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

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

    MAHS 30th Anniversary & USA 250th Birthday Celebration

    Aug 10 7:00-8:00PM | MAPL

    Join the Mackinaw Area Historical Society as it celebrates its 30 year anniversary alongside America’s 250th. Plenty of stories and visuals will accompany this one of a kind event.This event is free and open to the public.

    Learn More

  • Vintage Base Ball Game Double Header | Heritage Village

    August 15 1:00PM | Heritage Village

    Take your family out this Double Header. As always, a free event at Heritage Village. Mackinaw City will be taking on the Minneconsin All Stars.

    More Details
  • 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

    Coming Soon
  • 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

    More About May Woods
  • 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

    Coming Soon
  • 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

    Coming Soon
  • 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

    More About May Woods

  • 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.

    Coming Soon
  • 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

    More About May Woods

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.

Contact Us
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!

Explore Our YouTube
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)

Take Me to Zoom