Explore ‘Ancient Mackinac Island’ with the Mackinac State Historic Parks

MACKINAC ISLAND — Join the Mackinac State Historic Parks’ interpretive staff on a trio of events this summer that will allow guests to delve deep into the history of Mackinac Island.

“Exploring Ancient Mackinac Island” will take place at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16, starting at the Fort Mackinac Avenue of Flags. The group, led by park naturalist Kyle Bagnall, will walk up to the “turtle’s back,” viewing Skull Cave, Point Lookout, Sugar Loaf and Fort Holmes. The walk will cover 1.75 miles over varying terrain.

On Wednesday, July 17, interpretation coordinator Jack Swartzinski will lead “A Walk Through the Mackinac Island Cemeteries.” The walk begins at 5 p.m. at the Fort Mackinac Avenue of Flags. During the walk, Swartzinski will guide guests through the Catholic, Protestant and military cemeteries, explaining their histories and pointing out notable graves along the way.

On Saturday, July 20, chief curator Craig Wilson will take guests on a “War of 1812 Bike Ride,” which will visit key sites related to Mackinac Island's role in the War of 1812. Starting at the Fort Mackinac Avenue of Flags at 5:30 p.m., the ride will make stops at Fort Holmes, the site of the Aug. 4, 1814 Battle of Mackinac Island, and end at British Landing, where the war started in the upper Great Lakes in July 1812. Participants must provide their own bicycles.

All three events are free to attend, but donations are welcome.

For more information, visit mackinacparks.com.

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Explore ‘Ancient Mackinac Island’ with the Mackinac State Historic Parks