Color Cruise and Island Festival

Friday, October 12 - Sunday, October 14, 2018

Highlights from our 2017 event:

Photo courtesy of William Gibbons

Each year the annual event celebrates with an unmatched combination of nature's glories and mid-Michigan good times in October. The towering hardwood trees compete to see which can most beautifully reflect its colors on the river.

Our beautiful riverboat takes admirers up and down the river, providing a relaxing slice of history and an unmatched view of our historic 60 foot sandstone ledges. Rock climbers come from across the country to conquer the sheer ledges. Try your hand, or just enjoy watching those who dare.

Voyageurs, fur traders, and wood carvers will inhabit the area all three days. Folk music played on traditional instruments, voices heard in hearty harmony, and the rhythmic thud of cloggers mark the weekend.

Music and Special Programs Schedule

Children can cuddle the bunnies and pet the sheep and llamas in the petting zoo (small entrance fee applies). Try a craft, paint a pumpkin, or even crank an old fashioned cider press.

There will be lots to see: traveling blacksmith, Native American display and crafts, lamp work beads, wooden puzzles, spinning and carding, quilting, portraitures, log cabin building, and railroad safety display.

There will also be a Diamond Dig on the island sponsored by the Grand Ledge Opera House. For only $5, you can get 2 scoops of sand to sift through for treasure!

The stage next to the gazebo will be filled with various entertainment throughout the three day event.

The Grand Ledge Area District Library is hosting a Color Cruise Story Time (preschool to early elementary). Stories with Mrs. T at 10:15 AM and 11:30 AM on Friday on the Island Park.

Then, there's the food! Chili, hot dogs, steak and cheese sandwiches, brats, freshly popped black kettle caramel corn, elephant ears, fresh lemonade, root beer floats, and more soothe appetites sharpened by the cool air.

Friday is special for seniors. Bus tours are welcome and group packages can include step-on guides, a historic driving tour, and a ride on the authentic riverboat.

Prices:

Island Admission - Adults: $4 | Children: $1 | Friday Special for Seniors: $3 | Family of 4 or more: $12 | Under 3: Free
Riverboat Rides - Adults: $9 | Children: $3 | Friday Special for Seniors: $8 | Boat rides are 30 minutes and leave every 45 minutes; tickets are all timed and only sold up to capacity
Covered wagon rides through town sponsored by Dart Bank - Adults: $3 | Children: $1 | Friday Special for Seniors: $2

Also, happening around town:

'View from Above' airplane rides will be available for $20 per person (kids under 3 years old are free); check in at the airport. 3 passengers per 15-20 minute ride. First come, first serve. *All rides are subject to rescheduling/ cancelation due to weather.
Friday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Grand Ledge Farmers' Market - Saturday from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM at Jaycee Park.
Craft Show and Bake Sale at the Masonic Temple - Saturday from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Providing food from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Capitol City Car Club's Vintage Vehicle Display - Saturday from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM in downtown Grand Ledge.
Eaton County Parks' Bike Ride - Saturday at 10:00 AM at Fitzgerald Park and 11:00 AM at Fox Park.
Grand Ledge Opera House's Oktoberfest - Showcasing “Oompa” music, German beer, and a German dinner - Saturday from 1:00 - 10:00 PM.
Grand Ledge Area Historical Society's Museum is open all three afternoons. Narrated boat cruise and nature walk on the ledges - Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 PM.
Grand Ledge Area Historical Society's Oakwood Cemetery Walk - Sunday at 3:00 PM.

Grand Ledge cloaks itself in finery so vivid and exciting in October that one would think there was a party. We invite you to come!

Hosted by Grand Ledge Chamber of Commerce

Sponsored by:

Additional support for this festival was also provided by:
A&W | Captain John's Galley | Log Jam

Proceeds from all Chamber events are allocated to promoting the Grand Ledge community and its members.