Mackinac State Historic Parks

Mackinac Island State Park Commission Meeting
2026-07-24 13:30 - 15:00 (America/Detroit) | Post Hospital, 7029 Huron Road, Mackinac Island, 49757, United States
A regular meeting of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission at the Post Hospital Administrative Building on Mackinac Island. #thisismackinac

Vintage Base Ball
2026-07-25 18:30 - 20:00 | Fort Mackinac, Mackinac Island, MI
A vintage game of “base ball” as it was meant to be played, barehanded and by gentlemen’s rules on the old Fort Mackinac ball field behind Fort Mackinac, the oldest continually used ball field in Michigan. Learn an old-fashioned cheer, watch players fined for smoking cigars on the field, and enjoy a good old-fashioned rivalry! We welcome back the Portland Blue Sox for the 2026 match. Sponsored by Mary’s Bistro and Draught House.
Admission by donation. #thisismackinac

Tour of the Turtle's Back: Ancient Mackinac Island
2026-07-29 13:00 - 14:30 | Mackinac Island State Park, Mackinac Island, MI
This afternoon ramble will reveal some of Mackinac Island’s most ancient wonders. Meet naturalist Kyle Bagnall behind Fort Mackinac (Huron Road) where we’ll begin our hike. We’ll follow winding pathways up the “turtle’s back,” viewing Skull Cave, Point Lookout, Sugar Loaf, and Fort Holmes. This adventure covers about 1 ¾ miles over paved roads and some trails with uneven terrain, including stairs. #thisismackinac

Askin's People at Michilimackinac
2026-08-01 09:30 - 19:00, 2026-08-02 09:30 - 19:00 | Colonial Michilimackinac, Mackinaw City
Askin’s People at Michilimackinac will explore the lives free and enslaved people who worked for the merchant John Askin at Michilimackinac in the 1770s. Join the staff at Michilimackinac as they demonstrate the various work performed by Askin’s employees, who included sailors, bakers, gardeners, cooks, voyageurs, laundresses, and more. Be sure to explore all around the fort and grounds, as informal demonstrations will be taking place throughout the weekend as well! All events will be included with a regular ticket to Colonial Michilimackinac. #thisismackinac
This event also takes place August 2.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
TBA

Artist-in-Residence Program
2026-08-05 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-08-19 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-09-02 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-09-16 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-09-30 19:00 - 20:00 | Station 256 Conference Room, Above the MISP Visitor's Center, Mackinac Island
Join our resident artist for a free program detailing work done during the artist residency. This is a free program held at the Station 256 Conference Room, located above the Mackinac Island State Park Visitor’s Center. Schedule or resident artists to be posted in late winter, 2026.
ABOUT THE ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM:
The Mackinac State Historic Parks Artist-In-Residence Program is designed to promote and encourage the creation of artistic works inspired by the history, natural wonders, and beauty of Mackinac Island. The residencies are available to artists in all mediums, including writers, composers, sculptures, and visual artists including photographers, among others. #thisismackinac

National Lighthouse Day: Celebrating the 'Castle on the Straits'
2026-08-07 09:00 - 17:30 | Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, Mackinaw City
Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse has served as a point in the storm and guiding beacon on the Straits of Mackinac for more than 130 years. On this National Lighthouse Day, join the interpretive staff of Old Mackinac Point for special programs celebrating the “Castle on the Straits.” All special programs included with regular admission.
August 7 Schedule of Events:
TBA
#thisismackinac

Botanical Wonders Walk
2026-08-12 13:00 - 14:30 | Fort Mackinac, Mackinac Island, MI
Thomas Nuttall was the first botanist to visit the straits, arriving by birchbark canoe on August 12, 1810. That summer, described 20 species for science, including thimbleberry. Meet naturalist Kyle Bagnall behind Fort Mackinac (Huron Road) to search for plants Thomas found growing here over 200 years ago. This easy walk covers about 1.5 miles over paved roads and some trails with uneven terrain. #thisismackinac

Moonlit Michilimackinac
2026-08-22 20:00 - 21:30 | Colonial Michilimackinac, Mackinaw City
A rare opportunity to enjoy an evening at this 1770s fur trading village to watch the sunset over the Straits of Mackinac, talk with interpretive staff and learn about nighttime routines of the historic residents of Michilimackinac, and explore select buildings in the fort. This event is by donation. Gates open at 8:00 p.m. #thisismackinac

Full Moon Over Mackinac
2026-08-28 20:00 - 22:30 | Mackinac Island State Park, Mackinac Island
Experience the magic of Mackinac by the light of the full moon on a guided walk with naturalist Kyle Bagnall. Meet behind Fort Mackinac (Huron Road), then stroll to the highest point of the island at Fort Holmes. We’ll arrive in time to watch the full moon rise over Lake Huron, illuminating the landscape below. Covering about one mile total, climbing 141 stairs is part of this adventure. Bring a flashlight for the return trip. #thisismackinac

Michilimackinac Fire at Night
2026-09-06 19:30 - 21:00 | Colonial Michilimackinac, Mackinaw City
An America250 event! This will be one of the coolest things you see all summer. Experience the power of Michilimackinac’s weapons at night. Gates open at 9:00 p.m. Rifle firing will start at dusk; cannon firing will be after dark. This is a free event; donations welcome. #thisismackinac
Event also takes place September 6.

September Stroll to Arch Rock
2026-09-09 13:00 - 14:30 | Mackinac Island State Park, Mackinac Island
The summer season draws to a close in the North Woods. Join naturalist Kyle Bagnall for this easy guided stroll on the Mackinac Island Botanical Trail. Along the way, we’ll savor summer wonders and look for early signs of autumn, including migrating songbirds. At Arch Rock, enjoy one of the island’s most spectacular views and a short tour of the Milliken Nature Center. Meet behind Fort Mackinac (Huron Road) for an easy stroll of 1.5 miles on paved roads and trails. #thisismackinac

Mackinac Island Eight Mile Run and Walk
2026-09-12 09:30 - 12:00 | Mackinac Island State Park, Mackinac Island
Race the Island perimeter with 1800 participants in this scenic summer-ending event. Don’t miss the 55th running of one of the oldest races and most picturesque races in Michigan! #thisismackinac #runmackinac

Mackinac's Amazing Evergreens
2026-09-25 13:00 - 14:30 | Mackinac Island State Park, Mackinac Island
Join naturalist Kyle Bagnall on a guided walk to search for Mackinac Island’s amazing evergreens. We’ll discover fragrant cedar and fir, towering spruce and stately pines. Learn how people and animals rely on these special species of our North Woods landscape. Meet behind Fort Mackinac (Huron Road) for a 1.5-mile walk over paved roads and some trails with uneven terrain. #thisismackinac

Mackinac Island State Park Commission Meeting
2026-09-25 13:30 - 15:00 | Post Hospital, 7029 Huron Road, Mackinac Island, 49757, United States
A regular meeting of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission at the Post Hospital Administrative Office on Mackinac Island.

Complimentary Admission to the Mackinac Art Museum
2026-10-02 10:00 - 18:00, 2026-10-03 10:00 - 18:00 | The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum, Mackinac Island
Enjoy complimentary admission to The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum October 2-3 as part of the Mackinac Island Fudge Festival!
ABOUT THE MACKINAC ART MUSEUM:
Nowhere else does such a rare and exceptional collection of Mackinac-related art and photography come together to tell Mackinac’s story.
In complement to the natural beauty of Mackinac Island, The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum allows visitors to experience fine and decorative arts inspired by Mackinac through the ages.
One of the most diverse art museums in the region, the museum’s collection offers no shortage of beauty and history – from hand-beaded Native American garments and 17th and 18th-century maps of the Great Lakes, to one-of-a-kind pieces from the height of Mackinac Island’s Victorian era.
Original photographs from the mid-19th to the mid-20th century present the beauty of Mackinac as captured by the camera’s eye. Featured are the works of William H. Gardiner, including dozens of his famed early-twentieth century hand-tinted views. #thisismackinac

Fort Fright
2026-10-02 18:30 - 21:30, 2026-10-03 18:30 - 21:30 | Colonial Michilimackinac, Mackinaw City
Lanterns light your way through an 18th-century fort and fur trading village overrun by werewolves, witches, goblins and ghouls. Storytellers weave spooky folktales near bonfires and treats such as hot mulled cider, cookies and candy can be found throughout the site. Most stops are suitable for all ages, but a haunted house, demon walk and werewolf walk will give thrills and chills to adults and children alike. Photo: Aaron Thompson.
October 2-3, 2026, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Last admission at 8:30 p.m. both nights.
Fort Fright is based on folktales found in Were-Wolves and Will-O-The-Wisps: French Tales of Mackinac Retold.

Kicking Leaves Hike at Dousman's Mill
2026-10-09 13:00 - 14:30 | Dousman’s Mill, 9001 W US23, Mackinaw City, MI, 49701, United States
Enjoy vibrant autumn colors on a guided hike with naturalist Kyle Bagnall. Meet at the parking lot and we’ll explore about two miles of woodland trails at Dousman’s Mill together. Bring walking shoes and a sense of adventure as we search for North Woods wonders during this special time of year. #thisismackinac

Great Turtle Trail Run
2026-10-24 11:30 - 14:00 | Mackinac Island State Park, Mackinac Island
This year marks the 30th running of one of the most scenic trail events in the state. We have a capacity of 3,000 participants running and walking the inside trails of Mackinac Island during the last open weekend of the season.
All who register will enjoy special race features – commemorative medals, great swag, special Halloween events for adults and kids, great end-of-season sales – plus the beauty of late fall on the Island.

A Colonial Christmas
2026-12-12 16:00 - 19:00 | Colonial Michilimackinac, Mackinaw City
The sun sets on the Straits of Mackinac. Fires crackle in stone hearths. The smell of treats and warm beverages fill the crisp winter air. Laughter, conversation, and more can be heard emanating from inside the palisaded walls. It’s ‘A Colonial Christmas’ at Colonial Michilimackinac, where the traditions of the 17th and 18th century are alive for all to explore.
Lanterns light the path in Michilimackinac where storytellers recount the various traditions of historic residents, a retelling of the first Christmas at Mackinac in 1679, and the church at Ste. Anne’s prepared for Christmas Mass as it would have been in the 18th century. Create crafts to take home and bring the family out on the Parade Ground for historic games. All the while, enjoy delicious holiday snacks located throughout the fort. #thisismackinac
Adults: $15
Child (5-12): $10
Under 4: Free
Mackinac Associates: Free

A Colonial Christmas
2026-12-12 16:00 - 19:00 | Colonial Michilimackinac, Mackinaw City
The sun sets on the Straits of Mackinac. Fires crackle in stone hearths. The smell of treats and warm beverages fill the crisp winter air. Laughter, conversation, and more can be heard emanating from inside the palisaded walls. It’s ‘A Colonial Christmas’ at Colonial Michilimackinac, where the traditions of the 17th and 18th century are alive for all to explore. #thisismackinac
