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.
Michilimackinac Fire at Night Posted September 4, 2022 This will be one of the coolest things you see all summer. Experience the power of Michilimackinac’s weapons at night. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. Rifle firing will start at dusk; cannon firing will be after dark. This is a free event; donations welcome. #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
Movie by the Bridge: Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope Posted August 14, 2022 Settle under the stars and enjoy Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope 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
10 Picture Worthy Back Drops for your Mackinac Vacation Posted July 29, 2022 Finding a location to take that ultimate photo to show off your Mackinac vacation can be hard. There are so many places to choose from! To help you out we compiled a list of some of our favorite spots – five on Mackinac Island and five in Mackinaw City. These locations have gorgeous views that will make great backgrounds for family photos or will be sure to spice up your Instagram feed! As a disclaimer – we tried to find a few spots that are not as well known. You won’t see Arch Rock, Fort Holmes, British Landing or Sugar Loaf here, among other favorites.Mackinac Island Locations:Fort Mackinac Although we literally just said we won’t include well-known ones, we have to include Fort Mackinac, right? The view is breathtaking every time. This is an easy one.Robinson’s Folly Robinson’s Folly is up the hill on the East Bluff of the island. It is a short distance from Arch Rock and it hosts similar amazing views without the hectic traffic of the carriages and tourists. It is tucked away down a path off Huron Road. It is a bit of a hike, but the peace and quiet, combined with the views, are worth the trek.Leslie Avenue/Tranquil Bluff TrailAfter visiting Arch Rock take a quiet stroll down Tranquil Bluff Trail or a calming bike ride on Leslie Ave. These two paths run alongside each other for a while so you can walk or bike and not miss a thing. There are a few clear spots where you can see down the cliff and over the blue water of Lake Huron. Tranquil Bluff Trail and Leslie Avenue eventually veer in different directions. Leslie Avenue will eventually connect with British Landing and State Roads, leading to areas like the Crack-in-the-Island, while Tranquil Bluff Trail mirrors and intersects with Scott’s Cave Road, leading us to our next picture spot.Eagle Point CaveBy far the most underrated location on this list! Eagle Point Cave is for the traveler who is ready to go on an adventure! The bike ride out to Scott’s Cave Road is long if you are coming from downtown. And once you get there, there isn’t any signage or clear markings to help you find the cave. But that’s the fun of it! It is up to you to find this mysterious hidden cave of Mackinac Island. Once you do get there, you will be met with a spectacular rock formation and some amazing views of the North Woods. When you’re done at Eagle Point Cave follow the road down to British Landing to get those amazing views of the Mackinac Bridge.Behind the Somewhere in Time gazeboThis is an area many people might not know about. Just off Huron Road is Anne’s Tablet Trail that leads to the Somewhere in Time Gazebo. Follow the trail to the overlook that hosts amazing views of Marquette Park, the harbor, Fort Mackinac, the downtown area and the Straits. This spot is gorgeous during the day but is especially perfect at sunset!Mackinaw City Locations:Michilimackinac State ParkKick off your trip to the Straits with a visit to Michigan’s second state park, Michilimackinac State Park – or “the park under the bridge”. It offers views of the whole Straits area including St. Ignace, Mackinac Island, and other islands on the Straits. You can also walk in both Lake Michigan and Lake Huron in the same day!Cannon Platform at Colonial MichilimackinacThe fort at Colonial Michilimackinac is in the perfect position to see out over the Straits. Walk along the perimeter and look through the watchtower windows to see a view of the bridge. There are also artillery demonstrations, gardens and much more to explore all with spectacular views.Gardens at Colonial MichilimackinacTake a walk around the fort at Colonial Michilimackinac to explore the gardens and see what’s growing. See what our interpreters are up to and ask them about the crops. Grab an Insta worthy photo in one of the gardens – there is always something in bloom that can be your background!Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse TowerWork your way up a flight of 51 stairs and an 11 rung ladder to see an amazing view of the Mackinaw Bridge and Straits of Mackinac. This is the place to get that perfect selfie with the bridge in the back and look over Michilimackinac State Park.Platform at Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park As you are finishing up your trip to the Mackinac area, stop at Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park to get one last glimpse of the Mackinaw Bridge and Straits area. We think it is one of the most underrated views, so make sure to check it out! While you’re there, check out the trails that offer their own amazing views!No matter where your trip to Mackinac takes you, there are amazing things to see and experience, and perfect photo ops for everyone. From lake views to wooded hikes to the top of the lighthouse, we know you will enjoy your trip and go home with picture perfect memories.
Movie by the Bridge: Jumanji Posted July 17, 2022 Settle under the stars and enjoy the original 1995 Jumanji starring Robin Williams 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
Movie by the Bridge: Toy Story Posted June 26, 2022 Settle under the stars and enjoy the Disney/Pixar classic Toy Story 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
The King’s Birth-day Celebration Posted June 4, 2022 An annual highlight for the British soldiers and civilians at Michilimackinac, King George III’s official birthday on June 4 was marked by toasts, dinners and salutes. Join the interpretive staff at Michilimackinac as they celebrate this most British of holidays with artillery fire, drinks and treats, and other special programs. Included with regular Colonial Michilimackinac admission. #thisismackinac SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 9:30 a.m. – Musket Firing Demonstration 10:00 a.m. – Unpack a Trade Bale Program 10:30 a.m. – Artillery Firing Demonstration 11:00 a.m. – War in the West: Michilimackinac 1779 Program 12:00 p.m. – Artillery Salute 1:00 p.m. – Michilimackinac’s Enslaved Community Program 2:00 p.m. – Patriotic Toasts and Refreshments in the Commanding Officer’s House 3:00 p.m. – Musket Firing Demonstration 3:30 p.m. – Gardens of Michilimackinac Program 4:30 p.m. – Some Tea and Loaf Sugar: Tea at the British Trader’s House 5:30 p.m. – People of the Fur Trade Program 6:00 p.m. – Regulars on the Frontier: Barracks Life Program 6:30 p.m. – Musket Firing Demonstration
