Learn the continuing story of the Anishnaabek in the 1830s home of Agatha Biddle.
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TODAY’S HOURS: Closed for the 2024 season – we’ll see you May 2, 2025!
TODAY’S EVENTS:
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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.
May 2 – June 6, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Last Admission 4:00 p.m.
Click here for a daily events schedule.
June 7 – August 31, 2025
9:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Last Admission 6:00 p.m.
Click here for a daily events schedule.
September 1 – October 5, 2025
9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Last Admission 4:00 p.m.
Click here for a daily events schedule.
October 6 – October 25, 2025
9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Last Admission 3:00 p.m. Admission is ONLY at the Avenue of Flags or north entrance.
Click here for a daily events schedule.
Admission also includes The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum, Biddle House, featuring the Mackinac Island Native American Museum, and Benjamin Blacksmith Shop (May 9 – October 5), and the American Fur Co. Store & Dr. Beaumont Museum and McGulpin House (June 7-August 23).
Click here for more information, to purchase tickets, or to learn about weekly passes.
Group rates available! If you have 12 or more people visiting with you, please contact our Marketing and Group Travel and Coordinator.
Fort Mackinac is located on Mackinac Island within the boundaries of Mackinac Island State Park, on the bluff overlooking the City of Mackinac Island and Haldimand Bay. There are two entrances: via the front ramp off Fort Street and at back off Huron Road at the Avenue of Flags.
Address:
7127 Huron Rd., Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Get Directions
Demonstrations and tours by costumed interpreters are scheduled throughout the day. Experience the boom of the iconic Fort Mackinac cannon and learn about the changing technology of the U.S. Army during a rifle firing demonstration. Walking tours of the fort include learning about the changing face of the fort, the people who lived and worked at Fort Mackinac, and what equipment was distributed to soldiers station there.
A season-long celebration! On March 3, 1875, President Ulysses S. Grant signed Mackinac National Park into law, creating the second national park in the United States, three years after Yellowstone. This act set aside more than 50% of Mackinac Island for the enjoyment of the public, where they could enjoy the island’s natural beauty and historical significance. It was the creation of the national park that set the stage for the Mackinac Island we know and love today. Every day at Fort Mackinac, at 10:30 a.m., a special program will explore the creation of Mackinac National Park, while events outside the fort throughout the season will take guests into the original Mackinac National Park to see why this place was deemed important enough to protect.
The Heritage of Mackinac, providing an overview history of Mackinac, and A Pride of Purpose: The Story of Mackinac National Park, are featured in the Soldiers’ Barracks. They alternate throughout the day.
Make your visit one for the record books: fire the opening cannon salute at Fort Mackinac. Click here to find out how!
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:
A Fort Mackinac ticket includes admission to Historic Downtown Mackinac, which includes Biddle House, featuring the Mackinac Island Native American Museum, The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum, Benjamin Blacksmith Shop, American Fur Co. Store & Dr. Beaumont Museum, and McGulpin House. Dates and hours of operation vary.
From firing the iconic cannon and dining in the Tea Room to participating in a drill program and shopping in the Museum Store, Fort Mackinac will be the highlight of your Mackinac Island visit.
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. Current special exhibits include:
