Colonial Michilimackinac Will Become 'Fort Fright' October 5, 6

Colonial Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City will host a Halloween event Friday, October 5, and Saturday, October 6. Operating under the name "Fort Fright" for these two nights, the 18th-century fort and fur-trading village will be open from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission of $15 per family, $5 per adult, or $3 per student will be charged.

The fort will be transformed into a haunted place where werewolves, will-o-the-wisps, and other legendary characters roam. Visitors will enter the "Fort Fright" event through the Colonial Michilimackinac Visitor's Center, and be guided down a path to the fort's "water gate." Along the way, they will encounter a campfire surrounded by story-telling voyageurs, who set the stage for what will be seen and heard inside the fort walls.

Many of the fort's buildings will be open, with lanterns lighting the way from door to door. In several of the houses, costumed interpreters will prepare autumn treats like molasses cookies and toffee candy for visitors to enjoy. Ghost stories and fiddle music will take place.

Most activities at the "Fort Fright" event will be suitable for the whole family, noted Steven Brisson, chief curator of Mackinac Parks and the event coordinator, but a haunted house will also be designed to appeal to older children and adults. This year's haunted house has been expanded with more elaborate characters and chills.

Last year's Fort Fright lured more than 1,100 visitors to Colonial Michilimackinac.