Few People Know About This Michigan Park Has Rare Dwarf Lake Iris Flowers
Many people know that the Great Lakes State flower is the apple blossom. But few people know that we have a state wildflower and even fewer know where to find it. The rare and wonderful dwarf lake iris can be found in Mackinaw City, Michigan and it’s worth the trip.
The Headlands International Dark Sky Park is right on the Northern Michigan lakeshore.
Of course, Headlands is a world-renowned dark sky park that is very popular among astronomers. Most people visit the park in the late evening to see the beautiful Michigan night sky above.
But the park has a hidden gem that is just as special but not as well known. There are over 5 miles of trails to explore and if you’re lucky, you might be able to spot Michigan’s state wildflower. Your best chance of catching the dwarf lake iris in bloom is between early May and the middle of June.
According to Michigan State University, the flowers are threatened and legally protected in our state. Dwarf lake iris is found in coastal cedar-fir-spruce forests and limestone pavement/grassland or in coastal dune systems on the forested edge of the back dune.
The park has 600 acres of mature forest with lush hardwoods and ferns. The Frog Pond Trail goes through a cedar swamp along McCormick Pond, and the Overlook Trail heads deep into fern woods that lead to a rock bluff.
Dark Sky Discover Trail is a 1-mile paved and fully accessible trail that shows indigenous artwork, cultural docents, and regional photography that paints a picture of humanity’s relationship with the stars.
If you plan on visiting the dark sky park to see the incredible starlight, arrive early in the day so you can walk the trails and possibly see the elusive and magnificent state wildflower.
Emily Tieman is a lifelong Michigander and has a love for locally owned small businesses. She is a freelance writer for Only In Your State and has her own vintage content creator business.
