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

Gitchie Manitou

Photographed by Joel Seewald, July 1, 2025

1. Gitchie Manitou Marker

Inscription.
This massive boulder has long been known as Gitchie Manitou in connection with Native American legends. One version states the Great Spirit (Gitchie Manitou) used this spot as a landing place before ascending the cliff and passing through the opening of Arch Rock.

This formation fell from the bluff high above its present location. Composed of Mackinac Breccia, its structure closely matches the top of Arch Rock's southern abutment, nearly 150 feet above Lake Huron. Early visitors accessed this spot by boat to enjoy a picnic and scenic views. Lakeshore Boulevard (M-185) was completed by 1904, offering enhanced access for pedestrians, bicycles and carriages.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features. A significant historical year for this entry is 1904.

Location. 45° 51.472′ N, 84° 36.372′ W. Marker is on Mackinac Island, Michigan, in Mackinac County. It is on Lake Shore Boulevard (State Highway 185), on the right when traveling north. Marker is just north of mile marker 1. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mackinac Island MI 49757, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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this marker is on Michigan’s 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: Arch Rock: Unsurpassed in Nature's Handiwork (here, next to this marker); Sanilac Arch (here, next to this marker); The Center of the Anishnaabek World (within shouting distance of this marker); Nicolet Watch Tower (within shouting distance of this marker); Arch Rock (within shouting distance of this marker); Dwightwood Spring (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fort Holmes (approx. half a mile away); Resting Place of the Ancestors (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mackinac Island.

Gitchie Manitou Marker — left image image. Click for full size.

2. Gitchie Manitou Marker — left image

Gitchie Manitou Marker — right image image. Click for full size.

3. Gitchie Manitou Marker — right image

Photographed by Joel Seewald, July 1, 2025

4. Gitchie Manitou Marker

This marker is the one on the left.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 10, 2025, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 136 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 10, 2025, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.