Not many travelers experience the woods of Mackinac Island State Park in the summertime, much less the winter. Especially after sunset.
But three times each year, visitors and residents alike have the opportunity to enjoy a lantern-lit excursion into the interior of Mackinac Island with the Twilight Turtle Trek.
What is the Twilight Turtle Trek?
Mackinac State Historic Parks prepares a two-mile, lantern-lit path through the state park on one night each month from January through March, in partnership with the Mackinac Island Community Foundation and Mackinac Island Ski Club.
The winter journeys have been taking place for several years. About 50 people usually show up each of the three nights with cross-country skis, snowshoes or hiking boots and make their way around the east side of Mackinac Island on a groomed, 2-mile route that ends back where it starts with a bonfire and hot cocoa.
The route is groomed for both skate skiing and classic inline skiing, while people with snowshoes can walk along the outer edge of the trail. It’s totally free to participate.
Even if there’s no snow, the lanterns will be lit and you can hike your way through the Twilight Turtle Trek.
Get details and the schedule for this winter’s Twilight Turtle Treks
Where does the Twilight Turtle Trek start?
The Greany Grove gathering place located behind historic Fort Mackinac is named after William C. Greany, a Detroit-area scoutmaster who led the Mackinac Island Scout Service Camp for several decades. Eagle scouts created the grove in his honor by clearing an area surrounded by eastern White Pines, the state tree of Michigan, and building a seating area with fire pit.
From Greany Grove, the 2-mile route for the Twilight Turtle Trek goes along the Arch Rock Botanical Trail and through the woods on the east side of Mackinac Island past Sugar Loaf before returning to the starting point.
How can you get to Mackinac Island and Greany Grove?
Unless the water is frozen, you can take an Arnold Transit Co. boat from St. Ignace to downtown Mackinac Island. Then, you can either walk or ski your way the half-mile to Greany Grove, which is steeply uphill from the downtown ferry docks. You also could reserve a horse-drawn taxi ride to get there.
Keep in mind that Mackinac Island’s winter ferry service is limited. There is no return boat to the mainland on Saturday night after the Twilight Turtle Trek, for example, so you’ll want to make a reservation at one of the few places to stay that’s open in the winter. Then, you could catch a Sunday boat to the mainland after spending the night on Mackinac Island.
If the water is frozen, then the ferry won’t run and the only way to reach Mackinac Island is by plane with Fresh Air Aviation. It’s about a 7-minute flight from St. Ignace to the Mackinac Island Airport. You should call ahead to schedule a horse-drawn taxi to take you from the airport into town upon your arrival.
What else to do on Mackinac Island on a winter weekend
The visitor experience in winter on Mackinac Island is a lot different than spring, summer and fall. Seasonal attractions such as Fort Mackinac are closed and only a handful of places to stay and a few restaurants are open.
However, Mackinac Island State Park is as glorious as ever with more than 70 miles of trails to explore including several miles of groomed cross-country ski track. Just remember to bring your own skis because there are no rentals available on the island.
You also could bring your own fat tire bike on the ferry and ride through the state park or around town. Geocaching on Mackinac Island is another winter activity to enjoy in the state park.
For a guided tour of Mackinac Island State Park, Chad’s Wonderful Walking Tour is a great option, with customized routes available.
If winter weather conditions on Mackinac Island are right, park rangers will build an ice rink up near Greany Grove and the Scout Barracks, behind Fort Mackinac.
Just keep in mind that services on Mackinac Island in the winter are limited. There are no public restrooms. Also, most stores are generally closed all winter, so make sure you have all the gear you need for your excursion. And be sure to bundle up!
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