Jack Pine Lumberjack Shows: Michigan’s Hidden Gem

Michigan is packed with things to see and do—theme parks, museums, dunes, sculpture parks, lively downtowns, waterfalls, and of course, the iconic Great Lakes. But here’s something you might not know: there’s a place where you can catch a real live lumberjack show every day!

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A Perfect 'Up North' Family Adventure

This seems like the ultimate family activity when you’re heading Up North. It’s got action, history, and a whole lot of laughs. Honestly, this is exactly the kind of thing my brothers and I would have gone nuts for as kids. We spent plenty of summers on Mackinac Island, but somehow, I had no clue this place even existed so close-by!

👇BELOW: TOP LESSER-KNOWN ATTRACTIONS IN MICHIGAN'S UPPER PENINSULA👇

Jack Pine Lumberjack Shows via Facebook

Jack Pine Lumberjack Shows in Mackinaw City, Michigan

You'll find Jack Pine Lumberjack Shows in Mackinaw City, just across from the Mackinac Bridge. Lumberjacks compete, showing off turn-of-the century skills like chopping, sawing, axe throwing, tree-climbing, cross-cut sawing, and logrolling. Some of the lumberjacks have even competed on ESPN!

Jack Pine Lumberjack Shows via Facebook

There's a chainsaw carving demonstration as well and you'll learn all about Michigan's logging past. From their Facebook page, looks like there's lots of audience involvement. Reviews say the show is packed with laughs too!

If I'd gone as a kid, I know I'd be begging for a souvenir! They’ve got a little shop with snacks, handmade wood carvings, and other fun keepsakes to bring home.

Jack Pine Lumberjack Shows via Facebook

When To Go and How Much It Costs

The season at Jack Pine Lumberjack Shows runs May through the end of September with shows daily. Showtimes vary, so be sure to check the schedule here.

Tickets are $22 for ages 15 and up, kids 5-14 are $14, children under 5 are free.

Jack Pine Lumberjack Shows Around the State

You can also catch the lumberjack shows at different festivals and events around Michigan! Here's where they'll be coming up:

Oscoda's Paul Bunyan Days Festival, Sept. 12-14
Wyandotte's Fire & Flannel Festival, Sept 26-27
- Friday: 6:30pm, 7:50pm
- Saturday: 2:00pm, 4:00pm, 8:00pm
Cedar Springs Red Flannel Festival, Oct. 4, 11 a.m., 1p.m., 4p.m.

Top Lesser-Known Attractions in Michigan's Upper Peninsula

While places like Mackinac Island and Pictured Rocks are great and definitely worth seeing, there are some other, less-popular spots in the U.P. that you should check out on your next trip up north.

Gallery Credit: Wendy Reed

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