Photo by the Fort Michilimackinac Historical Reenactment Pageant
Mackinaw City is the gateway community to Mackinac Island and is settled on the shores of the Straits of Mackinac at the tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Mackinaw City offers wonderful views of two Great Lakes, Mackinac Bridge, and the surrounding countryside. This resort village also hosts many great events throughout the year.
January
Come celebrate winter in Mackinaw City during their Winterfest. There is a huge variety of activities included in the event like amateur snow carving, outhouse races, sleigh rides, poker walk, chili cook-off, indoor ice skating, euchre tournament, and many more fun winter activities including games for kids, tweens and adults. One of the most popular events during the festival is the Ice Fishing Tournament on Paradise Lake!
May
The Fort Michilimackinac Historical Reenactment Pageant has become the longest running FREE Memorial Day historical program in the United States. The three-day pageant brings to life the 1763 Fort Michilimackinac battle between the French, British, and Native Americans. Cast members in period garb demonstrate the way of life for residents of Northern Michigan in the 1760’s. One of the most popular activities during the pageant is the Memorial Day parade through the streets of Mackinaw City.
December
This wonderful event is one not to be missed during the holiday season. Christmas in Mackinaw incorporates a Victorian Christmas theme into the aspects of the celebration. Events take place beginning at McGulpin Point Lighthouse and end at Heritage Chapel in Heritage Village. The event includes sleigh rides, visits with Santa, music, and of course their holiday parade. Admission is free for all activities.
Just a short drive from Harbor Springs or Petoskey are more than a dozen Northern Michigan cross country ski trails in Emmet County.
Harbor Springs, Michigan has a vibrant, beautiful downtown business district complete with a beach, waterfront, shopping, dining, parks, and more!
Wildlife sanctuary Thorne Swift Nature Preserve is located 3 1/2 miles north of Harbor Springs, between Lower Shore Drive and Lake Michigan.
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!
Arch Rock is a geologic wonder on Mackinac Island and stands 146′ over the Lake Huron shoreline- nearly 15 stories tall.
Spring brings lots of outdoor activities to Northern Michigan but one often ends up on pancakes: making maple syrup.