Special Events

    January

  • Ice Rink Open

    Tuesday, January 1

    The Mackinac State Historic Parks' and Community Ice Rink, located behind Fort Mackinac near Greaney Grove, will open when weather allows and will remain open throughout the winter. Night skates will be every other Saturday from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., and a youth hockey will start later in the winter.

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  • Twilight Turtle Trek

    Saturday, January 5

    Mackinac Island Turtle Trek - A lantern-lit ski and snowshoeing trek through some of Mackinac Island's natural winter wonderland. The trail begins at Greaney Grove (corner of Arch Rock Road and Huron Road) with a bonfire and hot chocolate. The trail is groomed, track set, lit by lanterns and ...

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    • February

  • Twilight Turtle Trek

    Saturday, February 2

    Mackinac Island Turtle Trek - A lantern-lit ski and snowshoeing trek through some of Mackinac Island's natural winter wonderland. The trail begins at Greaney Grove (corner of Arch Rock Road and Huron Road) with a bonfire and hot chocolate. The trail is groomed, track set, lit by lanterns and ...

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    • March

  • March Mackinac Island State Park Commission Meeting

    Friday, March 1

    The Mackinac Island State Park Commission Board meeting for March will be in Lansing.

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  • Twilight Turtle Trek

    Saturday, March 2

    Mackinac Island Turtle Trek - A lantern-lit ski and snowshoeing trek through some of Mackinac Island's natural winter wonderland. The trail begins at Greaney Grove (corner of Arch Rock Road and Huron Road) with a bonfire and hot chocolate. The trail is groomed, track set, lit by lanterns and ...

    Learn More >

    • May

  • Colonial Michilimackinac Open for Season

    Wednesday, May 1

    Colonial Michilimackinac opens for the 2019 season on May 1 at 9:00 a.m.! Tickets on sale now at mackinacparks.com/mackinac-admission.

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

    Thursday, May 2

    The Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum opens for the 2019 season on May 2, 2019! Tickets are available by clicking here.

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  • Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park Open for the Season

    Friday, May 3

    Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park opens for the 2019 season on May 3 at 9:00 a.m.! Tickets are available by clicking here.

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  • Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse Open for the Season

    Friday, May 3

    Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse opens for the 2019 season on May 3 at 9:00 a.m.! Tickets are available by clicking here.  

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  • Residents Appreciation Day

    Saturday, May 11

    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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  • Fort2Fort Five Mile Challenge

    Saturday, May 11

    The second annual Fort2Fort Five Mile Challenge starts with a blast of the rifles at Fort Mackinac at 9:00 a.m. and passes all of the historic and natural wonders Mackinac Island State Park has to offer! This challenging but fun course takes runners by Arch Rock, the Mackinac Island Service Camp ...

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  • Residents Appreciation Day

    Sunday, 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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  • May Mackinac Island State Park Commission Meeting

    Friday, May 24

    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 25

    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 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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  • Memorial Day Observance, Fort Mackinac Post Cemetery

    Monday, May 27

    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 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 >

    • June

  • The King's Birth-day Celebration

    Tuesday, 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 5

    Explore the Governor's Summer Residence on Mackinac Island each Wednesday from June 5 to August 28. 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 Downtown Mackinac Open for Season

    Saturday, June 8

    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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  • Michigan Governor's Summer Residence Tours

    Wednesday, June 12

    Explore the Governor's Summer Residence on Mackinac Island each Wednesday from June 5 to August 28. 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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  • Lilac Festival Grand Parade

    Sunday, June 16

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

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  • Michigan Governor's Summer Residence Tours

    Wednesday, June 19

    Explore the Governor's Summer Residence on Mackinac Island each Wednesday from June 5 to August 28. 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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  • Mackinac Associates: G. Mennen Williams Celebration

    Saturday, June 22

    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 26

    Explore the Governor's Summer Residence on Mackinac Island each Wednesday from June 5 to August 28. 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 >

  • Business After Hours at Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse

    Wednesday, June 26

    Hosted by the Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce. Join fellow business and community members for an evening of networking, food and beverage, and friendship.

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  • Rendezvous at the Straits: Voyageur Culture

    Saturday, June 29

    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.

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  • Rendezvous at the Straits: Voyageur Culture

    Sunday, 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

  • Michigan Governor's Summer Residence Tours

    Wednesday, July 3

    Explore the Governor's Summer Residence on Mackinac Island each Wednesday from June 5 to August 28. 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

    Thursday, 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

    Thursday, 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

    Thursday, July 4

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

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  • Michigan Governor's Summer Residence Tours

    Wednesday, July 10

    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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  • Pastimes in Times Past: Fun and Games

    Saturday, July 13

    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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  • Pastimes in Times Past: Fun and Games

    Saturday, July 13

    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 17

    Explore the Governor's Summer Residence on Mackinac Island each Wednesday from June 5 to August 28. 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 >

  • Vintage Base Ball

    Saturday, July 20

    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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  • Michigan Governor's Summer Residence Tours

    Wednesday, July 24

    Explore the Governor's Summer Residence on Mackinac Island each Wednesday from June 5 to August 28. 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 >

  • July Mackinac Island State Park Commission Meeting

    Friday, July 26

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

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  • Michigan Governor's Summer Residence Tours

    Wednesday, July 31

    Explore the Governor's Summer Residence on Mackinac Island each Wednesday from June 5 to August 28. 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 >

    • August

  • Michigan Governor's Summer Residence Tours

    Wednesday, August 7

    Explore the Governor's Summer Residence on Mackinac Island each Wednesday from June 5 to August 28. 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 >

  • Gardens and Good Things to Eat

    Saturday, August 10

    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 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 ...

    Learn More >

  • Michigan Governor's Summer Residence Tours

    Wednesday, August 14

    Explore the Governor's Summer Residence on Mackinac Island each Wednesday from June 5 to August 28. 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 >

  • Mackinac Associates Annual Meeting

    Sunday, August 18

    Mackinac Associates, the friends group for Mackinac State Historic Parks, will host their annual meeting at Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park. This is a private event for Mackinac Associates members. For information on ...

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  • Michigan Governor's Summer Residence Tours

    Wednesday, August 21

    Explore the Governor's Summer Residence on Mackinac Island each Wednesday from June 5 to August 28. 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 >

  • Michigan Governor's Summer Residence Tours

    Wednesday, August 28

    Explore the Governor's Summer Residence on Mackinac Island each Wednesday from June 5 to August 28. 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 14

    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 15

    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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  • September Mackinac Island State Park Commission Meeting

    Friday, September 27

    The Mackinac Island State Park Commission will meet at a location TBD on Mackinac Island.

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    • October

  • Fort Fright

    Friday, October 4

    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 ...

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  • Fort Fright

    Saturday, 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 >