By October, autumn on Mackinac Island is in full splendor, and the island has attracted visitors to gaze in its autumnal beauty for hundreds of years. Author Constance Fenimore Woolson, for instance, wrote of the “gorgeous autumn tints on the trees.”
Every night, at the stroke of twelve, soldiers could be heard marching to roll call. The only problem? There were no soldiers there. Fort Fright is based on French tales told at Michilimackinac. Enjoy “Soldier Ghosts,” from “Were-Wolves and Will-O-The-Wisps.”
The 2025 field season at Colonial Michilimackinac wrapped up August 23 with finds including glass seed beads, iron tools, and a rare metal-wrapped textile fragment. Long-time readers will also note that the tree stump has also been removed! Learn more here:
Have an interest in the blacksmith shop on the island? Love the black-powder weapons programs at Fort Mackinac and Colonial Michilimackinac? Ever wondered how you can help out? Learn more here:
Long before tourism was established as a major driver on Mackinac Island, Sugar Loaf was a popular attraction. Learn more about this majestic natural curiosity.
Remember the end of “Raiders of the Lost Ark” as the Ark of the Covenant is being wheeled into the giant warehouse for storage? Want to know how that relates to a three-year project concluding at Mackinac State Historic Parks? Read on:
William Whistler joined the United States Army in 1801 and served for more than 60 years, including three stints at Fort Mackinac. Today we take a dive into our collection and look at two fine pistols that belonged to Whistler.
We’re past the halfway point of the archaeological field season. What have we learned?
Let’s revisit an article originally posted in 1875 exploring the newly created Mackinac National Park.
