Fort2Fort Five Mile Challenge Posted March 27, 2020 TO REGISTER: runmackinac.com The sixth annual Fort2Fort Five Mile Challenge will start at Fort Mackinac at 9:00 a.m. and passes all of the historic and natural wonders Mackinac Island State Park has to offer! This challenging but fun course starts runners inside iconic Fort Mackinac then passes by Arch Rock, the Mackinac Island Service Camp Scout Barracks, Sugarloaf Rock, Point Lookout, the Mackinac Island cemeteries including the historic Post Cemetery, Fort Holmes (where runners will be greeted by a Musket blast from a War of 1812 soldier), and finally winds down by the Michigan Governor’s Summer Residence and finishes outside Fort Mackinac. #thisismackinac #runmackinac TO REGISTER: runmackinac.com
Mackinac Island State Park Commission Meeting Posted March 27, 2020 The Mackinac Island State Park Commission will meet at the Mackinac State Historic Parks Post Hospital Administration Office Board Room on Mackinac Island. Click here for the meeting notice. Click here for the meeting packet.
Michilimackinac Secrets and Scandals: Histsory Revealed Posted March 27, 2020 This new themed weekend will present visitors with a variety of programs focusing on some of Michilimackinac’s lesser known history. Each program will examine an aspect of the Michilimackinac’ past that caused the original residents to gossip and share secrets with one another. All special programs and events included with regular admission to Colonial Michilimackinac. A Mackinac Parks: 125 event!
Archaeology at Historic Mill Creek Posted March 27, 2020 Archaeology played a key role in the development of Historic Mill Creek. After its rediscovery in 1972, excavations happened in 1973-75, 1979, and between 1984-1994. Join Curator of Archaeology Dr. Lynn Evans for a brief history of the site and its excavation, followed by a walking tour of the archaeological sites. Admission by donation. #thisismackinac
Island History Series: Fudge – Mackinac’s Sweet Souvenir Posted March 27, 2020 Mackinac Island and fudge. Both symbolize indulgence, fantasy and escape. But there’s more to fudge than sugar, butter, chocolate and cream. Join Phil Porter, Mackinac State Historic Parks Director and Chief Fudge Taster, as he explores the history of Mackinac’s most delicious souvenir. Presented at the Station 256 Conference Room. This is a free Mackinac Parks: 125 event!
Island History Series: Mackinac Island’s Influence on the Civil War Posted March 27, 2020 For this entry into our “Island History Series,” Mackinac State Historic Parks Registrar Brian Jaeschke will offer a look at the military post of Fort Mackinac and the officers at the fort prior to the civil war, the event of the fort becoming a prison for three confederate sympathizers, a profile of Sgt. William Marshall, the longest serving officer at Fort Mackinac, the lives of Mackinac Island residents who served in the war, and the post-war army and the Grand Army of the Republic on the island. This is a FREE Mackinac Parks: 125 event, presented by the Mackinac Island Community Foundation!
Hidden Histories: The Grenadiers’ “Mutiny” of 1780 Posted March 27, 2020 As part of the Mackinac Parks: 125 festivities, we want to explore elements of Colonial Michilimackinac’s history and culture that are not currently well-represented in interpretive programming and exhibits. This walking tour/discussion will focus on the Grenadiers’ “mutiny” of 1780, and will be led by historian(s) from Mackinac State Historic Parks. This is a free event.
Mackinac Associates Annual Meeting Posted March 27, 2020 Mackinac Associates, the friends group for Mackinac State Historic Parks, will host their annual meeting on Mackinac Island. This is a private event for Mackinac Associates members. For information on how to join, please visit the Mackinac Associates website.
S’more…Meteors! Posted March 27, 2020 Welcome to the biggest event of the month…meteor showers! Watch meteors, learn about constellations, and enjoy s’mores at Mackinac Island’s highest point – Fort Holmes! Meet at the Fort Mackinac Avenue of Flags for a solar light-guided hike to Fort Holmes with a park ranger. This is a Mackinac Parks: 125 free event!
Gardens and Good Things to Eat Posted March 27, 2020 Everyone loves a good meal, including the historic residents of Michilimackinac! Join historic interpreters to tour and help maintain the fort’s gardens, assist with running the outdoor bread oven (and taste the results!), watch meals cooked over an open fire, and learn more about the unique food cultures of Michilimackinac’s French, British, and Native American residents. All special programs included with regular admission to Colonial Michilimackinac. #thisismackinac Schedule of Events: 9:00 a.m. – Colonial Michilimackinac Open for the Day 9:30 a.m. – Musket Firing Demonstration followed by Military Food Program 10:00 a.m. – Gardens of Michilimackinac Tour 11:00 a.m. – Breadmaking and Oven Demonstration 12:00 p.m. – Indigenous Food and the Fur Trade Program 12:30 p.m. – Artillery Demonstration 1:0o p.m. – Gardens of Michilimackinac Tour 2:00 p.m. – Artillery Demonstration 3:00 p.m. – 18th Century Botany and Art 4:00 p.m. – Breadmaking and Oven Demonstration 5:00 p.m. – Gardens of Michilimackinac Tour 6:00 p.m. – Musket Firing Demonstration followed by Military Food Program 7:00 p.m. – Colonial Michilimackinac Closed for the Day
