A brief and informal Memorial Day observance to pay tribute to the soldiers who served at Fort Mackinac. Soldiers will assemble at 8:30 a.m. at Fort Mackinac, march to the cemetery, perform a short ceremony and salute, and return to the fort.
The Fort Michilimackinac Reenactment recreates events that took place between the French, British and Native tribes of the Straits Area on June 2, 1763. Presented by a Mackinaw City community group. Admission to the reenactment is free. Access to Colonial Michilimackinac requires the purchase of a regular admission ticket.
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 […]
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. All special programs included with […]
Enjoy complimentary admission to The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum June 6 - June 14 as part of the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival! ABOUT THE MACKINAC ART MUSEUM: Nowhere else does such a rare and exceptional collection of Mackinac-related art and photography come together to tell Mackinac’s story. In complement to the natural […]
Presented by the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau. Join us in beautiful Marquette Park at the Father Marquette statue for music from the Grand Hotel orchestra and for the crowning of the 2025 Lilac Festival queen. #thisismackinac #mymackinac
Colonial Michilimackinac was a major hub for the Great Lakes Fur Trade, and its location where Lakes Michigan and Huron meet was crucial to its success. This special event will focus on Michilimackinac’s maritime history. Join the interpretive staff as they discuss and demonstrate the many different ways Michilimackinac’s historic residents interacted with and worked […]
Help kick off the 74th Mackinac Island Lilac Festival with a great morning race to enjoy the early season beauty on the island. The course will provide you with the tree-covered paved roads through the center of the Island, and tremendous lake views with the Mackinac Bridge on the horizon. This is certainly a race […]
Explore what is possibly Mackinac's oldest residence as celebrate opening day! One of the island’s oldest structures, McGulpin House dates to 1790. Originally located on the east end of town, the building was moved to this location during restoration in 1982. Once the home of William McGulpin, a baker for the American Fur Company, this […]
Learn all about Mackinac's medical miracle as we celebrate opening day! Home to the American Fur Company Store, which sold a variety of general merchandise. It was at this site, on June 6, 1822, that French Canadian voyageur Alexis St. Martin was accidentally shot in the stomach from a distance of three feet. Fort Mackinac […]
On your way around M-185 include the British Landing Nature Center to learn more about the plants and animals that call Mackinac Island home. The British Landing Nature Center is located across from British Landing. The center includes information on the geology, plants, habitats and wildlife found on the island. Additionally, a large cedar tree […]
Settle in under the stars inside iconic Fort Mackinac and enjoy The Wizard of Oz on the big screen. Bring a blanket or chair and your favorite snack. Movie begins at dusk, closer to 10:00 p.m. This is a free event! #thisismackinac
Birders of all ages will enjoy this unique guided adventure, searching for spring songbirds during the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival. Meet naturalist Kyle Bagnall in Marquette Park at the statue of Father Marquette. Amidst thousands of fragrant lilac blossoms, we’ll stroll through the park, then up the hill, looking for migrating warblers, raptors overhead, and […]
Join us for a guided tour going through the creation of the village of Mackinac in the 1780s. This guided tour, led by Mackinac State Historic Parks’ Interpretation Coordinator Jack Swartzinski, will take guests through downtown Mackinac Island, laying out how the Village of Mackinac came to be, contrasting current locations with how they would […]
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 […]
Guests will experience a short walking tour of downtown Mackinac Island discussing the community in the 1830s and highlighting the role of the Mackinac Indian Agency, Fort Mackinac, the American Fur Company, and more. The tour will begin in front of The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum and end at the Biddle House, […]
Join our resident artist for a free program detailing work done during the artist residency. This is a free program held at the Station 256 Conference Room, located above the Mackinac Island State Park Visitor's Center. Schedule or resident artists to be posted in late winter, 2025. ABOUT THE ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM: The Mackinac State Historic […]
For nearly 15 years in the 1820s and 1830s, Protestant ministers and teachers operated the Mackinaw Mission, hoping to win converts among regional Anishnaabek people and counter the influence of the long-established Catholic congregation on Mackinac Island. This walking tour will discuss the rise, fall, and legacy of the Mackinaw Mission, and examine some of […]
Finish off the week of festivities from the Lilac Festival with the Grand Parade which will go down M-185 into downtown. Parade starts with a special cannon salute from Fort Mackinac. Keep an eye out for the Fort Mackinac soldiers and Mackinac State Historic Parks float! #thisismackinac
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 […]
Grand opening and awards reception for the 2025 juried art exhibition at The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum, Iconic Mackinac. Co-sponsored by Mackinac Associates, the Mackinac Arts Council, and Mackinac State Historic Parks. #thisismackinac The theme for the 2025 juried art exhibition is Iconic Mackinac. 150 years ago the many of icons of […]
Join naturalist Kyle Bagnall to explore Mackinac Island's trails on the longest day of the year! Meet at the Avenue of Flags, behind Fort Mackinac, for a meandering walk covering about 1.5 miles. Along the way, we'll look for wonders of all sizes as we encounter special plants, animals, and geological features of Mackinac Island's […]
This week's nature programs at Historic Mill Creek feature amazing animals of the North Woods. We'll peek at what's swimming in the mill pond, find signs of life along the forest floor, and watch for birds overhead. Hands-on activities and guided trail walks are sure to reveal other wonders. Or explore on your own with […]
In the summer of 1862 Fort Mackinac held a new title: political prison. Join reenactors portraying the “Stanton Guard,” the company mustered to guard the prisoners, as they present special programming throughout the weekend at the fort. All special programs are included with regular admission to Fort Mackinac. ABOUT FORT MACKINAC: The cannon blasts, the […]
Mackinac Associates‘ annual G. Mennen Williams Celebration brings together lovers of Mackinac to recognize the outstanding support and efforts of Mackinac State Historic Parks’ friends group. The event will be held at a private residence to be announced soon. This is a Members Only event. Head to the Mackinac Associates website for information on how to join.
This week's nature programs at Historic Mill Creek feature amazing animals of the North Woods. We'll peek at what's swimming in the mill pond, find signs of life along the forest floor, and watch for birds overhead. Hands-on activities and guided trail walks are sure to reveal other wonders. Or explore on your own with […]
This week's nature programs at Historic Mill Creek feature amazing animals of the North Woods. We'll peek at what's swimming in the mill pond, find signs of life along the forest floor, and watch for birds overhead. Hands-on activities and guided trail walks are sure to reveal other wonders. Or explore on your own with […]
This week's nature programs at Historic Mill Creek feature amazing animals of the North Woods. We'll peek at what's swimming in the mill pond, find signs of life along the forest floor, and watch for birds overhead. Hands-on activities and guided trail walks are sure to reveal other wonders. Or explore on your own with […]
This week's nature programs at Historic Mill Creek feature amazing animals of the North Woods. We'll peek at what's swimming in the mill pond, find signs of life along the forest floor, and watch for birds overhead. Hands-on activities and guided trail walks are sure to reveal other wonders. Or explore on your own with […]
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 […]
Mackinac National Park was created in 1875 as the United States' second national park, three years after Yellowstone. What were some features of the national park? Why did the park get created? Join Interpretation Coordinator Jack Swartzinski for a guided bike ride through the former Mackinac National Park to learn about how Mackinac National Park […]
Join our resident artist for a free program detailing work done during the artist residency. This is a free program held at the Station 256 Conference Room, located above the Mackinac Island State Park Visitor's Center. Schedule or resident artists to be posted in late winter, 2025. ABOUT THE ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM: The Mackinac State Historic […]
This week's nature programs at Historic Mill Creek feature amazing animals of the North Woods. We'll peek at what's swimming in the mill pond, find signs of life along the forest floor, and watch for birds overhead. Hands-on activities and guided trail walks are sure to reveal other wonders. Or explore on your own with […]
This week's nature programs at Historic Mill Creek feature amazing animals of the North Woods. We'll peek at what's swimming in the mill pond, find signs of life along the forest floor, and watch for birds overhead. Hands-on activities and guided trail walks are sure to reveal other wonders. Or explore on your own with […]
This week's nature programs at Historic Mill Creek feature amazing animals of the North Woods. We'll peek at what's swimming in the mill pond, find signs of life along the forest floor, and watch for birds overhead. Hands-on activities and guided trail walks are sure to reveal other wonders. Or explore on your own with […]
This week's nature programs at Historic Mill Creek feature amazing animals of the North Woods. We'll peek at what's swimming in the mill pond, find signs of life along the forest floor, and watch for birds overhead. Hands-on activities and guided trail walks are sure to reveal other wonders. Or explore on your own with […]
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 […]
This will be one of the coolest things you see all summer. Experience the power of Michilimackinac’s weapons at night. Gates open at 9:00 p.m. Rifle firing will start at dusk; cannon firing will be after dark. This is a free event; donations welcome. #thisismackinac Event also takes place August 31.
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 and children’s games. Guests join the party and participate in games on the fort parade ground. Don’t miss out on this all 1880s Independence Day […]