Great Turtle Trail Run Posted October 22, 2022 This year marks the 26th running of one of the most scenic trail events in the state. We have a capacity of 3,000 participants running and walking the inside trails of Mackinac Island during the last open weekend of the season. All who register will enjoy special race features – commemorative medals, great swag, special Halloween events for adults and kids, great end-of-season sales – plus the beauty of late fall on the Island.
Artist-in-Residence Workshop with Woodcut Print Artist Jean Gumpper Posted September 21, 2022 What makes a woodcut such a fascinating way to represent the natural world? Gumpper’s work explores the many dynamic connections between landscape and the physical process of carving and printing a wood block in a reductive method or layering different surfaces and colors in a monotype. Gumpper can see direct connections with scientific study as well as the layering of water, leaves and light. This workshop will take place at the Station 256 Conference Room, located above the Mackinac Island State Park Visitor’s Center. This is a free event. #thisismackinac
Mackinac Island Eight Mile Road Race Posted September 10, 2022 Presented by Run Mackinac. Join us for the 51st anniversary of this exciting, summer-ending event. You will experience Mackinac Island in one of the oldest and most scenic races in Michigan. The Island is a unique destination that can only be reached by ferry. Step back in time to a bygone era where travel is done by foot, bicycle, carriage or horse. With almost 2,000 runners and walkers plus the 50th year highlights, this is definitely a race you and your family will never forget!
Artist-in-Residence Workshop with Photographer Amy Sacka Posted September 7, 2022 Amy Sacka will provide a workshop that will include an introduction to their work, a discussion on work about the Great Lakes ice with National Geographic, a discussion about their current project, “Love Letter’s to Michigan State Parks,” and time for questions. This workshop will take place at the Station 256 Conference Room, located above the Mackinac Island State Park Visitor’s Center. This is a free event. #thisismackinac
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
Full Moon Over Mackinac Posted August 22, 2022 Experience Mackinac Island by moonlight on this free guided hike with Park Naturalist, Kyle Bagnall. Participants will meet behind Fort Mackinac at the Avenue of Flags on Huron Road, and we’ll hike towards the highest point of the Island at Fort Holmes. Along the way, we’ll be on the lookout for wildlife emerging at dusk, including snowshoe hare, owls, and bats flying overhead. We’ll arrive at Fort Holmes in time to watch the full Sturgeon Moon rise over the Straits of Mackinac, illuminating the water below. Bring a flashlight, wear clothes for the weather, and good shoes for walking about 1 mile total (including stairs). This hike is free, with no preregistration required. #thisismackinac
Mackinac Associates Annual Meeting Posted August 20, 2022 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 join, please visit the Mackinac Associates website.
Artist-in-Residence Workshop with Porcupine Quill Artist Jenna Wood Posted August 17, 2022 Wood plans to build a 3 – 5 inch quill box that is reflective of the natural landscape and life on the island. During the workshop Wood will show their tools and process, as well as speak about how they have learned to quill, through generational knowledge, and the importance of passing down the art form and how it contributes to the knowledge of their culture. This workshop will take place at the Station 256 Conference Room, located above the Mackinac Island State Park Visitor’s Center. This is a free event. #thisismackinac
Artist-in-Residence Workshop with Painter James Swanson Posted August 3, 2022 Swanson will provide a painting demonstration, utilizing his unique way of working, which has become popular for guests to watch. This workshop will take place at the Station 256 Conference Room, located above the Mackinac Island State Park Visitor’s Center. This is a free event. #thisismackinac
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
