4th of July
On Mackinac Island, the Fourth of July is a spectacle of Americana set against the backdrop of its timeless charm. On top of the beloved horse-drawn carriage tours, bicycle adventures, and every day activities on Mackinac, the day begins with the oldest Stone Skipping Competition in the US, followed by family games at Windermere Point, a Star Spangeled 4th of July at Fort Mackinac and ends with a mesmerizing display of light as fireworks conclude the day of fun.
W.T. Rabe Stone Skipping Competition
Join us for this fun annual event held on the 4th of July! Professional stone skippers will bring their best skipping skills and compete for the much coveted trophy!
There will also be a Gerplunking Division (ages 5 & under), a Pebbles Division (ages 6-12), and an Open Division (ages 13 & up). The professional division is invite only and all other divisions can register on the day of the event. Visit the official Mackinac Island Stone Skipping website for more information!
9:00 am: Registration begins
10:00 am: Gerplunkers, Pebbles and Open divisions simultaneously start
12:00 pm: Pro division starts
Old Fashioned Carnival Games at Windermere Point
Enjoy old fashioned carnival games. Fun for the whole family! Located at Windermere Point, downtown Mackinac Island. Carnival games and water bounce houses will be from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
A Star Spangled Fourth of July
The historic island fort is decked out in patriotic finery with banners, flags and bunting. It is an 1880’s Independence Day, with 38-gun salutes honoring the states of the period and children’s games. Guests join the party and participate in games on the fort parade ground.
Don’t miss out on this all 1880s Independence Day as we have catch and baseball available on the parade ground to go along with foot races and sack races, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, the raising of the colors, the national salute (38 rifle blasts for the 38 states of the 1880s!), a cannon salute, and much more!
Games will be available on the parade ground beginning at 3:30 p.m. Special programming will take place at 4:00 p.m.
The Tea Room Restaurant, operated by Grand Hotel, is open all day serving snacks, sweets, and beverages, and will have full lunch service from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
All special programming is included with regular admission to Fort Mackinac.
Fireworks on Mackinac Island
Celebrate Independence Day in a big way with TWO sparkling fireworks displays going off simultaneously!
One of the firework barges is located across from the Mackinac State Harbor and can be seen from Mission Point to Windermere Point, including Mackinac Island. The second barge is located on the west side of the island looking out toward the Mackinac Bridge and can be viewed from the boardwalk and Grand Hotel.
Fireworks start at dusk – about 10:00 pm.
Photo credit: Sara Wright
