McGulpin Rock Has Helped Mariners Since 1615
It is not as famous as the Plymouth Rock but it has been used as a navigational tool since before the Pilgrims landed. This massive boulder is McGulpin Rock, near Mackinaw City in Northern Michigan. In 1615, French explorers noted the huge rock near the Straits of Mackinaw. One of the explorers in the expedition was the man believed to be the first European to cross each of the Great Lakes, Etienne Brule.
Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts was where Pilgrims landed in 1620, five years after Brule made note of McGulpin Rock. Brule's explorers reported that the rock was used by Native American tribes as both a navigational tool and to measure the cyclical changes in the depths of the Great Lakes.
McGulpin Rock is big--more than 10 times bigger than Plymouth Rock. McGulpin Rock is nine feet tall and weighs in at 54 tons compared to the tinier Plymouth Rock's five tons. McGulpin Rock is right on the shore of Lake Michigan with majestic views of the Mackinac Bridge and the Straits of Mackinaw.
The huge rock is located down the hillside from McGulpin Point Lighthouse, just outside Mackinaw City. McGulpin Rock can be accessed by walking down the path behind the lighthouse or driving down the road just outside the entrance to the lighthouse. McGulpin Lighthouse is open to the public and can be toured--including a climb to the top of the tower on the spiral staircase.
Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts was where Pilgrims landed in 1620, five years after Brule made note of McGulpin Rock. Brule's explorers reported that the rock was used by Native American tribes as both a navigational tool and to measure the cyclical changes in the depths of the Great Lakes.
McGulpin Rock is big--more than 10 times bigger than Plymouth Rock. McGulpin Rock is nine feet tall and weighs in at 54 tons compared to the tinier Plymouth Rock's five tons. McGulpin Rock is right on the shore of Lake Michigan with majestic views of the Mackinac Bridge and the Straits of Mackinaw.
The huge rock is located down the hillside from McGulpin Point Lighthouse, just outside Mackinaw City. McGulpin Rock can be accessed by walking down the path behind the lighthouse or driving down the road just outside the entrance to the lighthouse. McGulpin Lighthouse is open to the public and can be toured--including a climb to the top of the tower on the spiral staircase.
More to Discover Near Mackinaw City...
- Rendezvous in Mackinaw
- Mackinaw City Michigan Travel Information
- Say it Mackinaw or Mackinac?
- The Mighty Mackinac Bridge in Northern Michigan
- International Dark Sky Park
- Explore the Dark Sky Park Discovery Trail Near Mackinaw City
- McGulpin Rock Has Helped Mariners Since 1615
- Wilderness State Park on Lake Michigan
- Colonial Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City
- Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum
- Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park
- Heritage Village Celebrates Mackinaw's History
- Mackinaw City Historical Pathway
- Visit Mackinaw City on the Straits of Mackinac
- Hop Aboard a Northern Michigan Ferry
- Mackinac Island--The Jewel of the Great Lakes
More Northern Michigan Great Outdoors...
- Parks Aplenty in the Petoskey Area
- Petoskey State Park
- Petoskey's Bear River Valley Recreation Area
- Petoskey's Bear River Whitewater Park
- Explore the Dark Sky Park Discovery Trail Near Mackinaw City
- Kid's Fishing Pond in Petoskey
- Searching for Petoskey Stones in Northern Michigan
- Disc Golf Up North in Michigan
- Bike the Little Traverse Wheelway from Harbor Springs to Charlevoix
- The Oden State Fish Hatchery Provides Fish for Lakes & Streams
- Kayaking Up North Is The Best!
- Sailing in Northern Michigan for Adults & Kids
- Hike and Bike the North Country Trail
- Thorne Swift Nature Preserve
- Up North Outdoor Activities--Hiking, Biking, Golfing, Boating, Sailing, Skiing--It's All Here!
- Arch Rock - A Natural Wonder on Mackinac Island
- Fall is Filled with Color & Activities in Northern Michigan
- Winter Fun Up North!
- Ski the Loppet from Harbor Springs to Cross Village
- Cross Country Ski Trails in Northern Michigan