On Mackinac Island, the Fourth of July is a spectacle of Americana set against the backdrop of its timeless charm. On top of the beloved horse-drawn carriage tours, bicycle adventures, and every day activities on Mackinac, the day begins with the oldest Stone Skipping Competition in the US, followed by family games at Windermere Point, a Star Spangled 4th of July at Fort Mackinac and ends with a mesmerizing display of light as fireworks conclude the day of fun.
W.T. Rabe Stone Skipping Competition
Join us for this fun annual event held on the 4th of July! Professional stone skippers will bring their best skipping skills and compete for the much coveted trophy!
There will also be a Gerplunking Division (ages 5 & under), a Pebbles Division (ages 6-12), and an Open Division (ages 13 & up). The professional division is invite only and all other divisions can register on the day of the event. Visit the official Mackinac Island Stone Skipping website for more information!
9:00 am: Registration begins
10:00 am: Gerplunkers, Pebbles and Open divisions simultaneously start
12:00 pm: Pro division starts
Old Fashioned Carnival Games at Windermere Point
Enjoy old fashioned carnival games. Fun for the whole family! Located at Windermere Point, downtown Mackinac Island. Carnival games and water bounce houses will be from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
A Star Spangled Fourth of July
Fort Mackinac will host A Star Spangled Fourth of July. Join Mackinac State Historic Parks for an all American Fourth of July.
The fort will be decked out in its patriotic finery, with live music beginning on the Parade Ground at 3:00 p.m. Classic games will be available on the Parade Ground starting at 3:15 p.m. After music and games, a reading of our founding document, the Declaration of Independence, will take place on its 250th anniversary, with toasts and national salutes to follow. The celebration concludes with a cannon blast over the Straits.
All special events are included with regular admission to Fort Mackinac.
Fireworks on Mackinac Island
Sara Wright
Celebrate Independence Day in a big way with TWO sparkling fireworks displays going off simultaneously!
One of the firework barges is located across from the Mackinac State Harbor and can be seen from Mission Point to Windermere Point, including Mackinac Island. The second barge is located on the west side of the island looking out toward the Mackinac Bridge and can be viewed from the boardwalk and Grand Hotel.
Sara Wright
