-rustic restroom

    Dousman’s Mill - Sawmill

    Dousman’s Mill

    4.5(19 reviews)
    6.1 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

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    Welcome sign

    Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse - Historic Marler

    Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse

    4.3(24 reviews)
    2.7 mi

    This lighthouse and surrounding grounds are one of the best lighthouse experiences we ever had. We…read moreare lighthouse fans and have visited many lighthouses, but OMP Lighthouse was the best experience we've ever had. We toured and climbed the lighthouse with tour guide Lawson who was simply terrific--knowledgable, engaging and dressed in full lighthouse keeper uniform. He also demonstrated the fog signal whistle, and we learned a lot about that. The museum was the best lighthouse museum we've ever toured. But the real surprising thing was the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Museum on the property. With top-notch audiovisual displays and actual remnants, I learned a lot and was very interested (and I didn't really want to tour it originally--I am so glad I changed my mind.) This is in a wonderful location right by the Mackinac Bridge, very picturesque. I encourage you to stop in, take the tour, climb the lighthouse if you're able, and tour the museum and shipwreck museum--you will not be disappointed!

    Great lighthouse tour and museum. You can climb to the…read moretop....51 steps and a narrow ladder Original light for the macinac straits before the macinac bridge was built. Located near the fort. Fee to enter, and then they ask for donations to stamp your lighthouse passport. No extra fee to climb, though they are timed and guided, so not everyone visiting lighthouse can climb Our guide was very personable and knowledgeable Small giftshop too

    Photos
    Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse - Stairs

    Stairs

    Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse - View of Mackinac Bridge

    View of Mackinac Bridge

    Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse - Original lens

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    Original lens

    The Headlands - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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