Lilac Festival and Five Must-Dos on Mackinac Island Michigan
Crisp blue lake waters, charming horse carriage rides and delicious aromas of fudge are a few things that come to mind when thinking of Mackinac Island, Michigan. In early June celebrate the beauty of the lilacs throughout the island during the annual Lilac Festival. Since 1949 the community has come together for this 10-day event beginning the second Friday of June and concluding the Third Sunday of June.
Another floral event across the country inspired the festival. “Two ladies, Ling Horn and Stella King, saw the cherry blossoms out in Washington D.C. and they were inspired by the grand parade and all the activities happening around the cherry blossoms and they [thought] ‘we have lilacs why not do that on Mackinac Island,’” Steph Castelein, Events & Content Manager, Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau, said. The event started as a one-day celebration and has evolved into a 10-day event.
In 2023 Mackinac Island celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Lilac Festival but it wasn’t the only milestone. Since 1898 the island has banned automobiles and over a century later visitors can get around the island by foot, bike or horse carriage. “Horse is king on the island,” Steph Castelein, Events & Content Manager, Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau, said.
Things You Need to Know Before You Go:
Book your hotel well in advance. Accommodations fill up quickly. I personally suggest the Lilac Tree Suits.
If you are staying on the island and taking the Shepler’s Ferry they will check your luggage for you so you don’t have to lug it onto the ferry yourself.
You can bring your own bike to the island.
It is 8.2 miles around the island. Many things are within walking distance in the downtown area however there are a few excursions that may require you to take a horse taxi.
While visiting for the Lilac Festival here are five must-dos:
Fort Mackinac
This piece of the island is rich in history and has served as a fort in multiple wars since 1779. Fort Mackinac was accredited as a national park for a short time. “For 20 years it was a national park,actually. This was America’s second national park for a few years,” Dominick Miller, Chief Of Marketing, Mackinac State Historic Parks, said. It now serves as a Michigan State Park.
Sip N Sail Cruise
Cruise the crystal blue waters of Lake Huron and get an up-close view of Mackinac Bridge on the Sip N’ Cruise tour. There are various tours throughout the summer so be sure to check the website to view the calendar and book your spot. While on the ship enjoy live entertainment and of course some sips. “We wanted to put a French 75 on the menu and decided what better way then to make it with Empress Gin to make it lilac colored to play into the Lilac Festival that is happening right now;” Taylor Bulla, Operations Manager, Sip & Sail Cruises, said.
High tea at the Grand Hotel
The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island was constructed in 1887 and by 1957 it was recognized as a State Historical Building by the Michigan Historical Association. With the world’s longest front porch in the world at 660 feet it’s no wonder visitors are charmed by this old-world elegance. Every day the hotel welcomes all visitors on the island to experience their High Tea tradition. Light string melodies from classically trained performers, the grandeur of the parlor and the delectable snacks are a sure way to enjoy conversation with friends.
Oh Fudge..You Gotta Try Some
The minute guests step off the ferry they are met with the sweet aromas of fudge. Popular for it’s lasting freshness of up to two weeks, it is a must-do on the island. My personal favorite is the chocolate cherry. “We use specifically Traverse City dried tart cherries in this one [chocolate cherry fudge],” Aaron Bates, Joann’s Fudge, said.
Enjoy the Lilacs
Take time to soak in the beauty of the island and the lilacs. The flowers can be seen everywhere and are large due to the age of the island lilacs. “The lilacs you see here [Mackinac Island] can grow up to 20 feet,” Anne Borowicz, Lilac Docent, shared.
There is so much to do on Mackinac Island during the annual Lilac Festival. One thing is certain, visitors feel like the island is a step back in time.
Special thank you to Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau, Lilac Tree Suits, Sip N’ Sail Cruises, Grand Hotel Shepler’s Ferry, Joanns Fudge and Fort Mackinac for the in-kind donations that supported filming efforts.
Finding Festivals is independently produced by HayRobin Media Productions LLC.
Special thank you to Dead Shark Productions LLC (film crew), Micheal Desanto and WGTE.