More than six decades after the Battle of Mackinac Island , American soldiers were still stationed at Fort Mackinac. Their continued presence made it possible for the country’s second national park to be established in 1875. What is now known as Mackinac Island State Park originally was protected as…
Read More
A half-century ago, Mackinac Island’s Main Street witnessed an unusual parade: horse-drawn drays carrying spooky creatures designed by a Hollywood special effects artist. These eerie figures made their way from the ferry docks to a historic downtown building, where they’ve stayed ever since. The…
Read More
As you can tell by watching the daily reenactments at Fort Mackinac, there’s a lot of military history on Mackinac Island. Either British or American soldiers were stationed there for more than 100 years, in fact. While that history for the most part was peaceful, Mackinac Island was the site of one…
Read More
Under the cover of night on Nov. 4, 1888, a cunning scheme unfolded at Fort Mackinac. A rubber hose was slipped through the barred window of a jail cell, delivering an intoxicating stream of Duffy’s Malt Whiskey to two imprisoned soldiers. Inside, the privates eagerly gulped the liquid contraband…
Read More
In most places around Michigan and other areas of the country that get snow, too much of the white stuff can force schools to close for the day. Icy, windswept roads present a hazardous challenge for school buses and other vehicles, after all. But on car-free Mackinac Island, ironically, lots of…
Read More
From a distance, the 500-plus draft horses working on Mackinac Island during the summer might appear identical. But up close, each horse reveals its own unique personality—its “horse-onality,” if you will. Their names often reflect their distinct characteristics. Take Zeus, for example, the tallest…
Read More
While the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival takes place in June, preparations for the annual celebration are happening all the time. Whether you plan to be on the island when the sweet-scented flowers are in bloom or not, you can stay up to date on all of this year’s activities by signing up for the…
Read More
Upwards of 1 million people traveled to see the great solar eclipse of 2024. And just because the sun won’t go dark over North America again until 2044 doesn’t mean you missed out until then. There are lots of opportunities for astro-tourism each and every year! As you might expect, Mackinac Island…
Read More
Car-free? That’s right. Of all the distinctive characteristics of Mackinac Island, perhaps what stands out most is the old-time look and feel of streets full of horse-drawn carriages and bicycles instead of automobiles. In fact, Mackinac Island has been recognized as one of the top “10 Care-Free…
Read More
One of the most beloved traditions on historic Mackinac Island is the annual Lilac Festival. This celebration of sweet-scented flowers takes place each year in June, when the world-renowned lilacs are in peak bloom. Take a look at this video recap of last year’s Mackinac Island Lilac Festival and…
Read More
