'History and Star Lore of Odawa Indians' topic of walk, talk on May 18

Take a step back in time along the Lake Michigan shoreline on Saturday, May 18, during a joint program of the Little Traverse Conservancy, the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians and Emmet County.

The program, "History and Star Lore of Odawa Indians at McGulpin Point and the Headlands," begins at historic McGulpin Point Lighthouse at 8 p.m. Eric Hemenway, Director of Repatriation, Archives and Records for the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, will give an historical tour of how the Odawa came to inhabit the Straits of Mackinac and Little Traverse Bay Area.

Participants will walk the shoreline to the Headlands, where Mary Stewart Adams, Star Lore Historian and Director of the Headlands International Dark Sky Park, will share stories of constellations and how they guided early inhabitants both navigationally and spiritually. Meet at the Dark Sky Viewing Area.

The program will conclude at 10 p.m. There is no cost to participate, and reservations are not required. This event is open to the public. For more details, call (231) 838-8181. Both Emmet County park properties are located 2 miles west of downtown Mackinaw City.
 

McGulpin Point Lighthouse & Historic Site opens for the season May 17, 2013

Another summer season is upon Northern Michigan, and it's the time of year that Emmet County reopens the McGulpin Point Lighthouse and Historic Site in Mackinaw City. The lighthouse will open on Friday, May 17, 2013; hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. There is no admission charge for the lighthouse or to climb the tower.

This season, an expanded gift shop and improved trail to the Straits of Mackinac will greet visitors, as well as other site enhancements and signage. A self-guided cellphone tour on the grounds gives visitors more background on this important historical property in Northern Emmet County.

McGulpin Point Lighthouse was an Aid to Navigation on the Straits from 1869 to 1909, after which it was privately owned. Emmet County purchased the lighthouse and acreage in 2008 and since that time the county has worked to restore it to period decor. To read more about its history, click here.

The lighthouse is located at 500 Headlands Dr., Mackinaw City. Phone is (231) 436-5860. For more information, email bpiehl@emmetcounty.org or call the lighthouse.

To view a photo gallery of McGulpin Point Lighthouse, click here.

Take a self-guided cell phone tour of Emmet County's parks & recreational sites

Look for these signs at OnCell stops around the county.

During the summer season each year, Emmet County and several partner organizations offer a self-guided cell phone tour at county parks and other significant properties and attractions throughout Northwest Michigan.

The OnCell service is once again active for the season and includes a number of new stops added to the dozens that are already active. Visit destinations throughout Emmet County, Mackinaw City, Mackinaw's Heritage Village, Pellston and now along the Bear River corridor in Petoskey to hear more about the history and unique features of these sites. Each site is marked with a sign with instructions on how to access the audio (some signs will be placed in the coming days); they're found along sidewalks, walkways and trails. You can either dial the main number and punch in the stop number to hear the audio or scan the QR code to be taken directly to the audio.

The County partners with Mackinaw City, Heritage Village and the city of Petoskey in this unique recreational offering. Click here to download the complete brochure with stops listed; if you'd like one mailed to you at no cost, email bpiehl@emmetcounty.org or call (231) 348-1704. If your site would be interested in taking part in the self-guided cell phone tour program, contact Beth Anne Piehl at the email or phone number above.