Fort Mackinac

Rich in Mackinac Island History

Fort Mackinac is operated by the Mackinac State Historic Parks and is open to the public during the summer starting in early May.

Visit the fort and travel back in time to the 1800’s where you can view rifle and cannon firing demonstrations, displays of historic artifacts, and listen to fife and drum music all in a picturesque, old-fashioned setting.

You can spend the day visiting exhibits and enjoying demonstrations on the parade grounds. The tour guides are knowledgeable, helpful, and entertaining. You will find the men dressed in Prussian-inspired uniforms of the day.

The Fort Tea Room is a delightful place to rest your feet and enjoy lunch while taking in a magnificent view of the Straits of Mackinac.

Your Fort ticket also grants admittance to five historic buildings in downtown Mackinac Island. They are the American Fur Company Store & Dr. Beaumont Museum, Biddle House, Benjamin Blacksmith Shop, McGulpin House, and the Mission Church.

In 1780, the British, under the command of Commandant Patrick Sinclair, relocated the fort from what is now

Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island believing that it was a better site strategically. A civilian community then sprung up around the bay on the waterfront.

The Americans took control of Fort Mackinac by treaty in 1796 after the American Revolution. At the beginning of the War of 1812, the British took the fort back without firing a shot! They landed secretly on the back of the Island and dragged cannons to the heights behind the Fort. The American garrison was unaware that war had been declared. They surrendered the Fort to the British and their Native American allies.

In 1814, the Americans tried the same tactic but the British, with their Native American allies, met the advancing Americans at the middle of the Island (the site of today’s Wawashkamo Golf Club) and repelled them.

Later that year, the Americans once again took control of the fort by treaty. The last active garrison left the Island in 1895.

Don't miss out on this exciting adventure when you visit Mackinac Island! And be sure to check Mackinac State Historic Parks for a list of events.

Insider Tip:

Become a Mackinac Associate and you will get discounts on admission tickets as well as 15% off at the museum gift shop!