Special Events

    April

  • Earth Day Clean Up

    Friday, April 27

    Help clean up the island (litter/trash pick-up) in celebration of Earth Day! Contact the Mackinac Island Recreation Department, Mary Patay or the Mackinac Island State Park Field Office (906.847.6609) and let us know what area, road or trail you plan to clean-up and the time you plan to conduct ...

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  • Earth Day Clean Up

    Saturday, April 28

    Help clean up the island (litter/trash pick-up) in celebration of Earth Day! Contact the Mackinac Island Recreation Department, Mary Patay or the Mackinac Island State Park Field Office (906.847.6609) and let us know what area, road or trail you plan to clean-up and the time you plan to conduct ...

    Learn More >

    • May

  • Colonial Michilimackinac Open for Season

    Wednesday, May 2

    Colonial Michilimackinac opens for the 2018 season on May 2 at 9:00 a.m.

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  • Fort Mackinac Opens for the Season

    Thursday, May 3

    Fort Mackinac opens for the 2018 season on May 3 at 9:00 a.m.!    

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  • The Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum Open for Season

    Thursday, May 3

    The Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum opens for the 2018 season on May 3, 2018!

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  • Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park Open for the Season

    Friday, May 4

    Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park opens for the 2018 season on May 4 at 9:00 a.m.!

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  • Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse Open for the Season

    Friday, May 4

    Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse opens for the 2018 season on May 4 at 9:00 a.m.!  

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  • Residents Appreciation Day

    Saturday, May 12

    For residents of Mackinac, Cheboygan, or Emmet counties, for one weekend, we discount the admission prices for all of our sites to what they were when we first began operating our modern museum programs for the public in 1958. (.50 cents adults, .25 cents ...


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  • Fort 2 Fort Challenge

    Saturday, May 12

    Join us for this brand new race on Mackinac Island! The race starts with a blast of the rifles at Fort Mackinac at 9:00 a.m., takes a winding route up to Fort Holmes, and back down to a finish behind Fort Mackinac next to the scout barracks. More information to come.

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  • Residents Appreciation Day

    Sunday, May 13

    For residents of Mackinac, Cheboygan, or Emmet counties, for one weekend, we discount the admission prices for all of our sites to what they were when we first began operating our modern museum programs for the public in 1958. (.50 cents adults, .25 cents ...


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  • May Mackinac Island State Park Commission Meeting

    Friday, May 18

    The Mackinac Island State Park Commission Board will meet in Mackinaw City at the Mackinaw Reception and Conference Center.

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  • Michilimackinac Pageant

    Saturday, May 26

    Experience a reenactment of the 1763 Native American attack on the British-held fort as presented by a Mackinaw City community group. Admission to the pageant is free. Access to Colonial Michilimackinac requires the purchase of a regular admission ticket.

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  • Michilimackinac Pageant

    Sunday, May 27

    Experience a reenactment of the 1763 Native American attack on the British-held fort as presented by a Mackinaw City community group. Admission to the pageant is free. Access to Colonial Michilimackinac requires the purchase of a regular admission ticket.

    Learn More >

  • Memorial Day Observance, Fort Mackinac Post Cemetery

    Monday, May 28

    A brief and informal Memorial Day observance to pay tribute to the soldiers who served at Fort Mackinac. Soldiers will assemble at 8:30 a.m. at Fort Mackinac, march to the cemetery, perform a short ceremony and salute, and return to the fort.

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  • Michilimackinac Pageant

    Monday, May 28

    Experience a reenactment of the 1763 Native American attack on the British-held fort as presented by a Mackinaw City community group. Admission to the pageant is free. Access to Colonial Michilimackinac requires the purchase of a regular admission ticket.

    Learn More >

    • June

  • The King's Birth-day Celebration

    Monday, June 4

    An annual highlight for the British soldiers and civilians at Michilimackinac, King George III's official birthday on June 4 was marked by toasts, dinners and salutes. Join the interpretive staff at Michilimackinac as they celebrate this most British of holidays with artillery fire, drinks and ...

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  • Michigan Governor's Summer Residence Tours

    Wednesday, June 6

    Explore the Governor's Summer Residence on Mackinac Island each Wednesday from June 6 to August 29. Built in 1902 as a private summer cottage by Lawrence A. Young, it has served as the Governor's summer Residence since 1945. The residence was listed in the Michigan Register of Historic ...

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  • Historic Buildings on Market Street Open for the Season

    Saturday, June 9

    Mackinac's 19th-century fur trade community comes to life at the Biddle House, American Fur Company Store & Dr. Beaumont Museum, and the McGulpin House. See a blacksmith demonstrate his or her trade at the Benjamin Blacksmith Shop, cooking and craft demonstrations at Biddle House, ...

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  • Soldiers of the King: The British Garrison of Michilimackinac

    Saturday, June 9

    Michilimackinac came under British rule in 1761, and the fort played an important role in British diplomacy and military affairs for the next 20 years. Enlist in King George's army and watch as member of the 8th Regiment of Foot and Royal Regiment of Artillery post guards, drill and fire muskets on ...

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  • Soldiers of the King: The British Garrison of Michilimackinac

    Sunday, June 10

    Michilimackinac came under British rule in 1761, and the fort played an important role in British diplomacy and military affairs for the next 20 years. Enlist in King George's army and watch as member of the 8th Regiment of Foot and Royal Regiment of Artillery post guards, drill and fire muskets on ...

    Learn More >

  • Michigan Governor's Summer Residence Tours

    Wednesday, June 13

    Explore the Governor's Summer Residence on Mackinac Island each Wednesday from June 7 to August 30. Built in 1902 as a private summer cottage by Lawrence A. Young, it has served as the Governor's summer Residence since 1945. The residence was listed in the Michigan Register of Historic ...

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  • Business After Hours at Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park

    Wednesday, June 13

    Hosted by the Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce. More details to follow.

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  • Lilac Festival Grand Parade

    Sunday, June 17

    Finish off the week of festivities from the Lilac Festival with the Grand Parade which will go down M-185.

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  • "Landscapes of Mackinac" Exhibition Awards Ceremony and Reception

    Wednesday, June 20

    A celebration of the"Landscapes of Mackinac" as captured in art.  This event will feature short comments and light refreshments.  Open to the public at no charge. From the bustling interplay of horses, bicycles, and pedestrians on Main Street, to the magnificent grandeur of the ...

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  • Michigan Governor's Summer Residence Tours

    Wednesday, June 20

    Explore the Governor's Summer Residence on Mackinac Island each Wednesday from June 7 to August 30. Built in 1902 as a private summer cottage by Lawrence A. Young, it has served as the Governor's summer Residence since 1945. The residence was listed in the Michigan Register of Historic ...

    Learn More >

  • Music in the Park

    Thursday, June 21

    A Mackinac Arts Council event. "With a spectacular backdrop, our summer concert series takes place on the lawn of a National Historic Landmark, Marquette Park, which is at the foothills of Historic Fort Mackinac downtown across from the marina. Bring a picnic and tune in for some great live ...

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  • Mackinac Associates: G. Mennen Williams Celebration

    Saturday, June 23

    Mackinac Associates' annual G. Mennen Williams Celebration brings together lovers of Mackinac to recognize the outstanding support and effort of Mackinac State Historic Parks' friends group. This is a Members Only ...

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  • Michigan Governor's Summer Residence Tours

    Wednesday, June 27

    Explore the Governor's Summer Residence on Mackinac Island each Wednesday from June 7 to August 30. Built in 1902 as a private summer cottage by Lawrence A. Young, it has served as the Governor's summer Residence since 1945. The residence was listed in the Michigan Register of Historic ...

    Learn More >

  • Music in the Park

    Thursday, June 28

    A Mackinac Arts Council event. "With a spectacular backdrop, our summer concert series takes place on the lawn of a National Historic Landmark, Marquette Park, which is at the foothills of Historic Fort Mackinac downtown across from the marina. Bring a picnic and tune in for some great live ...

    Learn More >

  • Rendezvous at the Straits: Voyageur Culture

    Saturday, June 30

    French-Canadian canoe men, known as voyageurs, were among the most colorful historic visitors to Michilimackinac. Try your hand at voyageur games, join in singing a rousing paddling song, and master the skills these hardy men needed to keep the Great Lakes fur trade moving.

    Learn More >

    • July

  • Rendezvous at the Straits: Voyageur Culture

    Sunday, July 1

    French-Canadian canoe men, known as voyageurs, were among the most colorful historic visitors to Michilimackinac. Try your hand at voyageur games, join in singing a rousing paddling song, and master the skills these hardy men needed to keep the Great Lakes fur trade moving.

    Learn More >

  • Michigan Governor's Summer Residence Tours

    Wednesday, July 4

    Explore the Governor's Summer Residence on Mackinac Island each Wednesday from June 7 to August 30. Built in 1902 as a private summer cottage by Lawrence A. Young, it has served as the Governor's summer Residence since 1945. The residence was listed in the Michigan Register of Historic ...

    Learn More >

  • Star Spangled Fourth of July

    Wednesday, July 4

    The historic island fort is decked out in patriotic finery with banners, flags and bunting. It is an 1880’s Independence Day, with 38-gun salutes honoring the states of the period, performances of patriotic music, and Victorian children’s games. Guests join the party and participate in ...

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  • An American Picnic

    Wednesday, July 4

    Checkered red and white tablecloths spread on the grass of Fort Mackinac’s parade grounds create a patchwork quilt welcoming hungry patriots with Grand Hotel’s all-you-can-eat tangy BBQ baby back ribs, grilled chicken breasts, hamburgers, hot dogs, turkey burgers, corn on the cob, and a slew of ...

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  • Mackinac Associates Red, White & Blue Celebration

    Wednesday, July 4

    An annual private Independence Day reception for members of Mackinac Associates. Head to the Mackinac Associates website for information on how to join.

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  • Music in the Park

    Thursday, July 5

    A Mackinac Arts Council event. "With a spectacular backdrop, our summer concert series takes place on the lawn of a National Historic Landmark, Marquette Park, which is at the foothills of Historic Fort Mackinac downtown across from the marina. Bring a picnic and tune in for some great live ...

    Learn More >

  • Michigan Governor's Summer Residence Tours

    Wednesday, July 11

    Explore the Governor's Summer Residence on Mackinac Island each Wednesday from June 7 to August 30. Built in 1902 as a private summer cottage by Lawrence A. Young, it has served as the Governor's summer Residence since 1945. The residence was listed in the Michigan Register of Historic ...

    Learn More >

  • Music in the Park

    Thursday, July 12

    A Mackinac Arts Council event. "With a spectacular backdrop, our summer concert series takes place on the lawn of a National Historic Landmark, Marquette Park, which is at the foothills of Historic Fort Mackinac downtown across from the marina. Bring a picnic and tune in for some great live ...

    Learn More >

  • Robert Griffing Art Show

    Friday, July 13

    A visual interpretation of 18th-century America through a frontier art exhibit featuring works by Robert Griffing in the Visitor's Center at Colonial Michilimackinac.

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  • Robert Griffing Art Show

    Saturday, July 14

    A visual interpretation of 18th-century America through a frontier art exhibit featuring works by Robert Griffing in the Visitor's Center at Colonial Michilimackinac.

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  • Ghastly Mackinac

    Saturday, July 14

    For most, Fort Mackinac was a desirable station. For others, Fort Mackinac was a dark and gruesome place. We're highlighting the latter with Ghastly Mackinac, an evening experience showcasing the darker aspects of Fort Mackinac's history. This guided tour will feature stories of crime and ...

    Learn More >

  • Robert Griffing Art Show

    Sunday, July 15

    A visual interpretation of 18th-century America through a frontier art exhibit featuring works by Robert Griffing in the Visitor's Center at Colonial Michilimackinac.

    Learn More >

  • Michigan Governor's Summer Residence Tours

    Wednesday, July 18

    Explore the Governor's Summer Residence on Mackinac Island each Wednesday from June 6 to August 29. Built in 1902 as a private summer cottage by Lawrence A. Young, it has served as the Governor's summer Residence since 1945. The residence was listed in the Michigan Register of Historic ...

    Learn More >

  • Music in the Park

    Thursday, July 19

    A Mackinac Arts Council event. "With a spectacular backdrop, our summer concert series takes place on the lawn of a National Historic Landmark, Marquette Park, which is at the foothills of Historic Fort Mackinac downtown across from the marina. Bring a picnic and tune in for some great live ...

    Learn More >

  • Vintage Base Ball

    Saturday, July 21

    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 ...

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  • Diverse Entertainments

    Saturday, July 21

    Even in the Great Lakes wilderness, the historic residents of Michilimackinac knew how to have a good time. As you explore the fort, stop and try your hand at games of skill and chance, sing a song, take tea with the neighbors, enjoy the latest news from London, or learn an 18th century dance.

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  • Diverse Entertainments

    Sunday, July 22

    Even in the Great Lakes wilderness, the historic residents of Michilimackinac knew how to have a good time. As you explore the fort, stop and try your hand at games of skill and chance, sing a song, take tea with the neighbors, enjoy the latest news from London, or learn an 18th century dance.

    Learn More >

  • Michigan Governor's Summer Residence Tours

    Wednesday, July 25

    Explore the Governor's Summer Residence on Mackinac Island each Wednesday from June 6 to August 29. Built in 1902 as a private summer cottage by Lawrence A. Young, it has served as the Governor's summer Residence since 1945. The residence was listed in the Michigan Register of Historic ...

    Learn More >

  • Music in the Park

    Thursday, July 26

    A Mackinac Arts Council event. "With a spectacular backdrop, our summer concert series takes place on the lawn of a National Historic Landmark, Marquette Park, which is at the foothills of Historic Fort Mackinac downtown across from the marina. Bring a picnic and tune in for some great live ...

    Learn More >

  • July Mackinac Island State Park Commission Meeting

    Friday, July 27

    The Mackinac Island State Park Commission will meet at the Post Hospital Board Room on Mackinac Island.

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    • August

  • Michigan Governor's Summer Residence Tours

    Wednesday, August 1

    Explore the Governor's Summer Residence on Mackinac Island each Wednesday from June 6 to August 29. Built in 1902 as a private summer cottage by Lawrence A. Young, it has served as the Governor's summer Residence since 1945. The residence was listed in the Michigan Register of Historic ...

    Learn More >

  • Ghastly Mackinac

    Wednesday, August 1

    For most, Fort Mackinac was a desirable station. For others, Fort Mackinac was a dark and gruesome place. We're highlighting the latter with Ghastly Mackinac, an evening experience showcasing the darker aspects of Fort Mackinac's history. This guided tour will feature stories of crime and ...

    Learn More >

  • Music in the Park

    Thursday, August 2

    A Mackinac Arts Council event. "With a spectacular backdrop, our summer concert series takes place on the lawn of a National Historic Landmark, Marquette Park, which is at the foothills of Historic Fort Mackinac downtown across from the marina. Bring a picnic and tune in for some great live ...

    Learn More >

  • War of 1812 Weekend

    Saturday, August 4

    The first land engagement of the War of 1812 happened at Fort Mackinac. Visit Fort Mackinac August 4 & 5 for weapons demonstrations, walking tours and more. Check back often for more information on this special weekend at Fort Mackinac.

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  • War of 1812 Weekend

    Sunday, August 5

    The first land engagement of the War of 1812 happened at Fort Mackinac. Visit Fort Mackinac August 4 & 5 for weapons demonstrations, walking tours and more. Check back often for more information on this special weekend at Fort Mackinac.

    Learn More >

  • Michigan Governor's Summer Residence Tours

    Wednesday, August 8

    Explore the Governor's Summer Residence on Mackinac Island each Wednesday from June 6 to August 29. Built in 1902 as a private summer cottage by Lawrence A. Young, it has served as the Governor's summer Residence since 1945. The residence was listed in the Michigan Register of Historic ...

    Learn More >

  • Music in the Park

    Thursday, August 9

    A Mackinac Arts Council event. "With a spectacular backdrop, our summer concert series takes place on the lawn of a National Historic Landmark, Marquette Park, which is at the foothills of Historic Fort Mackinac downtown across from the marina. Bring a picnic and tune in for some great live ...

    Learn More >

  • Gardens and Good Things to Eat

    Saturday, August 11

    Everyone loves a good meal, including the historic residents of Michilimackinac! Join historic interpreters to tour and help maintain the fort's gardens, assist with running the outdoor bread oven (and taste the results!), watch meals cooked over an open fire, and learn more about the unique food ...

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  • Gardens and Good Things to Eat

    Sunday, August 12

    Everyone loves a good meal, including the historic residents of Michilimackinac! Join historic interpreters to tour and help maintain the fort's gardens, assist with running the outdoor bread oven (and taste the results!), watch meals cooked over an open fire, and learn more about the unique food ...

    Learn More >

  • Michigan Governor's Summer Residence Tours

    Wednesday, August 15

    Explore the Governor's Summer Residence on Mackinac Island each Wednesday from June 6 to August 29. Built in 1902 as a private summer cottage by Lawrence A. Young, it has served as the Governor's summer Residence since 1945. The residence was listed in the Michigan Register of Historic ...

    Learn More >

  • Music in the Park

    Thursday, August 16

    A Mackinac Arts Council event. "With a spectacular backdrop, our summer concert series takes place on the lawn of a National Historic Landmark, Marquette Park, which is at the foothills of Historic Fort Mackinac downtown across from the marina. Bring a picnic and tune in for some great live ...

    Learn More >

  • Michigan Governor's Summer Residence Tours

    Wednesday, August 22

    Explore the Governor's Summer Residence on Mackinac Island each Wednesday from June 6 to August 29. Built in 1902 as a private summer cottage by Lawrence A. Young, it has served as the Governor's summer Residence since 1945. The residence was listed in the Michigan Register of Historic ...

    Learn More >

  • Civil War Reenactment Weekend

    Friday, August 24

    The Multi-Lakes Association for Civil War Studies will be participating in events at Fort Mackinac the weekend of August 24-26, 2018. Every hour they will be part of a demonstration on the parade ground at the fort, and available for questions and information all day ...

    Learn More >

  • Civil War Reenactment Weekend

    Saturday, August 25

    The Multi-Lakes Association for Civil War Studies will be participating in events at Fort Mackinac the weekend of August 24-26, 2018. Every hour they will be part of a demonstration on the parade ground at the fort, and available for questions and information all day ...

    Learn More >

  • Civil War Reenactment Weekend

    Sunday, August 26

    The Multi-Lakes Association for Civil War Studies will be participating in events at Fort Mackinac the weekend of August 24-26, 2018. Every hour they will be part of a demonstration on the parade ground at the fort, and available for questions and information all day ...

    Learn More >

  • Michigan Governor's Summer Residence Tours

    Wednesday, August 29

    Explore the Governor's Summer Residence on Mackinac Island each Wednesday from June 6 to August 29. Built in 1902 as a private summer cottage by Lawrence A. Young, it has served as the Governor's summer Residence since 1945. The residence was listed in the Michigan Register of Historic ...

    Learn More >

    • September

  • Michilimackinac at Work: Labor and Trades

    Saturday, September 8

    Michilimackinac was a hardworking community in the 18th century. Voyageurs, blacksmiths, laundresses, clerks, and soldiers all plied their trades at the fort, employing both skilled and unskilled labor. Join the interpretive staff as they demonstrate a variety of tasks that made up the ...

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  • Michilimackinac at Work: Labor and Trades

    Sunday, September 9

    Michilimackinac was a hardworking community in the 18th century. Voyageurs, blacksmiths, laundresses, clerks, and soldiers all plied their trades at the fort, employing both skilled and unskilled labor. Join the interpretive staff as they demonstrate a variety of tasks that made up the ...

    Learn More >

  • Fire at Night - Fort Mackinac Rifle and Cannon

    Saturday, September 15

    See the flash of the fire when Fort Mackinac has rifle and cannon firings in the evening. Sunsets from Fort Mackinac are truly spectacular, and what better way to watch the sun set over the Mackinac Bridge than a celebratory cannon shot to go with it. Enjoy the Soldier's Barracks, shopping at ...

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  • Fire at Night - Fort Mackinac Rifle and Cannon

    Saturday, September 22

    See the flash of the fire when Fort Mackinac has rifle and cannon firings in the evening. Sunsets from Fort Mackinac are truly spectacular, and what better way to watch the sun set over the Mackinac Bridge than a celebratory cannon shot to go with it. Enjoy the Soldier's Barracks, shopping at ...

    Learn More >

  • The Coronation of Their Majesties Celebration

    Saturday, September 22

    Along with the king's birthday, the anniversary of George and Charlotte's coronation in 1761 gave British subjects around the world a reason to celebrate every September. Join the interpretive staff at Michilimackinac as they celebrate the most British of holidays with artillery fire, drinks and ...

    Learn More >

  • September Mackinac Island State Park Commission Meeting

    Friday, September 28

    The Mackinac Island State Park Commission will meet at the Post Hospital Board Room on Mackinac Island.

    Learn More >

  • Fire at Night - Fort Mackinac Rifle and Cannon

    Saturday, September 29

    See the flash of the fire when Fort Mackinac has rifle and cannon firings in the evening. Sunsets from Fort Mackinac are truly spectacular, and what better way to watch the sun set over the Mackinac Bridge than a celebratory cannon shot to go with it. Enjoy the Soldier's Barracks, shopping at ...

    Learn More >

    • October

  • Fort Fright

    Friday, October 5

    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 ...

    Learn More >

  • Fort Fright

    Saturday, October 6

    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 ...

    Learn More >