D.H. Day Log Cabin

Log cabins with stone foundation and stairs harkens back to the campground's early days.

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Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Wheelchair Accessible

In 1919, as automobiles began opening the country to greater tourism and as increased development increased the need for and the awareness of the importance of conservation, Public Act 218 of 1919 created the Michigan State Park Commission to acquire lands for state parks.

Governor Albert Sleeper appointed D.H. Day the first Chairman of the State Parks Commission. Day was an excellent choice for the job of State Park Commissioner due to his promotional activities and his widely acclaimed Day Forest conservation efforts.

In November 1920, Day donated 32 acres of land on Glen Arbor Bay, Leelanau County, between Glen Haven and Glen Arbor to the state for use as a state park.

Michigan had previously acquired at least two other properties for management as state parks (Mackinac State Park in 1895 and Interlochen State park in 1917). D. H. Day State Park, honoring the commission's chairman, was the first park that the Commission set up.

A one room large log cabin was built by DH Day in 1923-24 on the park campgrounds as a space for events. It has a front and back porch. Today it is used for educational programs and other special events.

The D. H. Day State Park became the core of the state's efforts to acquire and create Sleeping Bear Dunes State Park, one of the main predecessors to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

An historical marker designates the Log Cabin as Michigan Historical Commission Registered Site No. 173 and states
"By the end of World War I, with the rapid growth of the recreation industry in Michigan, a need for a state-wide parks system had arisen. In 1919 the State Park Commission was established. D. H. Day State Park, honoring the commission's chairman, was the first park that it set up. When state parks were transferred to the Conservation Department in 1921 over twenty other sites had been acquired, most of them, like D. H. Day State Park, beautifully located on lake shores."