Unveiling of Passenger Pigeon Monument in Petoskey - The Great Passenger Pigeon Nesting of 1878

Unveiling of new Petoskey Passenger Pigeon Monument created by artist Todd McCrain, joining the growing City of Petoskey public art projects. Reading from Aldo Leopold’s “On a Monument to the Pigeon,” Linda Hammond, a local singer-songwriter, will perform her Ballad of the Passenger Pigeon and there will be brief remarks at the Danser Professional Building, 308 State Street, Petoskey.

In an effort to foster a greater love for Northern Michigan’s natural resources, local organizations are coming together this June to host a week of free, public events commemorating “The Great Petoskey Passenger Pigeon Nesting of 1878”.

The week-long series, running from June 15 through June 19, 2026, will culminate in the unveiling of a new bronze monument dedicated to the extinct bird.

The commemorative week is supported by numerous collaborating partners, including the Emmet County Historical Commission, Little Traverse History Museum, Little Traverse Conservancy, Mackinac State Historic Parks, Petoskey Regional Audubon Society, Inland Seas Education Association, Crooked Tree Arts Center, and The City of Petoskey.

In addition to the scheduled events, the Little Traverse History Museum will be open all week from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to stop by to view a taxidermy passenger pigeon and a wall mural depicting the 1800’s hunting of the birds in the Petoskey area.