Join the interpretive staff at Colonial Michilimackinac, in Mackinaw City, for a dedicated look at Michilimackinac’s maritime history this Saturday, June 7, from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Colonial Michilimackinac was a major hub for the Great Lakes Fur Trade, and its location where Lakes Michigan and Huron meet was crucial to its success. This special event will focus on Michilimackinac’s maritime history. Join the interpretive staff as they discuss and demonstrate the many different ways Michilimackinac’s historic residents interacted with and worked on the water.

“We’ll be doing things that are truly special that guests wouldn’t be able to see otherwise,” said Craig Wilson, Mackinac State Historic Parks Chief Curator. “Even if someone has visited in the past, there is always something new to see or do.”

Special programs will take place throughout the day, including a Weapons on the Water Demonstration at 11:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., a program showcasing what a Voyageur crew would eat at 12:00 p.m., and, at 2:00 p.m., a look at the boats and canoes of Colonial Michilimackinac out on the water. The full schedule is below. 

All special programs are included with regular admission to Colonial Michilimackinac, which is $16.00 for adults and $9.75 for children ages 5-12 and free for Mackinac Associates members. Support for many Mackinac State Historic Parks programs comes from Mackinac Associates, friends preserving and sharing Mackinac’s heritage.

Events schedule for June 7:

9:30 a.m. – Fort Michilimackinac Open for the Day
10:00 a.m. – Bales, Barrels and Boxes: Supplying the Great Lakes Fur Trade Program

11:00 a.m. – Weapons on the Water Demonstration

12:00 p.m. – Feeding a Voyageur Crew Program

12:30 p.m. – Michilimackinac’s Enslaved Community Program

2:00 p.m. – Boat and Canoe Demonstration 

3:30 p.m. – Weapons on the Water Demonstration

4:00 p.m. – Some Tea and Loaf Sugar: Tea at the British Trader’s House

5:00 p.m. – Bales, Barrels and Boxes: Supplying the Great Lakes Fur Trade Program

6:00 p.m. – Musket Firing Demonstration

7:00 p.m. – Colonial Michilimackinac Closed for the Evening

            A downloadable version of this release can be found here. Additional pictures available upon request. More information can be found here. This event will also take place July 12.