Mackinac Island in Mackinac County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Skull Cave

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 30, 2017

1. Skull Cave Marker

Inscription. Skull Cave is one of Mackinac Island's oldest geological formations. It is located in the base of a 30 foot high limestone stack. 11,000 years ago this stack of hard limestone was exposed, as wave erosion of the ancient lakes cut away the softer material surrounding it. The cave itself was formed as waves washed onto the western side of the stack, forming the narrow opening.

(photo captions)
• High point of the island
• Cliff-side of “Ancient Island”
• Limestone breccia stack
• Skull Cave
• Lake Algonquin water level 221 feet higher than Lake Huron today.

Made possible by a gift from Mackinac Associates

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features.

Location. 45° 51.448′ N, 84° 37.129′ W. Marker is on Mackinac Island, Michigan, in Mackinac County. It is at the intersection of Garrison Road and Rifle Range Road, on the right when traveling north on Garrison Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mackinac Island MI 49757, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Michigan’s

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Upper Peninsula

and on the Straits of Mackinac.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Great North Woods,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Home Of The Ancestors (here, next to this marker); Fort Holmes (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Post Cemetery (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Fort Holmes (approx. 0.2 miles away); Sugar Loaf (approx. 0.3 miles away); Scout Barracks / Parade Ground (approx. 0.3 miles away); Historic Fort Mackinac (approx. 0.3 miles away); Greany Grove (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mackinac Island.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Skull Cave (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed).

Also see . . . Skull Cave (Wikipedia). Skull Cave is primarily of interest for its historical associations. It is

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 30, 2017

2. Skull Cave Marker

(Skull Cave visible in background)

believed to have been used as an inhumation site by Native Americans of the Straits of Mackinac area in the 18th century. While in active use as a site for human remains, the cave was also used as a refuge in 1763 by fur trader Alexander Henry, a survivor of the capture of Fort Michilimackinac by Native Americans during Pontiac's War. (Submitted on July 19, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Photographed by Trevor L Whited, August 10, 2022

3. Skull Cave Marker

new color marker

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 30, 2017

4. Skull Cave

Credits. This page was last revised on August 30, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 19, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 702 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 19, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 3. submitted on August 20, 2022, by Trevor L Whited of Kokomo, Indiana. 4. submitted on July 19, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.