As the nation prepares for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Mackinac State Historic Parks, and especially Colonial Michilimackinac and Fort Mackinac, will do the same.
On top of daily programs celebrating the American Revolution, Michilimackinac and Fort Mackinac will host special events July 1-4, culminating with A Star Spangled Fourth of July at Fort Mackinac and fireworks viewed from the fort.
On July 1, at Colonial Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City, join the interpretive staff for The Revolution and Michilimackinac. In 1776 Colonial Michilimackinac was an outpost on the edge of the British empire in America. On this guided tour, Michilimackinac staff and historians will walk guests through the fort, exploring the site itself and detailing the lives of the historic residents that called it home. This is a
free event, with donations welcome. Entrance will be at the secondary entrance off Straits Avenue.
On July 2, join Park Naturalist Kyle Bagnall in Mackinac Island State Park for a Nature’s Fireworks Discovery Hike. With summer now in full swing, Mackinac Island State Park is putting on a show. Bagnall will take guests through the park searching for colorful warblers, summer wildflowers, fantastic fungi, and vibrant butterflies along the trails. This free event will begin at the Fort Mackinac North Sally Port off Huron Road.
The following day, July 3, will be one of the coolest things a visitor to the Straits can see all summer as Mackinac State Historic Parks does its version of a fireworks show. Fire at Night will allow guests to experience the power of Michilimackinac’s weapons after the sun goes down. Gates will open at 9:00 p.m., and a musket firing demonstration will take place at dusk. After the sun goes down the real excitement begins, as the cannon blast over the Straits under the cover of darkness is not something soon forgotten. This is a free event, with donations welcome. Entrance will be off Straits Avenue, and the Hearthside Museum Store will be open.
Finally, on the big day itself, July 4, 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.
After 9:00 p.m., guests are invited back to Fort Mackinac to catch the Mackinac Island fireworks. With the right seat in the fort, both sets of fireworks fired on Mackinac Island are visible, as well as fireworks in Mackinaw City and, potentially, Cheboygan.
Mackinac Associates supports most programs and projects at Mackinac State Historic Parks. Memberships begin at $80 and include unlimited site admission, members-only events, free admission to select events, museum store discounts, and a subscription to Curiosities. Learn more at mackinacassociates.com.
