From Opening Day and the Lilac Festival Grand Parade to the Fourth of July and Halloween Weekend, there are lots of exciting dates on the Mackinac Island calendar. Yet, perhaps no special occasion captures the charming character of the USA’s Best Summer Travel Destination quite like National Fudge Day.
Around the home of world-famous Mackinac Island fudge, the annual celebration every June 16 is an unofficial holiday – a glorious tribute to the beloved confection that generations ago became a Mackinac Island tradition.
You can read about how Mackinac Island became the fudge capital of the world here. You can even get tips for how to get free samples of Mackinac Island fudge and learn how to have the delicious treat shipped straight to your door.
But, for starters, here are the basics of Mackinac Island’s favorite dessert and what makes it worthy of a special day all to itself:
Mackinac Island Fudge Shops
There are several fudge businesses with more than a dozen Mackinac Island storefronts among them. Wherever you are in town, you’re never more than a few steps away from one of these fudge shops:
- Joann’s Fudge
- Kilwins Chocolate and Fudge Shop
- May’s Fudge and Candy Shop
- Murray Hotel Fudge Company
- Original Murdick’s Fudge
- Ryba’s Fudge Shops
- Sanders Fudge and Candy Shop
Mackinac Island fudge shops make 10,000 pounds of fudge each day in peak season. Come taste some from each shop and earn the endearing “fudgie” nickname given to Mackinac Island visitors!
Mackinac Island Fudgemaking Demonstrations
Not only can you get free samples of Mackinac Island fudge, but you also can watch fudge get made during free demonstrations at many shops. Come see the liquid fudge coming hot out of the cauldron and then cooling on a marble slab as fudgemakers whip the gooey goodness into loaves before it hardens. It’s truly a theatrical production!
Some fudge shops even offer special experiences where you can try your own hand at working the wooden paddles and making fudge.
Fudge: The Ultimate Mackinac Island Souvenir
Of all the fun souvenirs to bring home from Mackinac Island, the most popular is fudge. Just as you can take home a t-shirt or a cute, Mackinac-themed gift, you can take a box (or two or three!) of world-famous fudge!
In fact, you can get some Mackinac Island fudge even if you’re not on the island. Just order fudge online from one of the shops that will deliver it fresh to your home in just a few days.
Mackinac Island Fall Fudge Festival
While National Fudge Day is a nationwide celebration of fudge, Mackinac Island also has its own special celebration each year. The Mackinac Island Fall Fudge Festival pairs savory colors of fudge with brilliant fall colors on the trees.
Check out this year’s festival dates and schedule of activities.
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