Festivals & Events on Mackinac Island
Referred to as the “Jewel of the Great Lakes”, Mackinac Island has many special festivals and events that go on during their prime season.
Northern Michigan Guides Stock Photo
(Scroll down to see more events in January.)
Enjoy amateur snow carving, outhouse races, sleigh rides, poker walk, chili cook-off, and more at Mackinaw City's Winterfest Celebration!
Northern Michigan Camping & RV Show
Thursday-Saturday from 10am-8pm and Sunday from 12-5pm. Admission is three non-perishable food items or cash donation to benefit the homeless in Otsego County. The Ellison Place- 150 Dale Dr., Gaylord. For more information, visit facebook.com.
Fat & Flurrious Fat Bike Race
The race begins in downtown Boyne City and ends at Avalanche- 184 Prospect Ct., Boyne City. Once there, participants race on the same singletrack and two tracks that are open in the summer. There’s also an after-party and awards at Stiggs Brewery- 112 S. Park St., Boyne City. For more info or to register, visit fatandflurrious.com.
Sledding & S’mores
Free sledding and s’mores at Kiwanis Park- 1100 Arbor St., Harbor Springs. For more information, call Rachel Roon at (231) 526-2104.
Mackinac Island Twilight Turtle Trek
A 2-mile, lantern-lit ski and snowshoeing trek through some of Mackinac Island’s natural winter wonderland. Begins at the corner of Arch Rock Road and Huron Road. with a bonfire and hot chocolate. For more information, visit mackinacparks.com.
Candlelight Hike at Mt. McSauba
Self-guided hiking, snowshoeing, or cross country skiing along a candlelit trail ending with a fire and hot cocoa. Trek begins at the sledding hill parking lot. For more information, contact the Charlevoix Recreation Department at (231) 547-7183. Mt. McSauba- 09223 McSauba Rd., Charlevoix.
Dogman Challenge Fat Bike Race
Dogman is part of the 2024 Tour De Fat Bike Race Series. The series includes Fat & Flurrious, Dogman, Fat Chance, VASA and Fatty Caddy. For more information or to register, visit runsignup.com. 09223 Mt. McSauba Rd., Charlevoix.
Mackinaw City Winterfest
Annual festival includes fun for the whole family with outhouse races, obstacle course, chili cook-off, and more.
Referred to as the “Jewel of the Great Lakes”, Mackinac Island has many special festivals and events that go on during their prime season.
Shay Days is a celebration of inventor Ephraim Shay and his contributions to the Harbor Springs community.
Music, dance, art, and theater all come together for an event celebrating the New Year at the Crooked Tree Arts Center in downtown Petoskey.
Each August, the Mackinac Island Fudge Festival celebrates this delight with music and activities throughout the weekend.
Charlevoix, Michigan celebrates Ground Hog Day with this celebration that includes games, food, music, prizes, awards, and more.
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Northern Michigan is home to several different museums for people of all ages which highlight the area’s businesses, history, and culture!
Arch Rock is a geologic wonder on Mackinac Island and stands 146′ over the Lake Huron shoreline- nearly 15 stories tall.
Within the historic Chicago/West Michigan railroad depot in Petoskey, the Little Traverse History Museum is a history filled gem.
Summer’s not summer without a day at the beach and Northern Michigan offers some of the best beaches anywhere.
Wildlife sanctuary Thorne Swift Nature Preserve is located 3 1/2 miles north of Harbor Springs, between Lower Shore Drive and Lake Michigan.
Acres and acres of Northern Michigan are abloom with trillium during May, only adding to the beauty of spring Up North!
The history Northern Michigan’s Inland Water Route is preserved at the Inland Water Route Historical Museum in Alanson.
The National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods is a 55′ x 22′ redwood cross cut from one redwood tree and with a 28′ tall bronze crucifix.
Travel along the Tunnel of Trees in Northern Michigan and you will pass through Good Hart and see historic Saint Ignatius Catholic Church.
The history of the fur trade in Northern Michigan is captured at Colonial Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City.