Blog - Mackinac State Historic Parks

Decorating for the Holidays at Colonial Michilimackinac

A Colonial Christmas is December 13. What did decorating for the holidays look like during the 18th and 19th centuries?

Early Color Photography on Mackinac Island

Autochrome Lumiere's were among the earliest forms of color photography - and this exciting advancement was used on Mackinac Island!

Autumn at Mackinac

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."

Soldier Ghosts

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."

A Big Finish

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:

Fund a Need

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:

Sugar Loaf

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.

Making Sense of the Archaeology Collection

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’s Pistols

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.

At the Half

We're past the halfway point of the archaeological field season. What have we learned?

Mackinac National Park

Let's revisit an article originally posted in 1875 exploring the newly created Mackinac National Park.

Michigan Governor ‘Soapy’ Williams, A Champion for Mackinac

The G. Mennen Williams Mackinac Celebration is the kickoff to the events season for our friends group Mackinac Associates, named in honor of former Governor G. Mennen “Soapy” Williams. But who was Gov. Williams and why is he important to Mackinac State Historic Parks?

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