Mackinac State Historic Parks Prepares for 2024 Season

Mackinac State Historic Parks is busy preparing for the opening of the 2024 season in May with a number of new exhibits and programs and exciting additions to existing ones. “We are excited to welcome visitors to experience our parks and numerous attractions,” says Steve Brisson, Mackinac State Historic Parks director. “We are hard at work and busy preparing to have everything ready for our spring openings.”

Visitors can explore the Milliken Nature center featuring an Arch Rock exhibit with dozens of historic images, a timeline of the arch, geology of Mackinac Island and a 3D map of the Island. This year also marks the first reconstruction at Colonial Michilimackinac since 2013, featuring a new exhibit about life at Michilimackinac in the 1700s titled “Slavery at the Straits.”

“This new exhibit explores the lives of these enslaved individuals and how their experiences fit in with the larger story of Michilimackinac, allowing us to present a more complete vision of the site in the 18th century,” explains Brisson. Another exhibit at the outpost will look at 1781 when the entire community uprooted and relocated to Mackinac Island, and programs will explore day to day life at the outpost as well as the rich history of the site

Mackinac State Historic Parks’ archeology program will welcome its 66th season by continuing work in House E of the Southwest Rowhouse, and the historic site will host a series of great events throughout the season including Fire at Night.

Restoration will continue at Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse this year, and programs including special themed weeks will dive into the story of the Historic Mill Creek sawmill. “We’re excited to enter a year of transition at Historic Mill Creek,” says Park Naturalist Kyle Bagnall. “This year, special themed weeks will highlight aspects of the site’s amazing history. Guests can join a naturalist for short, guided trail walks. We’ll bask in the summer sun as we listen for the swish of the scythe and tales of historic hay cutters. Finally, we’ll join a hunt for “lost rocks” which traveled hundreds of miles thousands of years ago before landing at Mackinac.” 

Fort Mackinac will feature two new programs at its historic site: “Medicine at Mackinac” and a military ceremony display from the Guard Mount Program, and visitors can enjoy new menu items at the Tea Room at Fort Mackinac.

“2024 will be an exciting year because we are continuing to expand the programs we offer as well as adding greater depth to our classic programs, creating a fun and educational experience for anyone coming to Mackinac Island,” explains Jack Swartzinski, Mackinac State Historic Parks’ interpretation coordinator.

The Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum in Marquette Park will feature a “Mackinac Rocks!” juried exhibition, and the Mackinac Island Native American Museum will include an exhibit at the Biddle House detailing the story of the Anishnaabek.

Visit mackinacparks.com for a complete listing of updates and projects at Mackinac State Historic Parks, hours of operation, daily events, special events, and more.