Mackinac National Park

The 1,044-acre (422 ha) park was created in response to the growing popularity of the island as a summer resort.

Its creation was largely the result of efforts by United States Senator Thomas W. Ferry, a native of the island.

[3] The park grounds abutted Fort Mackinac, which continued to serve as a United States Army garrison during the operation of the park, as well as island geological features such as Arch Rock and Sugar Loaf.

This restriction caused a problem in the 1960s when the city proposed to lease land from the park for an expanded airport for the island.

The lease to the city was ruled a non-park use but the park, on its own, expanded and continues to run the airport.