Mackinac Island's Arch Rock Plaza closing until 2024

Mackinac Island’s Arch Rock Plaza is closing Sept. 11 until next year due to construction of the new Milliken Nature Center.

The upper viewing area of Arch Rock will be closed until April 2024 to all traffic — including carriages, bicycles and pedestrians, as construction of the Milliken Nature Center begins in the area. During that time, guests will have limited places to view the rock, a news release from Mackinac State Historic Parks said.

Guests will be able to view the Arch Rock from M-185, the shoreline road that circles Mackinac Island and walk the stairway known as Spring Trail to the Arch Rock viewing platform, according to the release.

Mackinac Island’s Arch Rock is a natural limestone arch that was formed during the Nippising post-glacier period. The rock is a site attraction for the island and the new nature center will be an added bonus.

“The Milliken Nature Center will be a welcome and fitting addition to the Arch Rock area,” said Mackinac State Historic Parks Director Steve Brisson. “In order for this structure to be ready for guests during the 2024 season construction must start soon.”

The new Milliken Center will include a new drain field added to the Arch Rock area. Restrooms will be torn down and rebuilt and the center will also include a nature center and a space for Arch Rock guests to relax.

During the construction phase, the plaza will close at the intersection of Rifle Range Road and Leslie Avenue. It will also close at the intersection of Arch Road and Huron Road. The plaza’s bicycle trail and botanical trail will have a dead end before the hill that leads to the Arch Rock, but guests, both walking and riding a bike, will have an alternate route to loop backtracking to Winnebago Trail near the Arch Rock area. The route will cross Pottawatomie Road, Arch Road Bicycle Trail, Rock Trail and end at the intersection of Rifle Range and Sugar Loaf roads.

Mackinac Island Carriage Tours, private livery tours, drive-yourself carriages and saddle horses will still be available but will have alternate routes to avoid the Arch Rock.

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Additionally, the park encourages guests traveling in the area to be cautious and to go slow on State, Garrison and Rifle Range roads due to occasional truck traffic from British Landing.

The Milliken Nature Center — named after former Michigan Gov. William Milliken — is slated to open in May 2024. The official groundbreaking took place Friday and Gov, Gretchen Whitmer was present.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Mackinac Island's Arch Rock Plaza to close for Milliken Nature Center