Fort2Fort Five Mile ChallengePosted October 3, 2020The 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 Scout Barracks, Sugarloaf Rock, Point Lookout, the Mackinac Island cemeteries including the historic Post Cemetery, Fort Holmes (where runners will be greeted by a Musket blast from a War of 1812 soldier), and finally winds down by the Michigan Governor’s Summer Residence and finishes outside Fort Mackinac. Visit www.runmackinac.com for more information or to register.
Mackinac Island State Park Commission MeetingPosted September 25, 2020The Mackinac Island State Park Commission will meet at the Mackinac State Historic Parks Post Hospital Administration Office Board Room on Mackinac Island.
Artist-in-Residence Workshop with Nigh Sky Photographer Jason GuenzelPosted September 23, 2020Over the last decade Jason Guenzel has pushed the boundaries of amateur astrophotography with a concentration on “deep sky” subjects of galaxies and nebulae.Join Guenzel for a talk about the basics of enjoying the night sky and his photography of it. This will cover an introduction of his art and the fundamentals of how he accomplishes these unique images. He will have examples on display and will allow audience participation by answering questions about the process. As a follow on to the talk (if weather and lecture time allows), he plans to set up a demonstration telescope for public viewing of the Moon, Jupiter, and/or Saturn. The lecture portion of this presentation will take place at the Station 256 Conference Room, located above the historic Mackinac Island State Park Visitor’s Center. This is a free Mackinac Parks: 125 event!
Artist-in-Residence Workshop with Fine Artist Patrick WisePosted September 9, 2020Patrick Wise is a full-time fine artist and part-time art educator based in the Harbor Springs and Petoskey areas. He grew up in the Petoskey area and recently returned, and he uses the land, lakes, and rivers to inspire his work.During his residency, Wise will present an artist demonstration and lecture. He will have created daily paintings during his residency. These paintings will take a close look at the nuance of change in context to the larger changes that have come about, with the goal of encouraging conversation about where we think our environment might be going and our role in it. He believes we are stewards of our planet. He has a responsibility to respect and promote ideas into action that help preserve beautiful and awe-inspiring Mackinac Island. He will show samples of the work he has created on the Island and discuss his process of finding subject matter particular to this residency. He will demonstrate how he begins a painting and work into a finished piece. He will discuss how the Mackinac Island area continues to inspire his work. Question & Answer time with audience The workshop will take place at the Station 256 Conference Room located above the historic Mackinac Island State Park Visitor’s Center. This is a free Mackinac Parks: 125 event!
Music in the Park, presented by Mackinac Arts CouncilPosted September 3, 2020From the Arts Council: “With a spectacular backdrop, our summer concert series takes place on the lawn of a National Historic Landmark, Marquette Park, which is at the foothills of Historic Fort Mackinac downtown across from the marina. Bring a picnic and tune in for some great live folk, rock, country, blues—the best of Americana. All concerts are free. We recommend bringing a blanket or lawn chairs for your comfort.”
Hike to Fort HolmesPosted September 2, 2020Join an MSHP staff member for a guided walk to Fort Holmes, the highest point on Mackinac Island. Meet at the Fort Mackinac Avenue of Flags. This is a Mackinac Parks: 125 free event!
Movie in the FortPosted September 2, 2020Settle in under the stars at Fort Mackinac and enjoy Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker on the Parade Ground. Bring a blanket or a chair. This is a Mackinac Parks: 125 free event! This movie is rated PG-13.
Guided Native American Cultural History Trail RidePosted August 29, 2020Join Eric Hemenway, Director of Archives and Records for the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, for a guided tour of the Native American Cultural History Trail on Mackinac Island. This is a Mackinac Parks: 125 free event!
Fudge: Mackinac’s Sweet SouvenirPosted August 28, 2020Mackinac Island and fudge. Both symbolize indulgence, fantasy and escape. But there’s more to fudge than sugar, butter, chocolate and cream. Join Phil Porter, Mackinac State Historic Parks Director and Fudge Taster, as he explores the history of Mackinac’s most delicious souvenir. Presented at the Station 256 Conference Room. This is a free Mackinac Parks: 125 event!
Music in the Park, presented by Mackinac Arts CouncilPosted August 27, 2020From the Arts Council: “With a spectacular backdrop, our summer concert series takes place on the lawn of a National Historic Landmark, Marquette Park, which is at the foothills of Historic Fort Mackinac downtown across from the marina. Bring a picnic and tune in for some great live folk, rock, country, blues—the best of Americana. All concerts are free. We recommend bringing a blanket or lawn chairs for your comfort.”
