Candlelight Tour of Historic Homes July 31

History fans can travel back to Mackinac Island's rich 19thcentury fur trade era during a candlelight tour of Mackinac Island's historic homes, shops, and buildings Tuesday, July 31. Along the way, tour-takers will meet some of the Island's colorful characters from the past.

The tours begin at 8 p.m. at the Mackinac Island State Park Visitors Center, where docents will lead small groups on a lamp-lit stroll through 1820s Mackinac Island, which includes stops at the Indian Dormitory, McGulpin House, Marquette Park, American Fur Company Store, Stuart House and Biddle House.

Costumed historic interpreters will portray people from the 1820s like American Fur Company general manager Ramsey Crooks and clerk Gurdon Hubbard, fort surgeon William Beaumont, Metis women, socialites, and families.

The tour ends with refreshments in the Biddle House herb garden.

The City of Mackinac Island will be hosting an open house from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Stuart House city museum that is open to participants in the candlelight tour.

Tours are $30 for families, $10 for adults, and $6 for children.