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.
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
Now we get two sets of fireworks to photograph! Happy 4th of July from Mackinac Island! 🎇
Mackinaw Island, you didn’t disappoint. It was a great weekend stay! #mackinawisland #mackinawbridge #bikearoundtheisland #grandhotel #lakeviewhotel #carriagemuseum #1852grillroom #fortmackinac #lakemichigan #lakehuron #travel #mrandmrs
Mackinaw Island, you didn’t disappoint. It was a great weekend stay! #mackinawisland #mackinawbridge #bikearoundtheisland #grandhotel #lakeviewhotel #carriagemuseum #1852grillroom #fortmackinac #lakemichigan #lakehuron #travel #mrandmrs
🧨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
👒👒👒👒👒👒 📍Mackinac Island.MI マキナック島の小高いところにあるフォートマキナック👒ミシガン最古の軍事施設でなんと毎日1人だけ大砲を打つことができるっぽい🧤😂 多分、大砲とかうったらにんにくが音でパニックになるだろうから中には入らず外で記念撮影📸笑 #bostonterrier#bostonterriersforever#michigan#michigandogs#uslife#tripwithdog#love#like4like#instagood#dogsofinstagram#fortmackinac#army
👒👒👒👒👒👒 📍Mackinac Island.MI マキナック島の小高いところにあるフォートマキナック👒ミシガン最古の軍事施設でなんと毎日1人だけ大砲を打つことができるっぽい🧤😂 多分、大砲とかうったらにんにくが音でパニックになるだろうから中には入らず外で記念撮影📸笑 #bostonterrier#bostonterriersforever#michigan#michigandogs#uslife#tripwithdog#love#like4like#instagood#dogsofinstagram#fortmackinac#army
Happy 4th of July from Mackinac State Historic Parks & our soldiers here at Fort Mackinac 🇺🇸
Fall views from Fort Hill. 🍂🧡🍂 www.lvmackinac.com
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
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
headed north for a bit of island time with my favorite this weekend ❣️
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
Boy these storms—-when they come sweeping across the Great Lakes—-can be something to watch. Never seen a sky quite like this before. This is right over the top of Fort Mackinac. And did you know, there was quiet a fight between the British and Americans for the fort and the island itself in the War of 1812? Like so much of the War of 1812, this battle was fought in 1814. The British, with great help from Native American fighters took the island at the beginning of the war. But by July of 1814, American ships appeared on the horizon. A plan was afoot to retake the island. Two days of bombarding the fort did little—-except give the British warning of a coming attack. A thick fog then delayed the coming attack. When the Americans did land, the British were more than ready for them. Their casualties were 2. American casualties totaled 68. American forces retreated to their ships, and the fort and island remained in British hands. Until the war ended, and negotiatiors put it firmly back in American control! Thank goodness! It’s one of the most picturesque and historical places in our great country! #hoonerpics #historytime #mackinacisland #fortmackinac #fox10phoenix
Boy these storms—-when they come sweeping across the Great Lakes—-can be something to watch. Never seen a sky quite like this before. This is right over the top of Fort Mackinac. And did you know, there was quiet a fight between the British and Americans for the fort and the island itself in the War of 1812? Like so much of the War of 1812, this battle was fought in 1814. The British, with great help from Native American fighters took the island at the beginning of the war. But by July of 1814, American ships appeared on the horizon. A plan was afoot to retake the island. Two days of bombarding the fort did little—-except give the British warning of a coming attack. A thick fog then delayed the coming attack. When the Americans did land, the British were more than ready for them. Their casualties were 2. American casualties totaled 68. American forces retreated to their ships, and the fort and island remained in British hands. Until the war ended, and negotiatiors put it firmly back in American control! Thank goodness! It’s one of the most picturesque and historical places in our great country! #hoonerpics #historytime #mackinacisland #fortmackinac #fox10phoenix
We had the most amazing day on Mackinac Island!☺️ We’ve been to the island many times over the years, but this was our first visit to Fort Mackinac. The Lilacs were in full bloom and the views were absolutely breathtaking! These are my favorite two shots of the day, taken from the forts blockhouse. I never want to leave!😍 I shared more of our day up in stories! Happy new week friends!❤️ #mackinacisland #fortmackinac #lilacfestival #puremichigan
We had the most amazing day on Mackinac Island!☺️ We’ve been to the island many times over the years, but this was our first visit to Fort Mackinac. The Lilacs were in full bloom and the views were absolutely breathtaking! These are my favorite two shots of the day, taken from the forts blockhouse. I never want to leave!😍 I shared more of our day up in stories! Happy new week friends!❤️ #mackinacisland #fortmackinac #lilacfestival #puremichigan
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
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.
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
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