Mackinaw City in Cheboygan County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Windy City?
Mackinaw City is one of the windiest places in Michigan
Step aside, Chicago. Michigan is harnessing its wind to generate electricity in many locations throughout the state, including Mackinaw City. The eight wind turbines located at the east end of the harbor supplement the energy used to operate this site.
Wind has been harnessed as an energy source for centuries.
Since early recorded history, people have been harnessing the energy of wind. Wind energy propelled boats along the Nile River as early as 5000 B.C. By 200 B.C., simple windmills in China were pumping water, while vertical-axis windmills with woven reed sails were grinding grain in Persia and the Middle East. The Dutch refined the windmill and adapted it for draining lakes and marshes. When settlers took this technology to the New World in the late 19th century, they began using windmills to pump water for farms and ranches, and later to generate electricity for homes and industry.
What do the turbines power?
The wind turbines power the ice suppression system, a bubbling unit below the water surface used to keep ice from forming. They also supply electricity to the harbor house and outlets to power the electric vehicles on site.
The eight wind turbines adjust depending on wind direction and speed. Maximum energy production occurs at about 25 mph. Average wind speed in the straits is about 15 mph. These wind turbines are unique in that they produce usable energy at relatively low wind speeds.
Advantage of wind power
Wind energy doesn't pollute the air like power plants rely on combustion of fossil fuels.
Wind turbines don't produce atmospheric emissions that cause acid rain or greenhouse gases.
Wind energy is a domestic source of energy, produced in the United States.
Wind energy relies on the renewable power of the wind, which can't be used up!
Wind energy reduces water consumption associated with traditional electricity production.
Erected by Michigan DNR Park & Recreation Division.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Resources.
Location. 45° 46.658′ N, 84° 43.268′ W. Marker is in Mackinaw City, Michigan, in Cheboygan County. Marker can be reached from South Huron Avenue near Railroad Avenue. Marker is at the pavilions of the Straits State Harbor. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 321 South Huron Avenue, Mackinaw City MI 49701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Before the bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Crossing the Straits (within shouting distance of this marker); The Mighty Mac (within shouting distance of this marker); North Central Trail (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Breaking the ice (about 400 feet away); The Meneely Bell (approx. 0.2 miles away); Michigan State Ferry System / Michigan State Car Ferries (approx. 0.2 miles away); Edgar Conkling 1812-1881 (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mackinaw City.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 16, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 64 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 16, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.