Today’s Events at Fort Mackinac

June 1 – September 1, 2024

9:30 a.m.
Morning Cannon Salute/Fort Mackinac Open for the Day
Here’s your chance to add your name to the record books!
10:00 a.m.
Rifle Firing Demonstration followed by
Changing Face of Fort Mackinac Program
Learn about the changing technology of the US Army and find out why the army put an emphasis on marksmanship and changing tactics. Includes a live demonstration! Then, learn how Fort Mackinac has changed architecturally over the 115 years it was an active fort. Both programs take place on the Parade Ground, number 22 on your site map. 
11:00 a.m.
Cannon Firing Demonstration followed by
Medicine at Mackinac Program
Experience the boom of the iconic Fort Mackinac cannon! Then, join interpreters as they provide the history of Army Surgeons at Fort Mackinac and how the Army began changing military medicine in the 1880s. Cannon demonstration takes place at the Gun Platform, number 19 on your site map. Medicine at Mackinac program will begin on the Parade Ground, number 22 on your site map. 
11:30 a.m.
People of Fort Mackinac Program
Take a tour of Fort Mackinac while learning about the various people who called Fort Mackinac home. Begins on the Parade Ground, number 22 on your site map. 
12:00 p.m.
Rifle Firing Demonstration followed by
The Army of the 1880s Program
Learn about the changing technology of the US Army and find out why the army put an emphasis on marksmanship and changing tactics. Includes a live demonstration! Then, head with an interpreter for a deeper look at the army of the 1880s. Both programs take place on the Parade Ground, number 22 on your site map. 
1:00 p.m.
Cannon Firing Demonstration followed by
Mackinac National Park Program
Experience the boom of the iconic Fort Mackinac cannon! Fort Mackinac was headquarters to the United States’ second national park, established in 1875. This program will introduce the rise of tourism on Mackinac Island and how the island and fort have been preserved. Cannon demonstration takes place at the Gun Platform, number 19 on your site map. Mackinac National Park program will begin on the Parade Ground, number 22 on your site map.
1:30 p.m.
Guard Mount Program
Learn how soldiers would conduct Guard Mount at Fort Mackinac in the 1880s and watch the interpreters act out this complex military ceremony. Located on the Parade Ground, number 22 on your site map. 
2:00 p.m.
Drill Activity and Rifle Firing Demonstration
Muster into the army of the 1880s by heading out on the parade ground and taking part in drill, followed by a live demonstration! Located on the Parade Ground, number 22 on your site map. 
3:00 p.m.
Cannon Firing Demonstration, followed by
Soldier’s Uniform and Equipment Program
Experience the boom of the iconic Fort Mackinac cannon! Then, learn about the equipment issued to soldiers in the 1880s and learn more about the Quartermasters’ Storehouse. Cannon demonstration takes place at the Gun Platform, number 19 on your site map. Soldier’s Uniform and Equipment program will begin on the Parade Ground, number 22 on your site map. 
4:00 p.m.
Dress Parade Program, followed by
Civilians of Fort Mackinac Program
Watch as soldiers are inspected and reviewed, then join an interpreter in exploring the role civilians played at Fort Mackinac in the 1880s. Both programs located on the Parade Ground, number 22 on your site map. 
5:00 p.m.
Cannon Firing Demonstration, followed by
Evenings at Fort Mackinac Program
Experience the boom of the iconic Fort Mackinac cannon! Then, explore how evenings were spent at Fort Mackinac, including ceremonies, tasks and duties, and leisure time. Cannon demonstration takes place at the Gun Platform, number 19 on your site map. Evenings at Fort Mackinac program will begin on the Parade Ground, number 22 on your site map. 
6:00 p.m.
Rifle Firing Demonstration
Learn about the changing technology of the US Army and find out why the army put an emphasis on marksmanship and changing tactics. Includes a live demonstration! Located on the Parade Ground, number 22 on your site map. 
6:30 p.m.
Cannon Firing Demonstration
Experience the boom of the iconic Fort Mackinac cannon! Located at the Gun Platform, number 19 on your site map. 
7:00 p.m.
Fort Mackinac Closed for the Day

A downloadable version of the events schedule can be found here: June 1 – September 1, 2024