Fort Mackinac
Inside the stately stone walls it’s a different time.
The cannon blasts, the rifles fire, the soldiers march and history comes alive. The oldest building in Michigan and 13 other historical structures boast exhibits explaining everything from military training and battles to medical treatments to family life within the fort.
More than just a military outpost, Fort Mackinac served as a home for soldiers and their families and eventually the headquarters for Mackinac National Park, where tourists to the island visited the great fortress on the bluff, much like they do today.
Live Programs and Tours
Demonstrations and tours by costumed interpreters are scheduled throughout the day.
Exhibits
All fourteen buildings in the fort are restored and open to the public. They are furnished with period settings highlighting the building’s particular function or a themed exhibit. Special exhibits include:
- Mackinac, An Island Famous in These Regions on the second floor of the Soldier’s’ Barracks presents the full history of Mackinac Island.
- Military Medicine at Mackinac: 1780-1895 in the Post Hospital explores medical care at the fort and changing nineteenth-century medical practices.
- Kids’ Quarters features hands-on displays and interactive games.
Audiovisual Programs
Heritage of Mackinac is featured in the Post Commissary, providing an overview history of Mackinac. It repeats every 20 minutes.
Fort Mackinac Video via Mackinac State Historic Parks
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Fort Mackinac – Photos From Instagram
Tag your Fort Mackinac instagram photos with #fortmackinac and they will appear here in our Fort Mackinac Instagram Photo Stream.
Today we took the dogs back in time and brought them to Mackinac Island for the first time! What an amazing day we had! They even posed for this photo at Fort Mackinac! It was a beautiful day too! . . #dogfamily #huskyfamily #huskyheaven #huskypack #dogpack #packgoals #packlove #happydogs #mydogs #mydogismy #mydogismyfamily #mydogismybestfriend #fortheloveofdogs #mychildrenhavepaws #fluffydogs #fluffers #instadogs #northernbreed #thisismackinac #mackinacislandlife #mackinacisle #fortmackinac #mittenstate #mymackinac #mackinacisland #michiganawesome #puremichigan #puremittigan #michigan

Today we took the dogs back in time and brought them to Mackinac Island for the first time! What an amazing day we had! They even posed for this photo at Fort Mackinac! It was a beautiful day too! . . #dogfamily #huskyfamily #huskyheaven #huskypack #dogpack #packgoals #packlove #happydogs #mydogs #mydogismy #mydogismyfamily #mydogismybestfriend #fortheloveofdogs #mychildrenhavepaws #fluffydogs #fluffers #instadogs #northernbreed #thisismackinac #mackinacislandlife #mackinacisle #fortmackinac #mittenstate #mymackinac #mackinacisland #michiganawesome #puremichigan #puremittigan #michigan
The American Fur Company Store is apart of Historic Downtown Mackinac! It’s included with admission into Fort Mackinac - come check it out 🫖

The American Fur Company Store is apart of Historic Downtown Mackinac! It’s included with admission into Fort Mackinac - come check it out 🫖
Fall family sessions are the best!! 🍁🙌🍁How cute are these Doud’s boys!? doudsmarket littleluxuriesofmackinac

Fall family sessions are the best!! 🍁🙌🍁How cute are these Doud’s boys!? doudsmarket littleluxuriesofmackinac
Trinity Church, Fort and Coastguard Station, Mackinac Island. Acrylic on 12x12x2.5 wood cradles #mackinacisland #mackinac #mackinacart #mackinacislandart #mackinacislandlife #fortmackinac #summerart #cottageart #cottagechic #cottagedecor #cottagestyle #lakehouseart #lakehousepainting #lakehouse #islandart #michigan #michiganart #northernmichigan #northernmichiganartist #michiganartist #artforsale #artforsaleoninstagram #colorfulart #happyart #happypainting #happyplace #sailboat #sailboatart #madeinmichigan #rachaelvandyke

Trinity Church, Fort and Coastguard Station, Mackinac Island. Acrylic on 12x12x2.5 wood cradles #mackinacisland #mackinac #mackinacart #mackinacislandart #mackinacislandlife #fortmackinac #summerart #cottageart #cottagechic #cottagedecor #cottagestyle #lakehouseart #lakehousepainting #lakehouse #islandart #michigan #michiganart #northernmichigan #northernmichiganartist #michiganartist #artforsale #artforsaleoninstagram #colorfulart #happyart #happypainting #happyplace #sailboat #sailboatart #madeinmichigan #rachaelvandyke
Watching the seasons change from Fort Mackinac! We certainly enjoyed the warmer temps this week. 🍂☀️🍂 www.theinnatstonecliffe.com

Watching the seasons change from Fort Mackinac! We certainly enjoyed the warmer temps this week. 🍂☀️🍂 www.theinnatstonecliffe.com
Just one of the many things you’ll experience at Fort Mackinac! 🎻 #thisismackinac #fortmackinac #mackinacisland #mackinacislandstatepark #mackinacstatehistoricparks #historicinterpreter #fall

Just one of the many things you’ll experience at Fort Mackinac! 🎻 #thisismackinac #fortmackinac #mackinacisland #mackinacislandstatepark #mackinacstatehistoricparks #historicinterpreter #fall
When you visit Mackinac Island, do you visit the historical sites? . I am a total history nerd. I love to visit historic sites when I travel AND when I am home. In this picture is Colonial Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City that we visit at least once a season. I also have a pass to visit Fort Mackinac on the Island and its downtown historic sites anytime, and I do visit often. I love to grab coffee and just hang out on a bench at the Fort's parade grounds, or take my kids to the blacksmith shop (Hey, Monty!!). . . As someone who is so passionate and excited about these opportunities I love to promote them. SO, do you visit these sites when you visit Mackinac Island? Because you should. It gives you a connection to the island in a deeper way. . . #mackinac #mackinacisland #mymackinac #puremichigan #michigan #upnorth #greatlakes #oldhome #oldhouse #historichome #historichouse #innkeeper #innkeeping #colonial #michilimackinac #thisismackinac #fortmackinac #history #livinghistory #vintage #antique #antiques #connection

When you visit Mackinac Island, do you visit the historical sites? . I am a total history nerd. I love to visit historic sites when I travel AND when I am home. In this picture is Colonial Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City that we visit at least once a season. I also have a pass to visit Fort Mackinac on the Island and its downtown historic sites anytime, and I do visit often. I love to grab coffee and just hang out on a bench at the Fort's parade grounds, or take my kids to the blacksmith shop (Hey, Monty!!). . . As someone who is so passionate and excited about these opportunities I love to promote them. SO, do you visit these sites when you visit Mackinac Island? Because you should. It gives you a connection to the island in a deeper way. . . #mackinac #mackinacisland #mymackinac #puremichigan #michigan #upnorth #greatlakes #oldhome #oldhouse #historichome #historichouse #innkeeper #innkeeping #colonial #michilimackinac #thisismackinac #fortmackinac #history #livinghistory #vintage #antique #antiques #connection
🧨Happy 4th of July!🧨 We celebrated by taking in a little history on #mackinacisland 🐴 #happy4thofjuly #july4th #independenceday #fortmackinac #upnorth #exploringthemitten #familytime #cancerfamily #neuroblastoma #cnsrelapse #chemohair #rejoicealways #praywithoutceasing #noonefightsalone #prayersforpryce

🧨Happy 4th of July!🧨 We celebrated by taking in a little history on #mackinacisland 🐴 #happy4thofjuly #july4th #independenceday #fortmackinac #upnorth #exploringthemitten #familytime #cancerfamily #neuroblastoma #cnsrelapse #chemohair #rejoicealways #praywithoutceasing #noonefightsalone #prayersforpryce
headed north for a bit of island time with my favorite this weekend ❣️
The perfect perch to look over the Straits of Mackinac.
Stepping off the ferry on Mackinac Island, MI, is like stepping into a different world, and we were immediately taken by the charm of this “old world meets Disney’s Main Street”. There is no motorized traffic on the island, only horse and carriages, bikes, and foot traffic, and I was half expecting to see women in beautiful Victorian dresses with hats and sun umbrellas. We enjoyed a stroll through the town, with beautiful views of the harbor and the fort. We had a lovely lunch at one of the many restaurants, before walking through a gorgeous wooded area to Arch Rock, where the views just blew us away. The way the beautiful limestone arch and the greenery frame the view of the stunning turquoise water is nothing short of spectacular. We ended our first day on the island with a drink at the Grand Hotel, home to the largest front porch in the world. We loved the island so much we immediately decided to come back a second day. • Swipe to see the lovely town, the stunning colors at the arch, and the Grand Hotel. • #mackinacisland #mackinac #thisismackinac #mainstreet #mainstreetusa #fortmackinac #archrock #turqoisewater #turquoisewaters #grandhotel #grandhotelmackinacisland #frontporch #oldworld #horseandcarriage #horsedrawncarriage #puremichigan #rvexploring #rvlifestyle #rvcruising #roadtrip #gorv #gorving #rvtravel #rvtravels #roadtripusa #exploreamerica #travelamerica #exploreusa #ontheroadagain #keepyourdaydream

Stepping off the ferry on Mackinac Island, MI, is like stepping into a different world, and we were immediately taken by the charm of this “old world meets Disney’s Main Street”. There is no motorized traffic on the island, only horse and carriages, bikes, and foot traffic, and I was half expecting to see women in beautiful Victorian dresses with hats and sun umbrellas. We enjoyed a stroll through the town, with beautiful views of the harbor and the fort. We had a lovely lunch at one of the many restaurants, before walking through a gorgeous wooded area to Arch Rock, where the views just blew us away. The way the beautiful limestone arch and the greenery frame the view of the stunning turquoise water is nothing short of spectacular. We ended our first day on the island with a drink at the Grand Hotel, home to the largest front porch in the world. We loved the island so much we immediately decided to come back a second day. • Swipe to see the lovely town, the stunning colors at the arch, and the Grand Hotel. • #mackinacisland #mackinac #thisismackinac #mainstreet #mainstreetusa #fortmackinac #archrock #turqoisewater #turquoisewaters #grandhotel #grandhotelmackinacisland #frontporch #oldworld #horseandcarriage #horsedrawncarriage #puremichigan #rvexploring #rvlifestyle #rvcruising #roadtrip #gorv #gorving #rvtravel #rvtravels #roadtripusa #exploreamerica #travelamerica #exploreusa #ontheroadagain #keepyourdaydream
Mackinac Island is so picturesque. Somehow, a blanket of winter snow makes it seem even cozier. 😍 Where’s your favorite winter spot around the Great Lakes? 🌊 🌊 Photo by jasovereign #greatlakes #greatlakesloving #lakemichigan #lakehuron #michigan #mackinacisland #northernmichigan #puremichigan #michigrammers #michiganders #fortmackinac #puremichigan #michiganwinter #winter #cozy #snow #vacation #travel #greatlakeshistory #explore #mackinacisle #upperpeninsula #theup #upnorthmichigan #thisismackinac #makeitmackinac #beautifulview #mackinacislandlife #mackinacislandtourism

Mackinac Island is so picturesque. Somehow, a blanket of winter snow makes it seem even cozier. 😍 Where’s your favorite winter spot around the Great Lakes? 🌊 🌊 Photo by jasovereign #greatlakes #greatlakesloving #lakemichigan #lakehuron #michigan #mackinacisland #northernmichigan #puremichigan #michigrammers #michiganders #fortmackinac #puremichigan #michiganwinter #winter #cozy #snow #vacation #travel #greatlakeshistory #explore #mackinacisle #upperpeninsula #theup #upnorthmichigan #thisismackinac #makeitmackinac #beautifulview #mackinacislandlife #mackinacislandtourism
Ran 5 hilly miles 🏃🏽♀️, biked 8 miles 🚴🏼 around the island while drinking a white claw 😂. Pretty active Saturday! This water is so damn pretty! This place makes Shanon very happy 🙃. #whiteclaw #mackinacisland #forttofort #puremichigan #pretendinfluencer #runner #lakehuron #pinkpony #redhead #beautifulwater #vaca #weekendgetaway #michigan #cycling #walking #activeaf #🔥🔥 #fishtacos #fortmackinac

Ran 5 hilly miles 🏃🏽♀️, biked 8 miles 🚴🏼 around the island while drinking a white claw 😂. Pretty active Saturday! This water is so damn pretty! This place makes Shanon very happy 🙃. #whiteclaw #mackinacisland #forttofort #puremichigan #pretendinfluencer #runner #lakehuron #pinkpony #redhead #beautifulwater #vaca #weekendgetaway #michigan #cycling #walking #activeaf #🔥🔥 #fishtacos #fortmackinac
Most people associate stunning fall colors in the US with New England, but completely overlook another incredible option: the Midwest! And within the Midwest, I honestly think Michigan has some of the best fall colors in the country. (There, I said it!) This photo, for example, isn’t from New England, but rather is from Mackinac Island, a popular summer resort island in Michigan. While Mackinac isn’t known for its fall color (its delicious fudge and ban on cars are way more famous), there are nevertheless lots of colors to enjoy this time of year. So I guess my point is... don’t write off the Midwest when it comes to fall color! (Also, expect lots more fall color photos in the coming weeks 😬.) Would you have ever guessed this photo was taken in Michigan? Also, what else would you like to know about Mackinac Island? I’ll share more info about this quirky spot in my next post.

Most people associate stunning fall colors in the US with New England, but completely overlook another incredible option: the Midwest! And within the Midwest, I honestly think Michigan has some of the best fall colors in the country. (There, I said it!) This photo, for example, isn’t from New England, but rather is from Mackinac Island, a popular summer resort island in Michigan. While Mackinac isn’t known for its fall color (its delicious fudge and ban on cars are way more famous), there are nevertheless lots of colors to enjoy this time of year. So I guess my point is... don’t write off the Midwest when it comes to fall color! (Also, expect lots more fall color photos in the coming weeks 😬.) Would you have ever guessed this photo was taken in Michigan? Also, what else would you like to know about Mackinac Island? I’ll share more info about this quirky spot in my next post.
Repost from _sovereign_photography_ • Congratulations to _sovereign_photography_ for this incredible shot of Mackinac Island! Check out his feed for more pure Michigan beauty! • • • • • #capturingmichigan #puremichigan #puremittigan #puremittiganpride #puremittenlove #uptravel #naturalmichigan #michiganders #mittenstatelove #michiganawesome #bestofthegreatlakesstate #thegreatlakesstate #greatlakesloving #greatlakesproud #michiganoverboard #michigancrush #mackinacisland #mymackinac #mackinacislandtourism #fortmackinac #thegreatlifemichigan #michiganlife #michiganlifestyle #midwestlivingmag #upperpeninsulamichigan

Repost from _sovereign_photography_ • Congratulations to _sovereign_photography_ for this incredible shot of Mackinac Island! Check out his feed for more pure Michigan beauty! • • • • • #capturingmichigan #puremichigan #puremittigan #puremittiganpride #puremittenlove #uptravel #naturalmichigan #michiganders #mittenstatelove #michiganawesome #bestofthegreatlakesstate #thegreatlakesstate #greatlakesloving #greatlakesproud #michiganoverboard #michigancrush #mackinacisland #mymackinac #mackinacislandtourism #fortmackinac #thegreatlifemichigan #michiganlife #michiganlifestyle #midwestlivingmag #upperpeninsulamichigan
While being on Mackinac Island, MI, is fabulous, the ferry ride to and from the island is also a treat with views of the beautiful turquoise waters, the Mackinac Bridge (also called “The Mighty Mac”), the Grand Hotel, the Fort, the town, the lighthouse, the ferry docks, and the marina. We took one of the ferry crossings that takes you under the bridge, which makes it that little extra special!😍 • • • #mackinacisland #mackinac #mackinacbridge #mackinacislandlife #thisismackinac #themightymac #ferryride #ferrycrossing #grandhotel #grandhotelmichigan #grandhotelmackinacisland #fortmackinac #starlineferry #turqoisewater #turquoisewaters #puremichigan #rvexploring #rvlifestyle #rvcruising #roadtrip #gorv #gorving #rvtravel #rvtravels #roadtripusa #exploreamerica #travelamerica #exploreusa #ontheroadagain #keepyourdaydream

While being on Mackinac Island, MI, is fabulous, the ferry ride to and from the island is also a treat with views of the beautiful turquoise waters, the Mackinac Bridge (also called “The Mighty Mac”), the Grand Hotel, the Fort, the town, the lighthouse, the ferry docks, and the marina. We took one of the ferry crossings that takes you under the bridge, which makes it that little extra special!😍 • • • #mackinacisland #mackinac #mackinacbridge #mackinacislandlife #thisismackinac #themightymac #ferryride #ferrycrossing #grandhotel #grandhotelmichigan #grandhotelmackinacisland #fortmackinac #starlineferry #turqoisewater #turquoisewaters #puremichigan #rvexploring #rvlifestyle #rvcruising #roadtrip #gorv #gorving #rvtravel #rvtravels #roadtripusa #exploreamerica #travelamerica #exploreusa #ontheroadagain #keepyourdaydream
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