Arch Rock, Mackinac Island, Michigan, USA
One of the most photographed spots on Mackinac Island is Arch Rock. This geological wonder a natural limestone arch formed during the Nipissing post-glacial period when high Lake Huron levels and wave action created openings in the rock.
Arch Rock stands 146′ over the Lake Huron shoreline–nearly 15 stories tall. In Anishinaabe-Ojibwa tradition, the Great Creator blew the breath of life into the newly formed earth and created Arch Rock. Like nearby Devil’s Kitchen and Sugar Loaf, Arch Rock’s limestone formation took thousands of years by wind, water and receding glaciers to be created. It is made of breccia limestone, a rare limestone for the Great Lakes.
The limestone formation was so unique that it was one of the reasons early Mackinac Island residents lobbied for the island to become Mackinac National Park in 1875. The views from Arch Rock are dramatic. Sweeping views of Lake Huron and Canada make this a great place to enjoy.
Arch Rock is a geologic formation on Mackinac Island in Michigan. It is a natural limestone arch formed during the Nipissing post-glacial period, a period of high Lake Huron levels following the end of the Wisconsin glaciation. To this day Arch Rock stands on the Lake Huron shoreline 146 feet above the water.
Limestone breccia is not an ideal material for natural bridges, and this type of formation is quite rare in the North American Great Lakes region. The Native Americans saw Arch Rock as a place of numinous power, and told many stories and legends about it.
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