April 16, 2008

Mackinaw City, Mich. - Adventurers and nature enthusiasts now have even more reason to add Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park to their 2008 vacation plans.  Mackinac State Historic Parks announces two more new features under construction at its 625-acre nature park and historic site: a 40-foot high climbing wall that is also a vertical nature trail, and a 50-foot-high tower that will offer a spectacular view of the Straits of Mackinac and Mackinac Island.  These elements join a list of many other fun natural-history features currently under construction at the park.

The Nature Trail Climbing Wall will become the third experience in the thrilling new "Adventure Tour," which will also include a trek through the treetops on the nearly completed Forest Canopy Bridge and the soaring opportunity of the Eagle's Flight Zip Line.  The "Adventure Tour" costs $5 in addition to park admission.  The climbing wall, attached to the side of the 50-foot tower, is a fun and exciting opportunity to test brain and brawn by ascending a vertical nature trail through "layers of the forest."  The wall will contain interactive panels that will open climbers' senses to nature, including sounds and sight of forest creatures.  By activating buttons along the way, climbers will hear the song of a chickadee, the call of a rose-breasted grosbeak and the scream of a hawk.  They will see holes made by sapsuckers, chrysalis of caterpillars and tiny ladybugs.  Auto-belay harnesses will be provided for automatic, safe and slow descent down the climbing wall.

Set on the park's eastern bluff, the Treetop Discovery Tower is being constructed for the 2008 season.  The five-story tower will be a hub for natural history learning, and will offer a majestic view of the Straits of Mackinac and Mackinac Island.  At ground level, visitors will learn from interpretive presentations about the dynamic habitat between the forest floor and the top of the trees.  At the top of the tower, they will find out about the amazing recovery of the American bald eagle.

"All of these innovative and fun elements are part of our mission of protecting, preserving and presenting," said David Kronberg, Mackinac State Historic Parks exhibit designer. "Guests will have a great time while learning about northern forest habitats."

The climbing wall and tower are scheduled to be completed by mid-spring.

Many other new features, including the Forest Canopy Bridge and Eagle's Flight Zip Line, are nearly complete and set to open to the public on May 5.  The Forest Friends Play Area, an activity center containing large, climbable animal sculptures and touchable animal tracks, and the Water Power Station, a splashy play and learning center of 18th-century water wheel replicas, are currently under construction and scheduled for completion before opening day.

"These new programs and features are designed to help our visitors learn about the park's historic and natural history in a fun and active way," said Jeff Dykehouse, curator of natural history at Mackinac State Historic Parks.  "In addition, the park's miles of nature trails, complete with interpretive displays, scenic overlooks, and trail-side benches, also provide many opportunities to enjoy and appreciate the park's tranquil and natural beauty."

Additions to the park have taken place since its first opening in 1984, including the reconstruction of the Millwright's House and nature trail improvements.  Mackinac State Historic Parks also is continuing to make the east side creek trail barrier-free and accessible to all members of the public.

While improvements to the park are made, all features enjoyed by visitors throughout the years will continue to be available and appreciated, including an 18th-century, water-powered sawmill with demonstrations, a sawpit with demonstrations, a nature program, 3.5 miles of nature trails, wildlife, flora and fauna, and the tranquility and beauty of the park itself.