Special Events

    December

  • December Mackinac Island State Park Commission Meeting

    Friday, December 13

    The Mackinac Island State Park Commission Board will meet at the Community House in Birmingham.

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    • January

  • Twilight Turtle Trek

    Saturday, January 4

    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 1

    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 6

    The Mackinac Island State Park Commission meeting for March will be at the Blue Cross Blue Shield Michigan Lyon Meadows Conference Center in New Hudson.

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  • Twilight Turtle Trek

    Saturday, March 7

    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

  • Fort Mackinac Opens for the Season

    Friday, May 1

    Fort Mackinac opens for the 2020 season on May 1 at 9:00 a.m. Join us in celebrating 125 years of Mackinac State Historic Parks!  

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

    Monday, May 4

    The Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum opens for the 2020 season on May 4, 2020. Join us in celebrating 125 years of Mackinac State Historic Parks by enjoying "A Day in the Park," a celebration of Mackinac Island State Park.

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  • Biddle House Open for the Season

    Tuesday, May 5

    The Biddle House, featuring the Mackinac Island Native American Museum, opens for the 2020 season on May 5 at 11:00 a.m. Help us celebrate 125 years of Mackinac State Historic Parks at this new exhibit!

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  • Colonial Michilimackinac Open for Season

    Wednesday, May 6

    Colonial Michilimackinac opens for the 2020 season on May 6 at 9:00 a.m. Help us celebrate 125 years of Mackinac State Historic Parks!

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  • Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse Open for the Season

    Thursday, May 7

    Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse opens for the 2020 season on May 7 at 9:00 a.m. Help us celebrate 125 years of Mackinac State Historic Parks! 

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  • Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park Open for the Season

    Friday, May 8

    Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park opens for the 2020 season on May 8 at 9:00 a.m. Help us celebrate 125 years of Mackinac State Historic Parks!

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  • Residents Appreciation Day

    Saturday, May 9

    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 9

    The third 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 10

    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 22

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

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  • Memorial Day Observance, Fort Mackinac Post Cemetery

    Monday, May 25

    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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    • June

  • Michigan Governor's Summer Residence Tours

    Wednesday, June 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 ...

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  • The King's Birth-day Celebration

    Thursday, 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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  • Historic Downtown Mackinac Open for Season

    Saturday, June 6

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

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  • Michigan Governor's Summer Residence Tours

    Wednesday, June 10

    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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  • Michigan Governor's Summer Residence Tours

    Wednesday, June 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 ...

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  • Mackinac Associates: G. Mennen Williams Celebration

    Saturday, June 20

    Mackinac Associates' annual G. Mennen Williams Celebration brings together lovers of Mackinac to recognize the outstanding support and efforts of Mackinac State Historic Parks' friends group.Cocktails will ...

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  • Michigan Governor's Summer Residence Tours

    Wednesday, June 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 >

  • Rendezvous at the Straits: Voyageur Culture

    Saturday, June 27

    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 28

    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 1

    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

    Saturday, 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

    Saturday, 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

    Saturday, July 4

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

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  • Michigan Governor's Summer Residence Tours

    Wednesday, July 8

    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 >

  • Michilimackinac at Work: Labor and Trades

    Saturday, July 11

    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, July 12

    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 >

  • Michigan Governor's Summer Residence Tours

    Wednesday, July 15

    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

    Monday, 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 22

    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 >

  • July Mackinac Island State Park Commission Meeting

    Friday, July 24

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

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  • Michigan Governor's Summer Residence Tours

    Wednesday, July 29

    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

  • Pastimes in Times Past: Fun and Games

    Saturday, August 1

    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

    Sunday, August 2

    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, August 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 ...

    Learn More >

  • Gardens and Good Things to Eat

    Saturday, August 8

    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 9

    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 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 ...

    Learn More >

  • Mackinac Associates Annual Meeting

    Saturday, August 15

    Mackinac Associates, the friends group for Mackinac State Historic Parks, will host their annual meeting on Mackinac Island.This is a private event for Mackinac Associates members. For information on how to ...

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  • Michigan Governor's Summer Residence Tours

    Wednesday, August 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 ...

    Learn More >

  • Michigan Governor's Summer Residence Tours

    Wednesday, August 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 >

    • September

  • September Mackinac Island State Park Commission Meeting

    Friday, September 25

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

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    • October

  • Fort Fright

    Friday, October 9

    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 10

    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 >