Festivals & Events on Mackinac Island
Referred to as the “Jewel of the Great Lakes”, Mackinac Island has many special festivals and events that go on during their prime season.
Photo by the Fort Michilimackinac Historical Reenactment Pageant
The longest running free Memorial Day historical program in the U.S. takes places in Mackinaw City, Michigan: the Fort Michilimackinac Historical Reenactment Pageant. More than 400 cast members take part in the three-day pageant that brings to life the 1763 Fort Michilimackinac battle between the French, British, and Native Americans.
The cast members are clad in period costumes and demonstrate the way of life for residents of Northern Michigan in the 1760’s. A highlight of the weekend is the Memorial Day parade through the streets of Mackinaw City that includes more than 100 bands, acts, and floats.
*All events are held within Fort Michilimackinac unless otherwise noted
Mackinaw City’s location at the most Northern tip in the lower peninsula is the perfect destination for visitors. With Lake Michigan on one side and Lake Huron on the other side, this is a true Great Lake’s spot. Read the stories below or go to the Mackinaw City destination page.
Mackinaw and Mackinac are pronounced the same way. Why? It's the area's rich history with the Native Americans, French, and British.
Built during World War II to haul heavy materials during the winter, the Icebreaker Mackinaw was in service for 62 years then became a museum.
Historic Mill Creek Discover Park has 625 acres along Lake Huron, 3.5 miles of hiking trails, a reconstructed saw mill, mill dam, and more.
With Lake Michigan on one side and Lake Huron on the other side, Mackinaw City is a true Great Lake’s spot with lots of things to do!
While it may be the gateway to Mackinac Island, Mackinaw City offers it's own set of awesome festivals and events.
The history of the fur trade in Northern Michigan is captured at Colonial Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City.
Mackinaw City's Heritage Village lets visitors explore life in the Straits of Mackinac as it was during the era of 1880-1917.
The Mackinac Bridge is the 10th largest suspension bridge (over water) in the world and connects Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsula.
The Headlands, just west of Mackinaw City, is one of six International Dark Sky Parks in the U.S. and one of nine in the world.
McGulpin Rock, near Mackinaw City, has been used as a navigational tool by explorers and mariners since before the Pilgrims landed.
312 South Huron Avenue, Mackinaw City, MI, 49701
(231) 420-8297
Referred to as the “Jewel of the Great Lakes”, Mackinac Island has many special festivals and events that go on during their prime season.
Northern Michigan grows the best. Our Farmers Markets are open from late spring to fall, from cherries, to potatoes, to sweet corn, and more.
Boyne City’s Harvest Festival is held each September and fills the downtown with music, crafts, and fall produce.
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Harris Gardens at North Central Michigan College is a spectacular sculpture garden filled with 26 pieces of vibrant art.
Take a beautiful color tour as you travel under a tunnel of colorful trees along M-119 from Harbor Springs to Cross Village.
Northern Michigan is home to several different museums for people of all ages which highlight the area’s businesses, history, and culture!
The Harsha House and the Charlevoix Depot Museum, run by the Charlevoix Historical Society, preserve much of Charlevoix’s rich history.
This 36 acre, 1.5 mile long Bear River Valley in Petoskey is truly spectacular and filled with natural beauty and things to do.
Northern Michigan has many varied settings for kayaking- whether it by river, one of the inland lakes, or Lake Michigan,
A visit to Northern Michigan is not complete without a walk along the Lake Michigan in search of Petoskey stones.
The Oden State Fish Hatchery in Alanson produces three strains of brown trout and one strain of rainbow trout.
The National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods is a 55′ x 22′ redwood cross cut from one redwood tree and with a 28′ tall bronze crucifix.
North Central Michigan College’s Natural Area in Petoskey includes over five miles of trails that run through unique habitats.