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 Mackinac National Park 150 years ago. In commemoration of the sesquicentennial, Mackinac State Historic Parks is holding some special Mackinac National Park: 150 Events in 2025:
Welcome to Mackinac National Park
Join the interpretation coordinator for Mackinac State Historic Parks on a guided bike ride through the park. Learn how and why Congress protected the land as the country’s second national park – just a few years after the creation of Yellowstone – and see some of the features and landmarks that make the park so special.
When: 5:30-7 p.m. June 25
Cost: Free (bring your own bicycle or rent one on Mackinac Island)
Cottages of Mackinac Island
Take a mile-long walking tour of Mackinac Island’s East Bluff with the chief curator of Mackinac State Historic Parks. Learn how the development of Mackinac Island’s impressive cottages, built on leased land, helped pay for the maintenance and operation of Mackinac National Park.
When: 5:30-7 p.m. July 22
Cost: Free
Discover Mackinac Island’s Sugar Loaf
Explore the geologic and cultural history of Mackinac Island’s iconic Sugar Loaf rock formation on a guided, 2-mile walk with the naturalist for Mackinac State Historic Parks. The 75-foot limestone stack was among many high-profile features protected by the establishment of Mackinac National Park, and it remains a popular visitor attraction today.
When: 3-5 p.m. Aug. 20
Cost: Free
Soldiers in Mackinac National Park
Because soldiers already were stationed on Mackinac Island during peacetime in the 1870s, the federal government had a ready-made labor force to operate and maintain the new Mackinac National Park. Join the chief curator of Mackinac State Historic Parks on a guided bike ride to learn about what life was like for soldiers working in the national park.
When: 5:30-7 p.m. Sept. 23
Cost: Free (bring your own bicycle or rent one on Mackinac Island)
In addition to the special evening events listed above, Fort Mackinac in 2025 will premiere a new 30-minute documentary film. “A Pride of Purpose: The Story of Mackinac National Park” will be shown daily.
Fort Mackinac also will conduct a new daily program highlighting how Mackinac National Park both sparked a rise in tourism and a commitment to historic preservation. Visitors will be able to purchase 150th Anniversary merchandise in the fort store as well as the state park visitor center.
Another commemoration of the anniversary is taking place in 2025 at The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum, where a juried art exhibition called “Iconic Mackinac” is inspired by landmarks such as Arch Rock, Sugar Loaf and others that prompted the creation of Mackinac National Park.
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