Great Turtle Trail Run Posted October 28, 2023 This year marks the 27th 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.
Arch Rock by Moonlight Posted September 29, 2023 Experience Arch Rock by the light of the full moon on a free guided walk with Park Naturalist, Kyle Bagnall. Meet at the Avenue of Flags (behind Fort Mackinac) for a walk down the botanical trail. We’ll arrive in time to watch the full moon rise from the east through Arch Rock, illuminating the Straits of Mackinac. In 1872, Constance Fenimore Woolson wrote, “The arch is peculiarly beautiful when silvered with the light of the moon, and hence on moonlight nights strangers on the island always visit it.” Bring a flashlight and good shoes for walking about 1.5 miles total. This hike is free, with no preregistration required. Donations welcome! #thisismackinac
Equinox Audience with Forest King Posted September 23, 2023 A towering white pine, Forest King marked the trail to Arch Rock a century ago. On this date in 1889, Mackinac’s ancient trees harbored the last flock of Passenger Pigeons ever seen on Mackinac Island. During this walk with Park Naturalist, Kyle Bagnall, we’ll search for today’s forest giants and listen for secrets they tell. Meet at the Avenue of Flags, behind Fort Mackinac, for an autumn journey down woodland island pathways. This is a free event – donations welcome! #thisismackinac
Artist-in-Residence Workshop 7 Posted September 6, 2023 Join Mackinac State Historic Parks’ resident artist for a free workshop located in the Station 256 Conference Room, located above the Mackinac Island State Park Visitor’s Center. #thisismackinac
Full-Blue-Super Moon over Mackinac Posted August 31, 2023 Experience Mackinac Island by the light of the full moon on a free guided walk with Park Naturalist, Kyle Bagnall. Meet at the Avenue of Flags (behind Fort Mackinac) for a walk to the highest point of the island at Fort Holmes. We’ll arrive in time to watch the full moon rise over the Straits of Mackinac, illuminating the landscape below. The second full moon this month, it’s the only “blue moon” of the year! August’s moons are also the only “supermoons” of 2023, appearing larger than normal. Bring a flashlight and good shoes for walking about one mile total. This hike is free, with no preregistration required. Donations welcome! #thisismackinac
Movie in the Fort: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory Posted August 27, 2023 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
Artist-in-Residence Workshop 6 Posted August 23, 2023 Join Mackinac State Historic Parks’ resident artist for a free workshop located in the Station 256 Conference Room, located above the Mackinac Island State Park Visitor’s Center. #thisismackinac
Artist-in-Residence Workshop 5 Posted August 9, 2023 Join Mackinac State Historic Parks’ resident artist for a free workshop located in the Station 256 Conference Room, located above the Mackinac Island State Park Visitor’s Center. #thisismackinac
Mackinac’s Forgotten Features Posted August 5, 2023 On this guided bike tour, join Kyle Bagnall, Park Naturalist, on a nature adventure back in time. Starting at the Avenue of Flags (behind Fort Mackinac), you’ll learn about features that are long lost or forgotten, such as Deer Park, the Musical Well, Scott’s Cave, Dousman’s Distillery, and Fairy Arch. You’ll also hear unfamiliar tales of familiar locations, such as Skull Cave and Friendship’s Altar. In all, our bike route will encompass about 7 miles, before ending at Marquette Park. Participants should bring a good working bike, a drink of water, and a sense of adventure. This adventure is free, with no preregistration required. Donations welcome! #thisismackinac
Vintage Base Ball Posted July 29, 2023 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 Portland Blue Sox for the 2023 match! Sponsored by Mary’s Bistro and Draught House. Admission by donation. #thisismackinac
