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.
My favourite be the boat. I suddenly have an urge to learn about boats. #mackinacisland #sunset #fortmackinac #greatlakes #travel #travelphotography
My favourite be the boat. I suddenly have an urge to learn about boats. #mackinacisland #sunset #fortmackinac #greatlakes #travel #travelphotography
One month from today! #thisismackinac #mackinacstatehistoricparks #fortmackinac #mackinacisland #mackinacislandstatepark
One month from today! #thisismackinac #mackinacstatehistoricparks #fortmackinac #mackinacisland #mackinacislandstatepark
We clean up nicely sometimes! Had a nice dinner grandhotelmichigan on the island.
Touring #fortmackinac
Fort Mackinac, located on Mackinac Island in Michigan, is a historic military outpost with a rich past. Built by the British in the late 18th century, it played a role in various conflicts. Today, the well-preserved fort offers fascinating exhibits, demonstrations, and panoramic views, providing visitors with a glimpse into the region's vibrant history. #fortmackinac #vikingcruises #roamingboomers #mackinacisland
Fort Mackinac, located on Mackinac Island in Michigan, is a historic military outpost with a rich past. Built by the British in the late 18th century, it played a role in various conflicts. Today, the well-preserved fort offers fascinating exhibits, demonstrations, and panoramic views, providing visitors with a glimpse into the region's vibrant history. #fortmackinac #vikingcruises #roamingboomers #mackinacisland
#mackinacbridge
Overlooking the island on top of Fort Mackinac 🏯⛴️ #fortmackinac #puremichigan #spring2023
Beautiful Day for Tea Time.. #phamtastic #fortmackinac #thisismackinac
Always a fun adventure exploring #mackinawisland #grandhotel #fortmackinac #trails #activelifestyle #explore #zoodemack #postrideadventures
Always a fun adventure exploring #mackinawisland #grandhotel #fortmackinac #trails #activelifestyle #explore #zoodemack #postrideadventures
Baby’s first historical reenactment || Colonial Fort Michilimackinac, Michigan 🚩🏰🚩 Fort Michilimackinac hosts one of the longest running historical reenactments in the country exploring the relationships between the French, British, & Anishinaabe people that inhabited the area in the 1700’s. It also details the native uprising against the British as a part of Pontiac’s Rebellion in 1763. Their strategy in using a lacrosse game to gain access into the British fort for attack was truly fascinating. The show paired with a tour of the reconstructed fort(the longest archaeological dig in the US)was a cool interactive experience and fun way to learn a piece of history about the area. It’s apparent that the community takes such pride in hosting this event every year! 🇺🇸 . . . . . #mackinawcity #fortmackinac #colonialmichilimackinac #mymackinac #mackinaw #fortmichilimackinac #historylovers #history #colonialarchitecture #michigan #puremichigan #michiganhistory #exploremichigan #visitmichigan #historynerd #historygeek #roadtripusa #roadtrippin #digitalnomads #wanderlust #alifewelllived #optoutside #rootlessliving #fulltimetravel #roadtripexplorer #mdw
Baby’s first historical reenactment || Colonial Fort Michilimackinac, Michigan 🚩🏰🚩 Fort Michilimackinac hosts one of the longest running historical reenactments in the country exploring the relationships between the French, British, & Anishinaabe people that inhabited the area in the 1700’s. It also details the native uprising against the British as a part of Pontiac’s Rebellion in 1763. Their strategy in using a lacrosse game to gain access into the British fort for attack was truly fascinating. The show paired with a tour of the reconstructed fort(the longest archaeological dig in the US)was a cool interactive experience and fun way to learn a piece of history about the area. It’s apparent that the community takes such pride in hosting this event every year! 🇺🇸 . . . . . #mackinawcity #fortmackinac #colonialmichilimackinac #mymackinac #mackinaw #fortmichilimackinac #historylovers #history #colonialarchitecture #michigan #puremichigan #michiganhistory #exploremichigan #visitmichigan #historynerd #historygeek #roadtripusa #roadtrippin #digitalnomads #wanderlust #alifewelllived #optoutside #rootlessliving #fulltimetravel #roadtripexplorer #mdw
Fort Mackinac in the morning sun! ⛅️
🇺🇸👩🏭”History does not belong to us; We belong to it.”👩🏭🇺🇸 ~Hans-Georg Gadamer #natures_notes_ #fortmackinac #mackinacislandmichigan #mackinac #onlyinmichigan #mistateparks #puremichigan #america #history #michigansupperpeninsula
🇺🇸👩🏭”History does not belong to us; We belong to it.”👩🏭🇺🇸 ~Hans-Georg Gadamer #natures_notes_ #fortmackinac #mackinacislandmichigan #mackinac #onlyinmichigan #mistateparks #puremichigan #america #history #michigansupperpeninsula
Feels like the sun going down on summer - you can already feel fall on the horizon. 🌅🫣🌅
Vacation Day 2, part 2: Mackinaw Island! I'm in love and will begin packing my house to move once we get back. 😉 It's cute, touristy, tons to see and do, and full of history. I know this because my history buff husband made me climb all the way to the top to Fort Mackinaw and learn all about centuries of failures and poor design and just plain bad luck. The cannon demonstration was pretty cool, though. A friend said once you get past the smell of horse 💩 and fudge, it is darling and he was right. I think it would be great to ditch the cars and live by bicycle full time (just don't leave me without internet). #vacation #mackinacisland #history #food #mackinawislandfudge #islandlife #michigan #horses #boats #fortmackinac #travel
Vacation Day 2, part 2: Mackinaw Island! I'm in love and will begin packing my house to move once we get back. 😉 It's cute, touristy, tons to see and do, and full of history. I know this because my history buff husband made me climb all the way to the top to Fort Mackinaw and learn all about centuries of failures and poor design and just plain bad luck. The cannon demonstration was pretty cool, though. A friend said once you get past the smell of horse 💩 and fudge, it is darling and he was right. I think it would be great to ditch the cars and live by bicycle full time (just don't leave me without internet). #vacation #mackinacisland #history #food #mackinawislandfudge #islandlife #michigan #horses #boats #fortmackinac #travel
Mackinac Island: I was finally able to see what everyone is raving about. This place does not disappoint as Mackinac Island is steeped in history and has plenty to see if you are planning a day-trip. We took the Star Line Ferry from Mackinac City and were immediately drawn to the constant flurry of horse-drawn carriages, bikes and NO CARS! 125 years ago village leaders enacted a ban on motor vehicles after local residents complained the introduction of cars onto the island back in 1898 would detract from horse-drawn carriage business and bring pollution. This island has been car-free since then and will continue into the future. Mackinac Island is famous as a pivotal point of control in the Great Lakes for fur trade of the 18th and early 19th centuries and the site of Battle of Mackinac during the War of 1812. A lesser-known fact (at least to us) is Mackinac Island was our country’s 2nd national park, created 3 years after Yellowstone NP. It was 125 years ago that Michigan established Mackinac State Park as the first “state park”. Two decades before that about 80% of the island was known as Mackinac National Park. Soldiers at Fort Mackinac served as park rangers but when the military decided to close the fort, the State of Michigan took over. Last but not least is the majestic Grand Hotel boasting the world’s longest porch. You can see me in the pic standing on the colonial porch. #thisismackinac #mackinacisland #fortmackinac #starlineferry
Mackinac Island: I was finally able to see what everyone is raving about. This place does not disappoint as Mackinac Island is steeped in history and has plenty to see if you are planning a day-trip. We took the Star Line Ferry from Mackinac City and were immediately drawn to the constant flurry of horse-drawn carriages, bikes and NO CARS! 125 years ago village leaders enacted a ban on motor vehicles after local residents complained the introduction of cars onto the island back in 1898 would detract from horse-drawn carriage business and bring pollution. This island has been car-free since then and will continue into the future. Mackinac Island is famous as a pivotal point of control in the Great Lakes for fur trade of the 18th and early 19th centuries and the site of Battle of Mackinac during the War of 1812. A lesser-known fact (at least to us) is Mackinac Island was our country’s 2nd national park, created 3 years after Yellowstone NP. It was 125 years ago that Michigan established Mackinac State Park as the first “state park”. Two decades before that about 80% of the island was known as Mackinac National Park. Soldiers at Fort Mackinac served as park rangers but when the military decided to close the fort, the State of Michigan took over. Last but not least is the majestic Grand Hotel boasting the world’s longest porch. You can see me in the pic standing on the colonial porch. #thisismackinac #mackinacisland #fortmackinac #starlineferry
Just heavenly! ❄️☃️❄️ www.iroquoishotel.com
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