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Fort Mackinac, Mackinac Island

4.6

Military Museum · Walking tour

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Built in 1780, Fort Mackinac commemorates the island’s history as a British, French, and American military outpost. The imposing fort overlooks the harbor, and is the oldest building in Michigan. Through a number of live demonstrations, tours, special exhibits, and audiovisual programs, learn all about the fort's past and how, as well as serving as an outpost, provided a home for many members of the military and their families. The 13 other historical structures, furnished with period settings, give insight into the military training, medical treatments, and family life within the fort. Remember to bring suitable clothing for the trip as it is very much an outdoor experience. Walking shoes are recommended. To visit Fort Mackinac on your trip to Mackinac Island, use our Mackinac Island visit site.

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Fort Mackinac reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating

2,085 reviews

Google

4.7

By Constandina T

I’ve been to the island several times, yet never visited the fort. I’m so glad we decided to focus our day visiting it on this trip! We ate lunch at the “tea room” which is operated by the Grand...

I’ve been to the island several times, yet never visited the fort. I’m so glad we decided to focus our day visiting it on this trip! We ate lunch at the “tea room” which is operated by the Grand... more »
By Questovia

Lovely preserved old fort with a number of living history experiences from soldiers pulling guard duty to artillery practice. We enjoyed being able to walk all about, view the little museum and gift.... more

Lovely preserved old fort with a number of living history experiences from soldiers pulling guard duty to artillery practice. We enjoyed being able to walk all about, view the little museum and gift.... more »
By Deb8901

We visited Fort Mackinac and purchased 2 tickets for $31.00. Admission also includes some other places. We viewed the rifle demonstration and the cannonball launch. There was a lot of history...

We visited Fort Mackinac and purchased 2 tickets for $31.00. Admission also includes some other places. We viewed the rifle demonstration and the cannonball launch. There was a lot of history... more »

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By John Walcott

Beautiful, historic fort. If you love history or great views, this is a must stop on Mackinac Island. FYI, there's also a unique fort on top of the island that is well worth a visit. Thank you for maintaining these sites. To avoid the line to enter the big Ford go around to the back side

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By Heidi Leigh

I really liked the fort. It's a steep walk up so be prepared. There is a lot of kid friendly things to do. The different buildings are full of cool memories. The kids can watch a shooting, Cannon fire, build a fort wall, play drums, play the flute.

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By Katherine Simpson

Excellent attraction to visit on Mackinac Island. A lot of history to see and hear about is entertaining for the whole family. History buffs will enjoy the authentic costumes of the actors as they speak of the life and times of the soldiers who called the fort home during the 1800's.

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By Raul O

Fort Mackinac is located on one of the highest hills on the island. The access is made either from the bottom, from the city or you can take a carriage that will leave you in the northern part of the fort. Inside there is a museum where the rooms are preserved as they were when the Fort was active. From time to time there is a show in which a canon is fired, a fight and a training of the soldiers is simulated. Access is not free tickets can be bought at the entrance to the fort

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By Sujith Mohan

Members in dress uniform of the era were present to offer information about the fort and life at that time. Buildings were open for viewing their furnishings representing what the fort furnishings were like. Iconic. 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. This is Mackinac.

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