Soldiers in the Park, a Mackinac National Park: 150 Event!

Name: Soldiers in the Park, a Mackinac National Park: 150 Event!
Start: 2025-09-23T17:30:00-04:00
Location: Mackinac Island State Park

Schedule

Tue, 23 Sep, 2025 at 05:30 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

Mackinac Island State Park | Mackinac Island, MI

As the idea for Mackinac National Park was being debated in the Senate and House in the mid-1870s, the idea had a few factors working in its favor: one, the U.S. government already owned the land; and two, the troops garrisoned at Fort Mackinac could care for the grounds, which would help ease and significant cost required for park maintenance. Did it work out this way? And what did the soldiers do in the park? Join Mackinac State Historic Parks Chief Curator Craig Wilson for a guided bike ride through the former Mackinac National Park as he explains life for soldiers working in Mackinac National Park. Guests must provide their own bicycle. This is a free program - donations welcome. #thisismackinac