Ultimate Guide to Skull Cave, Michigan (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
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Skull Cave was the hiding place for Alexander Henry, the English fur trader, during the Pontiac Rebellion in 1763. It is a small and shallow cave on Mackinac Island and part of the Mackinac Island State Park. The Natives used it as a burial ground, but today it is visited by countless people every year.
This cave is of great importance for its profound historical associations. It is believed that the cave was used as an inhumation site by the Native Americans in the 18th century. It is interesting to note that Skull Cave was carved during the Algonquin post-glacial period by the waters of Lake Algonquin – an ancestor of today’s Lake Huron.
History of Skull Cave
Skull Cave is a small cave on the central heights of Mackinac Island in Michigan, US. Experts believe that the cave was used as an inhumation site by the Native Americans of the 18th century. Apart from being used as a site for human remains, the cave was also used as a refuge by Alexander Henry – a fur trader and a survivor of the Pontiac’s War. Henry, in his memoirs, has recalled a night spent in this weird cave. He said that the cave had an entrance that was 10 ft wide, and the other end was rounded in shape and too small to explore. He then broke branches from the tree and made himself a bed to retire for the night.
When he woke up he felt uncomfortable due to an object and took it out from under his bed. Much to his horror, it was a bone, and he thought it belonged to some deer or animal. When daylight entered the cave, he found himself lying on a heap of human bones and skulls, and the floor was completely covered with it.
Today, the cave is free of bones and is a popular destination on the island. It does not have any of the terrifying grandeur, but the name is weird enough! This cave was designated as a Michigan historic site on Jan 12, 1959, and it was granted a state historical marker.
Geological Cave Formations
There are no geological formations inside the cave.
Wildlife in Skull Cave
There are a few animals on Mackinac Island, which you may see around the cave. Some of these species include bats, squirrels, and chipmunks.
Is Skull Cave Haunted?
Michigan has several bone-chilling attractions, and one such bizarre location is Skull Cave on Mackinac Island. When the cave was discovered by Alexander Henry, he had to deal with lots of human bones and skulls that lay strewn on the floor. Thankfully, the bones are not there anymore, but it still feels a bit spooky when you come here to visit the cave.
How Big is Skull Cave?
The exact dimensions of Skull Cave are not very clear, but there is no doubt that it is a small and shallow cave.
Skull Cave Tours
The authorities do not conduct any tours here, and it is understandable as the cave is pretty small, and you can explore it yourself. The cave has a bone-chilling history because, at one point in time, the floor of the cave was filled with lots of human bones and skulls.
The piles of human remains are no longer there, but you can use a little bit of imagination to picture lots of human remains tumbling out of the cave when you come here. If you are looking for a small but fascinating adventure, you can make a short trip to this unique cave.
Tour Prices and Discounts
No tours are available at Skull Cave.
Is Skull Cave Cold?
The average temperature in Skull Cave is always lower than the surrounding temperature. So you will feel comfortable inside the cave during the hot summer months. But, in winter, the temperatures can drop sharply, resulting in a chilly atmosphere.
What to Wear?
If you come here during summer, you must wear something that absorbs heat or makes you comfortable. You should carry a light sweater or jacket in the winter to withstand the sudden chill in the air.
Skull Cave Hours
You can visit any time of the day.
What to Do (Beside Tours)
Since there are no tours at Skull Cave, exploring this relatively small cave will not take much of your time. If you have time in hand, you can explore the rest of Mackinac Island, the Mackinac Bridge, or the Wacky Taxidermy & Miniatures Museum, which is around 8 miles from the Cave.
Best Time to Visit
The cave receives a relatively smaller number of people in a year. The Fall and Spring months are great for visiting the Cave if you do not mind the chilly weather.
How to Get to Skull Cave
The cave is on Garrison Road on Mackinac Island within the state park. It is located around 0.4 miles north of Fort Mackinac in the interior of the island.
Hotels Nearby
If you are planning for an overnight stay at Mackinac Island, then you need not be worried as there are reasonable accommodations on this island to suit every taste and budget. There are no chain hotels, but more than 1600 rooms are available on this island.
Visiting Skull Cave
Do you need more information before visiting Skull Cave? Call (906) 847-3783 for an information packet.
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