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
Day 34: Enjoy lunch with a view at the Fort Mackinac Tea Room! #94GrandSummerDays...
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The first cannon of the season! 2019 Lilac Queen Ava Sehoyan fired today’s cannon at mackinac_parks! Downtown is bustling and the sun keeps peeking through. It’s going to be a great year! 🐴🌷🚴♀️
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#mymackinac #mackinacisland #fortmackinac #islandlife #history #historictravel #michigantravel #travelmichigan #michiganroadtrip #midwestroadtrip
The first cannon of the season! 2019 Lilac Queen Ava Sehoyan fired today’s cannon at mackinac_parks! Downtown is bustling and the sun keeps peeking through. It’s going to be a great year! 🐴🌷🚴♀️ . . . . . #mymackinac #mackinacisland #fortmackinac #islandlife #history #historictravel #michigantravel #travelmichigan #michiganroadtrip #midwestroadtrip...
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Recounting this year’s travels, May 2022: Mackinac Island, opening weekend at the Grand Hotel. 🛥🌊🇺🇸 #mackinacisland #grandhotel #michigan #lakemichigan #fortmackinac #archrock #pinkpony #cupolabar 🚲🚲 massacciart
Recounting this year’s travels, May 2022: Mackinac Island, opening weekend at the Grand Hotel. 🛥🌊🇺🇸 #mackinacisland #grandhotel #michigan #lakemichigan #fortmackinac #archrock #pinkpony #cupolabar 🚲🚲 massacciart...
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Did you know we have nine ways to lunch at Grand Hotel? The Fort Mackinac Tea Room has one of the greatest views on Mackinac Island and is always a great option for lunch during your visit! ☀️#grandhotelmichigan #americassummerplace #mackinacisland #mymackinac #historichotelsofamerica #fortmackinac
Did you know we have nine ways to lunch at Grand Hotel? The Fort Mackinac Tea Room has one of the greatest views on Mackinac Island and is always a great option for lunch during your visit! ☀️#grandhotelmichigan #americassummerplace #mackinacisland #mymackinac #historichotelsofamerica #fortmackinac...
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Beach with a view!
#mackinacbridge #fortmackinac #beach
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....
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...