the park was first overseen by the park superintendent, who was also the fort commander. With the military not wanting to fund the park, being non-military, and the National Park Service not formed until 1916, the department approved a revenue plan by a captain at the fort in which choice parcels would be leased to resorters to build summer cottages which started in 1885. When the park was turned over to the State of Michigan in 1895 to become the first state park, the state legislature established the Mackinac Island State Park Commission to manage the park and its structures. Areas and attractions Mackinac Island State Park, Mackinac Island Fort Mackinac Historic Downtown Mackinac The Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum Michilimackinac State Park Colonial Michilimackinac Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park, in Mackinaw City References External links Mackinac Island State Park Mackinac Island Insider Tips, Mackinac Island: A True Gem. Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau Website Protected areas established in 1875 Archaeological sites in Michigan State parks of Michigan Museums in Mackinac County, Michigan Protected areas of Mackinac County, Michigan Historic district contributing properties in Michigan National Register of Historic Places in Mackinac County, Michigan Parks on the National Register of Historic Places in Michigan Former national parks of the United States