Fort Fright at Colonial Michilimackinac: A hauntingly entertaining experience

MACKINAC ISLAND — Fort Fright will bring the eighteenth-century French-Canadian folklore to life in an interactive event held on Oct. 4-5

According to a Sept. 19 news release, from 6-9:30 p.m. on Oct. 4-5 visitors can expect to encounter mythical creatures, monsters and colonial residents as well as learn about various traditions and ceremonies for the dead.

The family-friendly event will include a custom-designed exhibit featuring themes from a book based on French-Canadian folktales brought to the Mackinac Straits area by the voyageurs during the height of the French fur trade.

"Visitors must tread lightly on the path along the shoreline because as the sun sets on the horizon, all manner of monsters take over the fort and eagerly await your arrival inside," the release said. "There are campfires glowing in the night where a voyageur tells eerie tales and warns you of the terror that might await you before you approach the guarded gates of Colonial Michilimackinac. You are now on your own to enter the wooden palisade, a frightening world of fun and phantoms wrapped into one."

In other wooden buildings within the fort and fur trading village, colonial residents serve warm autumn treats like cookies and toffee.

Guests can learn about death and burial in the 1700s and the various traditions and ceremonies for the dead from over 250 years ago in the church.

"The majority of the activities at Fort Fright will be suitable for the entire family," Mackinac State Historic Parks director Steve Brisson said. "We'll also have a number of interesting and scary activities designed to appeal to older children and adults."

Admission to Fort Fright is $15 per adult, $10 for children ages five to 12, and free for children four and under and Mackinac Associates members (excluding Heritage Level).

Tickets are available now online, or pre-purchase tickets beginning Oct. 1 in the Colonial Michilimackinac Visitor's Center.

Visitors who purchase in advance will be able to enter through a shorter line, indicated by the "Mackinac Associates and Pre-Paid Tickets Here" sign.

The last admission on both nights is at 8:30 p.m. Call 231-436-4100 for more information.