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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.
Fisherman’s Island State Park has more than 2,600 acres and miles of gorgeous Lake Michigan beach and is located just south of Charlevoix.
Within the historic Chicago/West Michigan railroad depot in Petoskey, the Little Traverse History Museum is a history filled gem.
This 28-mile scenic highway running between Atwood and Boyne Falls known as the Breezeway draws visitors because it is gorgeous.
Sailing is a special pastime that often brings friends together in Northern Michigan. And no wonder. The sailing here is wonderful.
The Charlevoix Circle of Arts is a vibrant, cultural center in downtown Charlevoix that presents six major visual exhibits annually.
With woods, dunes, and frozen lakes, the trails near Charlevoix and Boyne City are the places to cross country ski from December-March.