New Year’s Eve Great Turtle Drop on Mackinac Island, featuring a glowing turtle being lowered over Main Street during a snowy winter celebration in Northern Michigan

Why Is It Called the "Great Turtle Drop"?

The Turtle Connection to Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island's name is derived from the Ojibwa word Michilimackinac, which loosely translates to "Great Turtle." Indigenous tribes believed the island resembled a turtle's shell rising from the water – and the turtle has remained a cultural symbol of Mackinac ever since.

A Quirky, Symbolic Celebration

Started in 2012 by the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau, the Great Turtle Drop was designed to be a small-town twist on the famous Times Square ball drop. Instead of a glittering orb, Mackinac drops a glowing turtle, lit with festive lights and lowered from a crane over Main Street as locals and visitors count down to the New Year.

When and Where Does the Great Turtle Drop Take Place?

Event Timing for 2026

  • Date: Thursday, December 31, 2026

  • Time: Festivities begin around 11:30 PM

  • Turtle Drop: Midnight sharp

Location Details

  • Main Street, in front of the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau

  • Close to restaurants, fudge shops, and open inns that remain operational in the off-season

  • Note: The Inn at Stonecliffe is closed during this time and reopens in May 2026

What Happens During the Great Turtle Drop?

Event Highlights

  • Live music or festive playlist

  • Hot cocoa and treats from select downtown vendors

  • Countdown with community participation

  • The glowing turtle is lowered to cheers at midnight

What Makes It Special

  • One of the most unique New Year’s traditions in the U.S.

  • Intimate, small-town atmosphere

  • A celebration rooted in local history

  • Family-friendly and suitable for all ages

Is Mackinac Island Open in the Winter?

Winter Access and Limitations

While the island remains open, many services are limited:

  • Ferry access is weather-dependent (typically from St. Ignace)

  • Snowmobile and foot traffic replace bicycles and horses

  • Hotels, restaurants, and attractions are mostly closed

The Inn at Stonecliffe is closed from October 27, 2025 through April 2026.

How to Attend the Great Turtle Drop (If You Plan Ahead for Future Years)

Tips for a Smooth Visit

  1. Arrive early: Ferries may run limited hours due to weather

  2. Book lodging in advance: Only a few hotels are open in winter

  3. Dress warmly: Temperatures often drop well below freezing

  4. Pack essentials: Fewer open shops mean fewer places to buy last-minute items

Things to Pack for a Winter Visit

  • Heavy winter coat and snow boots

  • Thermal layers and waterproof gloves

  • Hand warmers

  • Snacks and water

When to Visit Mackinac Island Instead? May – October 2026

If winter weather isn’t for you, the best way to experience the magic of Mackinac Island is to plan your visit from May through October, when The Inn at Stonecliffe welcomes guests back to the West Bluff.

Reasons to Visit in the Warmer Months

  • Horse-drawn carriages and bike rides

  • World-famous lilac blooms in June

  • Access to the island’s hiking trails, state parks, and scenic views

  • Gourmet dining, spa treatments, and curated events at The Inn at Stonecliffe

  • The perfect summer getaway or fall foliage escape

FAQs About the Great Turtle Drop

Question Answer
What is the Great Turtle Drop? A glowing turtle is lowered from a crane on Main Street at midnight to ring in the new year.
Where does it happen? In front of the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau on Main Street.
Is it family-friendly? Yes, it is suitable for all ages and attracts locals and families.
Can I attend if I stay at The Inn at Stonecliffe? No, the Inn is closed during the winter season.
What are alternatives to visiting during New Year’s? Book a summer or fall stay at The Inn at Stonecliffe to explore the island and learn about its traditions.

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Experience Mackinac Island Traditions Year-Round

While The Inn at Stonecliffe is closed during the Great Turtle Drop, we invite you to book your 2026 summer or fall escape to experience the island's breathtaking beauty, historic charm, and rich traditions that include iconic events like this one.

Why Stay at The Inn at Stonecliffe in 2026?

  • Panoramic views of Lake Huron and the Mackinac Bridge

  • Spacious, historic rooms and cottages

  • Gourmet dining and curated experiences

  • Access to island hiking, biking, and seasonal events

Book your 2026 stay between May and October to enjoy Mackinac Island at its finest – and take part in traditions that make this destination truly unforgettable.

Related Blog Posts

Discover 

The Great Turtle Drop on Mackinac Island is one of Michigan's quirkiest and most beloved New Year’s Eve traditions. Here’s how it started – and how you can experience its charm year-round by planning your warm-weather visit to The Inn at Stonecliffe.

Though The Inn at Stonecliffe closes for winter, travelers can explore the Great Turtle Drop's origins and plan a 2026 summer or fall escape to Mackinac Island's most scenic retreat.

Overview Summary Block

  • Event Name: Great Turtle Drop

  • Location: Main Street, Mackinac Island

  • Timing: December 31 at midnight (not accessible from The Inn at Stonecliffe)

  • Significance: Celebrates the island’s "Great Turtle" nickname

  • Experience: Quirky, family-friendly, community countdown

  • Alternatives: Visit May through October 2026 and explore Mackinac traditions during peak season

  • Stay Suggestion: Book The Inn at Stonecliffe for a historical, elevated island experience

Final Thought

The Great Turtle Drop is more than a quirky tradition – it’s a celebration of community, heritage, and the enduring spirit of Mackinac Island. Whether you dream of watching the turtle descend or simply wish to immerse yourself in the culture that inspired it, plan your 2026 visit to The Inn at Stonecliffe and enjoy the island's beauty when it’s in full bloom.

Plan now. Travel later. Discover Mackinac.

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