On March 3rd, 1875, President Ulysses S. Grant established the country's second national park, Mackinac National Park. After 150 years, the park is still one of the most sought-after vacation destinations in the United States, named #1 Best Summer Travel Destination by USA Today.

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To celebrate the 150th anniversary, the Mackinac State Historic Parks has multiple events planned and is releasing a new book about the park. But perhaps the most exciting form of celebration is a stunning new documentary.

⬇️AN EXCLUSIVE LOOK INSIDE MACKINAC'S GRAND HOTEL⬇️

Mackinac State Historic Parks via YouTube
Mackinac State Historic Parks via YouTube
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Mackinac Island: A Brief History

According to Mackinac Parks, one year after Yellowstone was deemed as the nation's first National Park, Mackinac Island native and Michigan senator Thomas Ferry introduced a resolution to have the island be deemed as a national park, considering half the island was federal land anyway.

READ MORE: Famously Car-less Mackinac Island Has One Recorded Car Accident |

Back in the 1870s, the Mackinac Fort was still a fully functioning military fort with soldiers running the fort. This ended up being a major positive for the island since the soldiers could assist with maintaining the fort and the island. After three short years in legislation, President Grant made Mackinac Island a National Park in 1875.

Detroit Publishing Co. / Library of Congress
Fort Mackinac in 1890. / Detroit Publishing Co. / Library of Congress
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A Pride of Purpose: The Story of Mackinac National Park

With an anniversary this big, the park is hosting multiple special tours, a special Fourth of July celebration, an official book, and a new documentary that will be featured at Fort Mackinac in the new Theater inside the Soldiers' Barracks.

The half-hour documentary will focus on "the creation and legacy of Mackinac National Park". If you can't make it to the island to watch the doc, it will be available online as well. Whether you've been to Mackinac National Park or not, this summer is the time to make a trip.

Arch Rock
Mackinac State Historic Parks via YouTube
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A Look Inside the Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island

24 Bridges to Enter the Upper Peninsula of Michigan that Aren't the Mackinac Bridge

Some people just don't enjoy crossing the majestic Mackinac Bridge. For others it's not in the route of thier travel. There are at least 24 other bridges that travelers can use to enter Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Here they are from east to west

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