MACKINAC ISLAND, MI – Founded in 1898, Wawashkamo Golf Club, is the oldest active golf course in Michigan.

The unique and historic course is found in the middle of iconic Mackinac Island.

A carriage ride through a tunnel of trees leads you to the gates of the course where you are greeted by a green and white hardwood clubhouse with a cozy front porch.

It is one of the only American courses laid out as Heathland-style links that remains substantially unaltered.

The nine-hole course (you can also play it as 18) has been named as one of the country’s Historic Golf Landmarks by Golf Digest.

Built after island cottagers hailing from Chicago formed the club, the course was designed by a Scotsman, Alex Smith, who was also a two-time U.S. Open champion.

Even if you’re not a golfer, heading up to check out the “Wawa” is a beautiful and informative experience. That’s especially true for history buffs.

“(Smith) laid out the holes in the island’s interior with few trees, no water hazards, relatively short length, small greens and very deep rough,” according to a history piece by the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau. “Each of the nine holes has a unique design feature, like the ‘circus ring’ of tall fescue grass that encircles the 3rd green, and each has two tee boxes so you can play the course twice and experience 18 different holes.”

The beautiful course – referred to by locals as “Wawa” – has seen some important American history.

The course is recognized as the site of the deadly 1814 Battle of Mackinac Island between the United States and England. In a surprise attack two years earlier, British troops had captured the island’s Fort Mackinac on July 17, 1812 – one of the first military maneuvers of the War of 1812.

On Aug. 4, 1814, 750 U.S. troops tried to wrest control of the island back from the British. The Americans were defeated and the island remained under British control until the end of the war.

Visitors can view several interesting artifacts that were found on the property are on display in the clubhouse.

Below are some of the notable features found throughout the picturesque course.

• At the top of a ridge, near Wawashkamo’s first tee, golfers stand on the spot where a British cannon roared on Aug. 4, 1814.
• Wawa’s 1st and 5th fairways were once part of that farmer’s field where American soldiers charged in a futile attempt to drive the British from their hill.
• Underneath the right side of the 6th hole is the alleged resting place of 12 American soldiers, marked by a plaque of remembrance.
• In 2002, an archeological metal detector survey was done on a portion of the 1814 battlefield located on Wawashkamo property.
• “Two hundred sixty-five artifacts related to the battle were located,” according to staff at Mackinac State Historic Parks. “These included United States Infantry and Artillery buttons, spent and dropped rifle, musket and buck shot, a piece of iron canister shot, trade gun parts, an 1807 U.S penny, and three nearly complete clasp knives.”

You don’t have to make an appointment to find out more about the golf club’s unique history – there is plenty of information and educational plaques on site – but you should ask for golf pro Chuck Olson. His mini-tours of the grounds have become a little legendary on Mackinac and he loves showing first-time visitors around the course.

For more information about the course, its rates and events, visit www.wawashkamo.com or call (906) 847-3871.