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.
Had a fun weekend on Mackinac Island with rob_ruta ❤️🛥
GoPro camera view from historic Fort Mackinac - on Mackinac Island. #fortmackinac #mackinacisland #gopro #puremichigan #primeshots #michigan
GoPro camera view from historic Fort Mackinac - on Mackinac Island. #fortmackinac #mackinacisland #gopro #puremichigan #primeshots #michigan
The perfect perch to look over the Straits of Mackinac.
Hello winter! Towards the center of the island is the cemetery. We were able to snap a photo of the beautiful wreaths at the Fort Mackinac Cemetery. ✨ • • • #littleluxuriesofmackinac #mackinacisland #michigan #fortmackinac #wreathsacrossamerica
Hello winter! Towards the center of the island is the cemetery. We were able to snap a photo of the beautiful wreaths at the Fort Mackinac Cemetery. ✨ • • • #littleluxuriesofmackinac #mackinacisland #michigan #fortmackinac #wreathsacrossamerica
Our interpreters are ready to welcome guests to Fort Mackinac! #thisismackinac #mackinacisland #fortmackinac #openingday
Our interpreters are ready to welcome guests to Fort Mackinac! #thisismackinac #mackinacisland #fortmackinac #openingday
Fort Mackinac, Michigan, 23 August 2020 . . . #fortmackinac #mackinacisland #summer2020 #alchemistxfe #travelsnap #travelleisure #travellearn #passportstampcollector
Fort Mackinac, Michigan, 23 August 2020 . . . #fortmackinac #mackinacisland #summer2020 #alchemistxfe #travelsnap #travelleisure #travellearn #passportstampcollector
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.
Fort Mackinac during a beautiful sunset. Tone and lighting completes the composition. Let me know what you think! #puremichigan #mackinacisland #mackinac #mackinawcity #landscapephotography #michigan #michiganders #michiganphotographer #photography #fortmackinac #travelphotography #travel #photographer #michiganphotography #michiganphotographers #mackinacislandstatepark #lighthouses #sonyalpha #greatlakes #greatlakesstate #greatlakesproud #architecture #onlyinmichigan #mood #fort #sonyphotography #islandlife #history #historic #moodygrams
Fort Mackinac during a beautiful sunset. Tone and lighting completes the composition. Let me know what you think! #puremichigan #mackinacisland #mackinac #mackinawcity #landscapephotography #michigan #michiganders #michiganphotographer #photography #fortmackinac #travelphotography #travel #photographer #michiganphotography #michiganphotographers #mackinacislandstatepark #lighthouses #sonyalpha #greatlakes #greatlakesstate #greatlakesproud #architecture #onlyinmichigan #mood #fort #sonyphotography #islandlife #history #historic #moodygrams
We came for the fudge, we stayed because we couldn’t figure out how to stop our tandem bikes without crashing. #mackinacisland #mackinacbridge #mightymac #archrock #tandembike #mackinacislandstatepark #fudge #fortmackinac #butterflyhouse #supermanicecream
We came for the fudge, we stayed because we couldn’t figure out how to stop our tandem bikes without crashing. #mackinacisland #mackinacbridge #mightymac #archrock #tandembike #mackinacislandstatepark #fudge #fortmackinac #butterflyhouse #supermanicecream
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
Had a great day interpreting at Fort Mackinac! The weather could not have been better ❤️#historicadventures #fortmackinac #1862 #michiganhistory #womenshistory
Had a great day interpreting at Fort Mackinac! The weather could not have been better ❤️#historicadventures #fortmackinac #1862 #michiganhistory #womenshistory
Happy weekend! IG family, we whittled down 32 different Michigan destinations to one my family & I will travel to for my birthday in August. And the winner is... Mackinac Island!!!! 🥳 It’s been 5 years since T & I last visited. And when we were there, we hit up all the popular spots like the fort, carriage tour, & arch rock. This time, we’re going to heed the advice & suggestions of Mackinac Island expert cassondra.wanders! (Give her a follow if you’re also planning an island trip!) But as always, I’m open for other suggestions & tips. Especially recommendations on where to stay! Drop your advice below! Again, thank you everyone for voting! 😊 . . . . . . . . . . #mackinacisland #mackinac #fortmackinac #straitsofmackinac #mymackinac #makeitmackinac #mackinacislandlife #upnorthmichigan #islandlife #michiganhistory #deserve2preserve #travelthrowback #awesomemichigan #michiganexplored #thegreatlakesstate #michiganoverboard #michigansummer #midwestlove #midwestsummer #midwestblogger
Happy weekend! IG family, we whittled down 32 different Michigan destinations to one my family & I will travel to for my birthday in August. And the winner is... Mackinac Island!!!! 🥳 It’s been 5 years since T & I last visited. And when we were there, we hit up all the popular spots like the fort, carriage tour, & arch rock. This time, we’re going to heed the advice & suggestions of Mackinac Island expert cassondra.wanders! (Give her a follow if you’re also planning an island trip!) But as always, I’m open for other suggestions & tips. Especially recommendations on where to stay! Drop your advice below! Again, thank you everyone for voting! 😊 . . . . . . . . . . #mackinacisland #mackinac #fortmackinac #straitsofmackinac #mymackinac #makeitmackinac #mackinacislandlife #upnorthmichigan #islandlife #michiganhistory #deserve2preserve #travelthrowback #awesomemichigan #michiganexplored #thegreatlakesstate #michiganoverboard #michigansummer #midwestlove #midwestsummer #midwestblogger
Happy Birthday to grizzlybearit, the best travel buddy a girl could ask for! 😘We spent the past weekend biking, drinking and eating all over Mackinac Island! This picture is from our bittersweet boat ride back to the mainland, camper, and cats. We keep finding that it’s so hard to say goodbye to a spot like this after we've just had so much fun, but then we remember there’s always more fun to be had at the next stop! This life with you has been pretty surreal and unique so far and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I hope you've felt as loved as possible today!!! 🥰🥰
Happy Birthday to grizzlybearit, the best travel buddy a girl could ask for! 😘We spent the past weekend biking, drinking and eating all over Mackinac Island! This picture is from our bittersweet boat ride back to the mainland, camper, and cats. We keep finding that it’s so hard to say goodbye to a spot like this after we've just had so much fun, but then we remember there’s always more fun to be had at the next stop! This life with you has been pretty surreal and unique so far and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I hope you've felt as loved as possible today!!! 🥰🥰
Shoot a picture, not a cannon! 💂📸 #fort #mackinac #fortmackinac #mackinacisland #michigan #puremichigan #scenery #travel #photography #nature #lake #island #beautiful #views #themitten #fall #autumn #lakehuron #upnorth #scenic #travelling #embrasure
Shoot a picture, not a cannon! 💂📸 #fort #mackinac #fortmackinac #mackinacisland #michigan #puremichigan #scenery #travel #photography #nature #lake #island #beautiful #views #themitten #fall #autumn #lakehuron #upnorth #scenic #travelling #embrasure
#fallforcostume Day 22: Green. My green wool 1860’s dress is probably my favorite dress that I’ve made to date. The weather on Mackinac Island was perfect for a wool dress on this sunny June afternoon. redthreaded #historicadventures #1860s #1860sfashion #wool #mackinacisland #fortmackinac #puremichigan
#fallforcostume Day 22: Green. My green wool 1860’s dress is probably my favorite dress that I’ve made to date. The weather on Mackinac Island was perfect for a wool dress on this sunny June afternoon. redthreaded #historicadventures #1860s #1860sfashion #wool #mackinacisland #fortmackinac #puremichigan
Summer employees have returned!
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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
