MACKINAW CITY, MICH. -- Mackinac State Historic Parks is marking its 125th anniversary this summer, with plenty of celebrations planned: 125 days’ worth, to be exact.

The organization, which oversees several living history museums and nature parks located in Mackinaw City and on Mackinac Island, was established in 1895 after the federal government shuttered America’s second national park, Mackinac National Park.

The 125th anniversary events, most of which are free, will be held at landmarks both on the island as well as in Mackinaw City.

“Mackinac has such a special place in the history of our state and the hearts of Michiganders,” Phil Porter, Mackinac State Historic Parks director, said in a statement. “We look forward to sharing this 125th anniversary celebration with our visitors this summer through an exciting and engaging slate of activities and events.”

Recurring events include free movies held weekly at the island’s Fort Mackinac as well as in Mackinaw City, with the Mackinaw Bridge as a backdrop; evening cannon-firing events at Colonial Michilimackinac and Fort Mackinac; themed weekends at historic sites, as well as “Hidden History” evenings at Colonial Michilimackinac; and guided walks to some of Mackinac Island’s most notable historic and natural landmarks.

A gala celebration will be held on July 25th, the actual 125th anniversary of Mackinac State Historic Parks, with free music and fireworks over the Straits.

The anniversary will also be marked by several new exhibits.

On May 5th, the new Mackinac Island Native American Museum will open in the island’s historic Biddle House, exploring the stories of the Anishnaabek and other indigenous people in the region, with a particular focus on the 1830′s. A new gallery space and two restored bedrooms will open at Mackinaw City’s Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse -- the first time in the history of the lighthouse that the public will be able to see the landmark’s second floor. And a juried art exhibition titled “A Day in the Park: Celebrating 125 Years of Mackinac Island State Park” will be on display May 4 through Oct. 11 at the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum on Mackinac Island.

There will be some delicious celebratory treats, too, such as a special farmhouse ale from Bière de Mac Brew Works in Mackinaw City, and a commemorative flavor of fudge from Ryba’s Fudge Shops.

A full schedule of events can be found online at mackinacparks.com/mackinac125.

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