Step Back in Time and Explore Mackinac Island this Summer

Mackinac Island, famous for its delicious fudge, breath-taking views of the Mackinac Bridge, and gorgeous biking trails, is one the crown jewels in the United States. While those activities are rightfully some of the most popular attractions on the island, for those planning on making a trip up north (or south for those in the Upper Peninsula), there are a plethora of fun arts and cultural activities in Mackinac to enjoy in Summer 2021.

Fort Mackinac, the dominant feature on the landscape, is an authentic Revolutionary War era fort. Built by the British in 1779, the fort is an incredible remaining piece of American history that housed soldiers and their families until 1895 and played a part in the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and the Civil War until the fort was officially closed down. While the fort has been a famous tourist destination for decades, the fort is offering more hands-on immersive tours this summer, including the opportunity for the public to practice flag signaling to each other as soldiers would have done over a hundred years ago.

Fort Mackinac will also be emphasizing a new program called “The Soldiers of the 1880s,” a program highlighting the roles that women and soldiers' families played in the community, and a reimagined kids' quarters that involves a lot more hands-on elements to have people of all ages engaged and involved. That, along with other various programs and demonstrations, highlight the new and exciting events happening at Fort Mackinac in Summer 2021.

“If you’re interested in the history of the area, the views of Mackinac, how Mackinac became Mackinac today, all those answers are at Fort Mackinac,” Chief of Marketing for Mackinac State Historic Parks Dominick Miller said. “It’s one of the can’t miss attractions on Mackinac Island.”

While Fort Mackinac deservedly gets a lot of the spotlight, it’s just one of the many historical attractions to explore in the area.

Set to finally open in 2021, the brand-new Mackinac Island Native American Museum at the Biddle House will tell the story of the Anishnaabek people and the natives of Mackinac Island at the old home of Agatha Biddle, an Anishnaabek woman who lived there with her husband Edward Biddle in the 1830s. The story of the Anishnaabek people has been undertold for far too long, and through collaboration with local tribes, the continuing story will now be told through the life of Agatha Biddle, gallery pieces, live demonstrations, and much more at the Mackinac Island Native American Museum.

Moving away from the island, Colonial Michilimackinac and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, offer exciting opportunities for everyone, whether you’re a history buff or someone looking for incredible views of the Mackinac Bridge. This year, Colonial Michilimackinac, a British fort and fur-trading village before being burned down as the British were transitioning onto the island, will be set to the year 1778, a time of unease in the area as rumors of war were swirling around. With live demonstrations played by interpreters, visitors will be able to get a feeling for what life was like in that time. Colonial Michilimackinac will also be offering programs educating visitors on the enslaved people at Colonial Michilimackinac, the roles women played in the community, weapon demonstrations and the over 60-year archeological dig at the area that takes place every summer.

The Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, also known as the “Castle on the Straits,” is located at the northern tip of the lower peninsula and offers remarkable views of the Mackinac Bridge and the Mackinac straits. At the lighthouse you will also find exhibits teaching visitors of the science behind lighthouses and an in-depth historical analysis into over 10 shipwrecks that have taken place in the straits. The combination of interactive displays and a marvelous setting, the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse is perfect for people of all ages and interests.

For those interested in the arts on the Island, the Mackinac Arts Council has put together a robust lineup of events for Summer 2021.

Beginning in July, for 10 weeks, every Thursday in Marquette Park, comes the return of the very popular series “Music in the Park.” The series is going bigger than ever, with artists including island favorites “The Accidentals,” reggae group “The Ark Band,” and much more. The series will kick off July 1st with the first round of “Mackinac’s Got Talent,” a talent show featuring artists and performers from the island with a select few moving on to the finals on August 19. The champion will receive a cash prize and the opportunity to be an opener on the next season of “Music in the Park.”

“Music in the Park” is a great way for Mackinac to not only feature their local artists and entertain the residents of the island, but also celebrate the diversity of the island. Mackinac is home to a large population of Jamaican migrant workers, and The Ark Band will help the community celebrate Jamaican Culture. With a great lineup of artists taking the stage in beautiful Marquette Park at the foot of Fort Mackinac, the free event is perfect for everyone on the island on Thursday nights.

“We really wanted to celebrate Jamaica, because it’s really a big part of the culture up here,” Philip Rice, Program Director for the Mackinac Arts Council said. “We’re really excited to have The Ark Band this year.”

Also beginning in July, every Monday as a part of the Performing Arts Series, there will be a different performance including various classical musicians and the Soo Opera Theatre’s production of Verdi’s La Traviata. Most performances will take place at the Inn at Stonecliffe with two performances in August taking place at the Mission Point Theater.

Brand new in Summer 2021, Mackinac will be home to a Shakespeare Festival. Every Monday-Thursday in August at Marquette Park, performers will be performing Shakespeare classics “Much Ado about Nothing” and “Romeo and Juliet.” While cut to 90 minutes, the performers will perform a majority of the original plays with original characters free to the public.

Lastly, Mackinac will be hosting an ArtPrize Preview Show on the island and the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum will be home to a new gallery featuring new pieces all centered around the theme of “The Seasons of Mackinac.”

If you are curious what precautions are being taken on the island to prevent the spread of COVID-19, all exhibits and events will be following all state and federal guidelines and there will be an extra emphasis on outdoor events.

Mackinac is beloved by all, and is truly one of the most extraordinary places to visit in the State of Michigan. No matter what you love to do, whether it’s to study history, consume art or spend your summer days by the lake, Mackinac has it all and should definitely be on your list to visit in 2021.

This piece was written by Clayton Skinner, Communications Intern at Fresh Coast Perspective.