Wintering on Mackinac Island has always been a desolate and isolated affair. While many were able to leave the island in winter, soldiers of the 23rd United States Infantry, Companies E and K, had to stay and adapt to their winter home.
Throughout Fort Mackinac’s military history, British and American soldiers were issued bayonets to complement their shoulder arms. Learn a bit more about them here:
Mackinac Associates helps fund projects both large and small and this past year was no exception with nearly $200,000 in projects sponsored across Mackinac State Historic Parks sites and operations.
On August 12, 1810, Thomas Nuttall stepped ashore on Mackinac Island, becoming the first trained botanist to explore northern Michigan.
Finding the perfect picture location to show off your Mackinac vacation can be hard, so we compiled 10 of our favorites spots – five in Mackinaw City and five on Mackinac Island – that serve as that perfect background for family photos or to spice up your Instagram feed.
Mackinac Island attracts visitors from around the world to experience interesting history, inspiring natural beauty, and fantastic geological features. Some are well known, others not so much. Others are only briefly mentioned, like the Musical Well of Mackinac Island.
Some 11,000 years ago, only the highest point of Mackinac Island stood above the water, being about ½ mile long and nearly ¼ mile wide. For many generations, Native Americans have referred to this high point as the Turtle’s Back, as its domed shape creates the perception of a giant turtle floating on the water.
A full event calendar delivers additional, unique experiences to plan an adventure around.
Mackinac State Historic Parks is commemorating the bicentennial of the accident that led to Dr. William Beaumont’s famous experiments on the digestive system. In addition to the Beaumont Museum, there are several other tributes to Beaumont on Mackinac Island.
