Michigan’s Quirky New Year’s Tradition You Probably Didn’t Know

When it comes to New Year's Eve traditions, I normally think of drinking champagne, the ball dropping, fireworks, and a kiss at midnight—the usual New Year's Eve checklist.

Heck, even for a Michigander, the New York ball drop at midnight is an annual tradition. But did you know Michigan had its own tradition and "drop" of sorts?

What Is the Great Turtle Drop?

Despite that I've been a lifelong Michigander for 35 years, I had no idea that Mackinac Island has a turtle drop.

Yes—you read that right, and there's no need to worry because it's not a real turtle.

I want to thank TikTok for teaching me, yet again, about things I had no idea about, because that's where I learned about this fun and fantastic tradition on Mackinac Island.

Every year on New Year's Eve, as the clock is striking midnight, thus begins the Great Turtle Drop.

How the Turtle Drop Works

The event begins at 11:50 pm. From atop the Lilac Tree Hotel, the turtle will descend leading up to midnight, and just as the clock strikes 12, the 70-pound fiberglass turtle will have made its way down to the bottom.

In the TikTok video, you can see that they adorn him with lights to make it extra festive!

What a fun and quirky Michigan tradition! And way better than trying to make your way through Times Square on New Year's Eve.