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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Visit Fort Mackinac Website >>>>
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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.
#mackinacisland #archrock #biking #devilskitchen #fortmackinac #puremichigan #puremittigan #lakehuron #lakemichigan #mackinacstraits #mistateparks
#mackinacisland #archrock #biking #devilskitchen #fortmackinac #puremichigan #puremittigan #lakehuron #lakemichigan #mackinacstraits #mistateparks
A quiet night. #fortmackinac #mackinacislandlife #mackinacisland #mymackinac
#mackinawcity #iphonephotography #livingimages_by_lori #amazingnature #fortmackinac #lakemichiganbeach
#mackinawcity #iphonephotography #livingimages_by_lori #amazingnature #fortmackinac #lakemichiganbeach
Cruising Along on a Walking History Tour. Link in bio. #mackinacisland #vikinggreatlakescruise #vikingoctantis #fortmackinac #grandhotel #michigan #puremichigan #uptravel #travelmi
Cruising Along on a Walking History Tour. Link in bio. #mackinacisland #vikinggreatlakescruise #vikingoctantis #fortmackinac #grandhotel #michigan #puremichigan #uptravel #travelmi
Built in 1780 by the British during the American Revolution Fort Mackinac served as an important spot in American History. Captured by the Americans in 1796 it ended up being the location for the first land battle in the War of 1812 where it was captured by the British. It now serves as a living history museum and archeological site with some of the best views on the Island! #mackinacisland #fortmackinac #americanrevolution #livingmuseum #museum #archeology #mackinacislandstatepark
Built in 1780 by the British during the American Revolution Fort Mackinac served as an important spot in American History. Captured by the Americans in 1796 it ended up being the location for the first land battle in the War of 1812 where it was captured by the British. It now serves as a living history museum and archeological site with some of the best views on the Island! #mackinacisland #fortmackinac #americanrevolution #livingmuseum #museum #archeology #mackinacislandstatepark
Mackinac Island, Michigan, #mackinacisland #lakehuron #michigan #fortmackinac #arches
We learned all about the history of Fort Mackinac! We loved their kids interactive section and I also appreciated some caffeine in their Tea Room! I didn’t pay much attention in history class growing up, so now ai make up for it and love relearning any kind of history! Fort Mackinac did a great job explaining the past! The fort was founded during the American Revolution. The British occupied the island in 1780, but then the Americans took control in 1796. However, the British captured the fort in July of 1812 during the first land engagement of the War of 1812. In 1814, the Americans tried to recapture the fort in a very bloody battle, but lost. The Americans were given Fort Mackinac back after the war. #fortmackinac #mackinacisland #historyoftheamericanrevolution #asherfamilyadventures
We learned all about the history of Fort Mackinac! We loved their kids interactive section and I also appreciated some caffeine in their Tea Room! I didn’t pay much attention in history class growing up, so now ai make up for it and love relearning any kind of history! Fort Mackinac did a great job explaining the past! The fort was founded during the American Revolution. The British occupied the island in 1780, but then the Americans took control in 1796. However, the British captured the fort in July of 1812 during the first land engagement of the War of 1812. In 1814, the Americans tried to recapture the fort in a very bloody battle, but lost. The Americans were given Fort Mackinac back after the war. #fortmackinac #mackinacisland #historyoftheamericanrevolution #asherfamilyadventures
Winning at twinning ☁️💙🦋 📸: ripu_0905 . . . #mckinacisland #fortmackinac #momsonlove #twinning #matchymatchywithmommy #lakeview #vacation #michigan
Winning at twinning ☁️💙🦋 📸: ripu_0905 . . . #mckinacisland #fortmackinac #momsonlove #twinning #matchymatchywithmommy #lakeview #vacation #michigan
Another Bacha family vacation to Mackinaw. #134stepstopointlookout #mackinacisland #fortmackinac #goofballbrothers
Another Bacha family vacation to Mackinaw. #134stepstopointlookout #mackinacisland #fortmackinac #goofballbrothers
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
#thisismackinac #governorsresidencemackinac #fortmackinac
Mackinac will always have my heart 💙 . . . #mackinac #mackinaw #mackinawcity #mackinacisland #fortmichilimackinac #fortmackinac #roundislandlighthouse #roundisland #lakemichigan #lakehuron #michigan #puremichigan
Mackinac will always have my heart 💙 . . . #mackinac #mackinaw #mackinawcity #mackinacisland #fortmichilimackinac #fortmackinac #roundislandlighthouse #roundisland #lakemichigan #lakehuron #michigan #puremichigan
I know a place, where no one ever goes. There's peace and quiet, beauty and repose. #greaneygrove #annestablet #mackinac #mackinacisland #mackinacstatehistoricparks #fortmackinac #mihs #mackinacislandhonorscouts
I know a place, where no one ever goes. There's peace and quiet, beauty and repose. #greaneygrove #annestablet #mackinac #mackinacisland #mackinacstatehistoricparks #fortmackinac #mihs #mackinacislandhonorscouts
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.
The cannon firing at Fort Mackinac #fortmackinac #mackinacisland #demonstration #mackinacislandmichigan #cannondemonstration #itspronouncedmackinaw mackinacisle
The cannon firing at Fort Mackinac #fortmackinac #mackinacisland #demonstration #mackinacislandmichigan #cannondemonstration #itspronouncedmackinaw mackinacisle
island life 🍹🍬🏖🛥 . . . #mackinac #mackinacisland #upperpeninsula #michigan #island #lakelife #freshwater #greatlakes #grandhotel #ferry #docks #fortmackinac #photowalk #summer2023 #familytime #vacation #canonr5c #mirrorless #fullframe #canondslr #lightroom #joshuamccann #photography
island life 🍹🍬🏖🛥 . . . #mackinac #mackinacisland #upperpeninsula #michigan #island #lakelife #freshwater #greatlakes #grandhotel #ferry #docks #fortmackinac #photowalk #summer2023 #familytime #vacation #canonr5c #mirrorless #fullframe #canondslr #lightroom #joshuamccann #photography
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The Market Street Inn provides a quaint, smoke-free atmosphere. Come enjoy the perfect blend of turn of the century charm and 21st century comfort. Our goal is to make you feel welcome!
The funniest comedy show on Mackinac Island! (Never mind, it’s the only one.)
16th Annual Mackinac Island Valentine, Chili Cookoff, Postcard Memento Poker Scenic Ski Rally, Walk Weekend February 11, 12 & 13
