Events & Lecture Series

Looking for free family activities in Mackinaw City? Want to learn about local history? Look no further.

The Mackinaw Area Historical Society (MAHS) is proud to offer a vibrant lineup of free events and lectures that bring history to life for families and visitors in Mackinaw City. From engaging guest speakers and local historians to hands-on programs and seasonal celebrations, MAHS events create welcoming spaces where curiosity is encouraged and learning is shared across generations.

2026 Schedule

  • Hands of person in cozy sweater writing in a journal.

    March Lecture Series | Writing About a Community with a Published Author

    Mar 9 7:00-8:00PM | MAPL

    Drawing on his own work in local history, Frank Boles will discuss how to go about writing a about a community. It will also include thoughts about doing research and organizing both your notes and what you write.

    Speaker: Frank Boles

  • Mackinaw Women's Club Blue Building

    April Lecture Series | History of the Mackinaw Area Women's Club

    Apr 13 7:00-8:00PM | MAPL

    Come learn from board member and guest lecturer Donna Falor as she shares with us the background and impact of the Mackinaw Area Women’s Club. This event is free and open to the public.

    Speaker: Donna Falor

  • A woman observing with binoculars at a scenic outdoor location with a body of water in the distance, surrounded by trees and grassy area, with a telescope on a tripod nearby, and a picnic table with various outdoor gear and notebooks.

    May Lecture Series | The Annual Raptor Watch

    May 11 7:00-8:00PM | MAPL

    Join us for our popular lecture series- This lecture explores the fascinating topic—of the Raptor watch when the birds and watchers alike descend upon Mackinaw City. This event is free and open to the public.

    Speaker: TBD

  • Heritage Village Event | Historic Base Ball Game

    Heritage Village | Historic Base Ball Game

    June 6 1:00-3:00PM | Heritage Village

    Take your family out to the ballgame at this free event at Heritage Village. Mackinaw City will be taking on Douglas Dutchers BBC.

    Grab a snack, drink and chair…we’ll see you there!

  • Sign for Mackinaw City Bible Church with landscaping and bushes in the foreground

    June Lecture Series | History of the Mackinaw Bible Church

    June 8 7:00-8:00PM | MAPL

    In this session our host, Reid Nelson, explores the history of the Mackinaw Bible Church from it’s building, the congregation to the impact on the community. This event is free and open to the public.

    Speaker: Reid Nelson

  • Couple strolling in front of 1800's log cabin with their dog on a sunny day

    Michigan Log Cabin Day

    June 28 (timing TBD) | Heritage Village

    Join us to celebrate Michigan Log Cabin Day at Heritage Village’s own Detweiler Log Cabin. Walk the cabin, learn about the history and let the kids play some cabin-themed games.

    The rest of the village will be open to enjoy.

  • A family of four outdoors, with a woman and a man sitting together, and two young children in front. They are all smiling and appear happy.

    July Lecture Series | A History of the Mackinaw Fudgies

    July 13 7:00-8:00PM | MAPL

    Mackinaw has long been a top US tourist spot bring generations of families to the area. Join Meghan Flynn, MAHS Board member, as she explores one families fudgie history.

    Speaker: Meghan Flynn

  • People holding colorful ribbons attached to a pole in an outdoor setting with green trees.

    Annual Historic Festival at Heritage Village

    July 25 10:00am-2:00PM

    Step back in time to the years 1880–1917 at Heritage Village’s annual Historic Festival. This free, family‑friendly event sprawls across 43 acres of woodland trails and vintage buildings, where costumed docents reenact daily life on the North Woods frontier.

  • Aug Lecture Series | Pictures, Artifacts and Stories...Oh My!

    Aug 12 7:00-8:00PM | MAPL

    Come learn from President MAHS and guest lecturer, Angie Morthland, as she shares pictures, artifacts and stories. This event is free and open to the public.

    Speaker: Angie Morthland

  • Sunset over the ocean viewed from a sandy beach with grass and plants in the foreground, and a cloudy sky.

    MAHS 30th Anniversary Celebration

    Aug 22 6:00-8:00PM | Pavilion

    Details coming soon!

  • A historic fort site featuring a wooden building with a shingled roof, an American flag flying on a flagpole, a grassy area with picnic tables, and a view of the Mackinac bridge over water in the background.

    September Lecture Series | About Fort Michlimackinac

    Sept 14 7:00-8:00PM | MAPL

    Come learn about this iconic historical destination. Speaker, Brian Jaeschke, will share interesting facts and stories about this 18th century military installment located on the Straits.

    Speaker: Brian Jaeschke

  • Slightly inclined trail covered with leave with green trees on either side.

    May Woods Hike | Celebrate the Transition to Fall

    Sept 20th (timing TBD) | May Woods

    As the first day of fall approaches, join us for a community hike through May Woods. Every season nature unique beauty and sights to behold. Come to learn, hike, or just enjoy nature.

    Hiking Lead: TBD

  • A two-story brick building with a sign reading 'Deer Head Inn' on the front, featuring striped awnings over windows, a front porch with hanging plants, an American flag, and well-maintained lawn and landscaping.

    Annual Meeting & History of the Deer Head Inn

    Oct 12 6:00-8:00PM | MAPL

    Visitors are welcome to join our annual MAHS meeting to learn about our plans for the upcoming year. Stay afterward for the September lecture series featuring the Deer Head Inn.

    Speaker: Nancy Dean

  • Image of white and blue American Legion building with flags out front.

    November Lecture Series | Mackinaw City American Legion Post 159

    Nov 9 7:00-8:00PM | MAPL

    Join us to learn about Mackinaw City’s American Legion Post 159. The American Legion Post 159 stands for “Veterans serving Veterans and their families.” Learn how they’ve supported the unique needs of the community here in Mackinaw City.

    Speakers: Mike & Tom

  • Looking up a the green and yellow tree canopy.

    May Woods | Pre-National Hike Day Event

    Nov 14 1:00-3:00PM | May Woods

    Since not everyone can head off mid-day on a Tuesday afternoon, we’re celebrating early! Join us for a National Hike Day Celebration. Whether you often enjoy the trails or haven’t had the courage to head out on your own…all are welcome!

    Hiking Lead: TBD

  • Annual Christmas in the Village Event

    Dec 5 2:00-4:00PM | Heritage Chapel

    Step back in time and experience the warmth and wonder of a 19th-century Christmas. The Village will come alive with festive spirit — crackling fires in period hearths and docents dressed in traditional attire. Free family event.

  • Close up on birch tree int he winter with sunlight streaming through trees behind.

    May Woods | Holiday Hike

    Dec 19 1:00-3:00PM | May Woods

    Grab your hiking boots, gloves and maybe even a Santa Hat…it’s time for the May Woods Holiday Hike! This stroll through May Woods will allow you to delight in nature’s finest winter show.

    Hiking Lead: TBD

Have a programming idea?

Have a topic you’d love to learn about? A type of hike you’d like to take? Or…would you like to become a guest lecturer or hiking lead? We’d love to hear from you.

Mackinaw Area Public Library building with trees in the background.

The Lecture Venue: Mackinaw Area Public Library (MAPL)

Our lecture series is brought to you free of charge, thanks in part to, the Mackinaw Area Public Library (MAPL).

MAPL Address: 117 S Main St, Mackinaw, IL 61755, United States

Lectures are hosted in the back room; accessed after hours through the rear entrance. Questions? Contact Us.

Missed An Event ?

All the Mackinaw Area History, all whenever is convenient for you. Our YouTube Channel allows you to time travel back and attend events you missed. Happy viewing!

Close-up of blackened wooden planks reinforced with gray metal brackets and bolts.

Attend Virtually

Interested in attending the lecture series but can’t get there in person? No, problem. We might be a historical society but we’ve embraced the digital age. Join us on Zoom.

Meeting ID: 319 998 8836

Passcode: history (lower case)