Askin’s Men and Women at Michilimackinac, 1778 Posted August 7, 2021 Join us for this special themed weekend at Colonial Michilimackinac where we’ll focus on the free and enslaved employees working for John Askin- the sailors, voyageurs, cooks, gardeners, bakers, and other tradespeople. More information will be published soon. All special events will be included with a regular ticket to Colonial Michilimackinac. #thisismackinac
Movie by the Bridge Posted August 1, 2021 Enjoy Jurassic Park in Michilimackinac State Park in Mackinaw City with the Mackinac Bridge as your background. Bring a blanket or a chair and a snack. This movie may not be suitable for younger audiences. This is a free event. #thisismackinac
Fort Mackinac Then and Now Posted July 28, 2021 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 24, 2021 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 Rochester Grangers for the 2021 match! Sponsored by Mary’s Bistro and Draught House. Admission by donation. #thisismackinac
Michilimackinac Unreconstructed Posted July 20, 2021 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 in the Fort Posted July 18, 2021 Settle in under the stars at Fort Mackinac and enjoy Ghostbusters on the Parade Ground. Bring a blanket or a chair and a snack. #thisismackinac
Fire at Night at Michilimackinac Posted July 8, 2021 This will be one of the coolest things you see all summer. Experience the power of the Michilimackinac cannon at night. Gates open at 9:00 p.m. Cannon firing will be after dark. This is a free event; donations welcome. #thisismackinac
An American Picnic Posted July 4, 2021 Checkered red and white tablecloths spread on the grass of Fort Mackinac’s parade grounds create a patchwork quilt welcoming hungry patriots with Grand Hotel’s all-you-can-eat tangy BBQ baby back ribs, grilled chicken breasts, hamburgers, hot dogs, turkey burgers, corn on the cob, and a slew of salads, fixings and desserts. Stay for the fireworks! An American Picnic at Fort Mackinac Presented by Grand Hotel Sunday, July 4, 2021 6:30 p.m. to Dusk Ticket information will be posted soon. Featuring: GRILLED HOT DOGS HAMBURGERS BBQ BABY BACK RIBS GRILLED CHICKEN BREASTS CORN ON THE COB PASTA SALAD, COLESLAW, RED SKIN POTATO SALAD CORN BREAD, POTATO CHIPS BAKED BEANS WATERMELON SLICES FULL DESSERT BUFFET ICED TEA, LEMONADE, MILK Beer, wine and soft drinks available for additional charge. All Fort Mackinac buildings will be open and a program of patriotic music will be presented. Tickets are nonrefundable if event is cancelled due to inclement weather. Advance tickets will go on sale in June and will be available at Grand Hotel, Fort Mackinac, and Mackinac Island State Park Visitors Center. Ticket includes fort admission.
Mackinac Associates Red, White & Blue Celebration Posted July 4, 2021 An annual private Independence Day reception for members of Mackinac Associates. Head to the Mackinac Associates website for information on how to join.
A Star Spangled Fourth of July Posted July 4, 2021 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. Included with regular admission to Fort Mackinac. #thisismackinac