A Colonial Christmas Posted December 10, 2022 The sun sets on the Straits of Mackinac. Fires crackle in stone hearths. The smell of treats and warm beverages fill the crisp winter air. Laughter, conversation, and more can be heard emanating from inside the palisaded walls. It’s ‘A Colonial Christmas’ at Colonial Michilimackinac, where the traditions of the 17th and 18th century are alive for all to explore. Lanterns light the path in Michilimackinac where storytellers recount the various traditions of historic residents, a retelling of the first Christmas at Mackinac in 1679, and the church at Ste. Anne’s prepared for Christmas Mass as it would have been in the 18th century. Create crafts to take home and bring the family out on the Parade Ground for historic games. All the while, enjoy delicious holiday snacks located throughout the fort. #thisismackinac Adults: $10 Child (5-12): $6 Under 4: Free Mackinac Associates (excluding Heritage level): Free Click here to purchase tickets.
Fort Fright Posted October 8, 2022 Lanterns light your way through an 18th-century fort and fur trading village overrun by werewolves, witches, goblins and ghouls. Storytellers weave spooky folktales near bonfires and treats such as hot mulled cider, cookies and candy can be found throughout the site. Most stops are suitable for all ages, but a haunted house, demon walk and werewolf walk will give thrills and chills to adults and children alike. Tickets will be available online in September. Last admission at 8:30 both nights.
Fort Fright Posted October 7, 2022 Lanterns light your way through an 18th-century fort and fur trading village overrun by werewolves, witches, goblins and ghouls. Storytellers weave spooky folktales near bonfires and treats such as hot mulled cider, cookies and candy can be found throughout the site. Most stops are suitable for all ages, but a haunted house, demon walk and werewolf walk will give thrills and chills to adults and children alike. Tickets will be available online in September. Last admission at 8:30 both nights.
Mackinac Island State Park Commission Meeting Posted September 23, 2022 A regular meeting of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission at the Post Hospital Administrative Office on Mackinac Island.
Michilimackinac Unreconstructed Posted September 14, 2022 All the of the buildings you see at Michilimackinac today are based on archaeological excavations, but not every structure that has been excavated has been reconstructed. Join Curator of Archaeology Dr. Lynn Evans for an evening tour to learn about these locations and what they tell us about life on the fur trade frontier. Admission by donation. Entrance is off Straits Avenue. #thisismackinac
Movie by the Bridge: Coco Posted September 4, 2022 Settle under the stars and enjoy the Disney/Pixar classic Coco with the Straits of Mackinac and Mackinac Bridge as your backdrop. Bring a blanket or chair and your favorite snack. This is a free event. #thisismackinac
Music in the Park, Presented by Mackinac Arts Council Posted September 1, 2022 From 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.” Schedule of artists: Posted soon!
Michigan Governor’s Summer Residence Tours Posted August 31, 2022 Explore the Governor’s Summer Residence on Mackinac Island on select Wednesdays June through August. Built in 1902 as a private summer cottage by Lawrence A. Young, it has served as the Governor’s summer Residence since 1945. The residence was listed in the Michigan Register of Historic Places in October 1975. In November 1997, the house was named to the National Register of Historic Places, the official list of America’s most historic buildings and sites. Throughout the tour, which lasts approximately 15 minutes, experienced docents will guide small groups through the first floor of the home.
Mackinac Island Shakespeare Festival Posted August 28, 2022 The second annual Mackinac Island Shakespeare Festival will be held in Marquette Park throughout the month of August with performances of Macbeth and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. All performances are presented by the Starling Shakespeare Co. and are free. “Join us as we escape into the woods with lovers Hermia, Lysander, Demetrius and Helena, and make mischief with Puck, our favorite merry wanderer of the night. And for a darker side of the supernatural, come with us to Dunsinane, where we’ll watch the Macbeths cling to the mysterious promises of the three Weird Sisters, until their desire for power turns their lives, and kingdom, inside out.”
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
