Following a festive Fourth of July, Mackinac State Historic Parks will continue its America250 programming in the coming weeks, celebrating both the natural and cultural history of the Straits of Mackinac, with Maritime Michilimackinac, July 11-12 at Colonial Michilimackinac, and a Forgotten Features Bicycle Tour, in Mackinac Island State Park, July 12.
Maritime Michilimackinac will showcase the different ways people have traveled, traded, and lived on the water. As a major hub of the Great Lakes fur trade, Michilimackinac was crucial to its success, located where Lakes Michigan and Huron meet. This special event focuses on the site’s maritime heritage, with interpreters offering discussions and demonstrations that bring to life the skills, tools, and traditions of Michilimackinac’s historic residents.
Hours are 9:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. both days. All special programs are included with regular admission to Colonial Michilimackinac.
At 1:00 p.m. July 12, Kyle Bagnall, Park Naturalist for Mackinac State Historic Parks, will lead a guided bicycle tour in search of features that are long lost, forgotten, or no longer exist today. Hear tales of Deer Park, Dousman’s Distillery, Chimney Rock, Mount Humbard, Wishing Spring – and more!
The journey will start at the north entrance of Fort Mackinac, off Huron Road, and will cover about six miles. Participants will need to supply their own bike, and a bottle of water is recommended. It’s also highly recommended that guests bring a sense of adventure!
The Forgotten Features Bicycle Tour is free, and donations are welcome.
Most Mackinac State Historic Parks programs are supported by Mackinac Associates, friends preserving and sharing Mackinac’s heritage.
