Movie in the Fort: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory Posted August 28, 2022 Settle in under the stars at Fort Mackinac and enjoy Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory on the Parade Ground. Bring a blanket or a chair and a snack. Part of the Mackinac Island Fudge Festival. This is a free event. #thisismackinac
Fort Mackinac Then and Now Posted August 9, 2022 Mackinac State Historic Parks is fortunate to have an ever-expanding collection of original objects related to the sites we preserve and interpret. These objects help us share the many stories of Mackinac with our visitors. One of the more unique pieces in the collection is an original photo album and scrapbook assembled by Edward Pratt, a U.S. Army officer who served at Fort Mackinac and several other stations around the world at the end of the 19th century. Using these photos, Mackinac State Historic Parks’ Chief Curator and Historian Craig Wilson will compare and contrast these photos with the actual locations, providing a deeper look into the iconic fort’s history. Admission is by donation. #thisismackinac The images from Pratt’s album have been compiled into a book, also by Wilson. More information can be found here: https://www.mackinacparks.com/books-publications/through-an-officers-eyes-the-photo-album-of-edward-b-pratt-u-s-army-1873-1902/
Vintage Base Ball Posted July 23, 2022 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 Mackinaw City Boys for the 2022 match! Sponsored by Mary’s Bistro and Draught House. Admission by donation. #thisismackinac
War of 1812 at Fort Holmes Posted July 16, 2022 It was 200 years ago almost to the day that the British landed at what is now called British Landing on Mackinac Island and took the high ground behind Fort Mackinac, causing Fort Mackinac to be surrendered with a shot fired. Historic reenactors will be stationed up at Fort Holmes, which was built by the British after capture of Fort Mackinac, in honor of this anniversary. This is a free event; donations welcome. #thisismackinac
Underground Fort Mackinac Posted July 13, 2022 Fort Mackinac saw many changes over its 115-year history. All the buildings you see in the fort today were built by soldiers, but there were many other buildings that did not survive. Join Curator of Archaeology Lynn Evans for an evening walking tour to explore the archaeological side of Fort Mackinac history. This is a free event; donations welcome. Meet at the Fort Mackinac Avenue of Flags. #thisismackinac
Movie in the Fort: The Sandlot Posted July 10, 2022 Settle in under the stars inside iconic Fort Mackinac and enjoy The Sandlot. Bring a blanket or chair and your favorite snack. This is a free event. #thisismackinac
A Star Spangled Fourth of July Posted July 4, 2022 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 games on the fort parade ground. Don’t miss out on this all 1880s Independence Day as we have catch and baseball available on the parade ground to go along with foot races and sack races, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, the raising of the colors, the national salute (38 rifle blasts for the 38 states of the 1880s!), a cannon salute, and much more! The Tea Room Restaurant, operated by Grand Hotel, is open all day serving snacks, sweets, and beverages, and will have full lunch service from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. All special programming is included with regular admission to Fort Mackinac. #thisismackinac
Movie in the Fort: The Wizard of Oz Posted June 5, 2022 Settle in under the stars inside iconic Fort Mackinac and enjoy The Wizard of Oz. Bring a blanket or chair and your favorite snack. This is a free event. #thisismackinac
Memorial Day Observance Posted May 30, 2022 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.
Residents Appreciation Day Posted May 8, 2022 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 children). Thank you for supporting Mackinac State Historic Parks! This special offer includes residents of Mackinac, Cheboygan and Emmet counties. Proof of residency is required (e.g. driver’s license).
