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The historic and natural environments of the Straits of Mackinac sometimes present impediments to accessibility. Blowing sand, natural trails and steep grades can make traveling difficult. Many 18th and 19th century buildings have entrance steps, narrow doorways and other physical barriers. The sites are mainly outside, feature loud noises, various smells, and people in period costumes.
Continuous effort is made to make all aspects of Mackinac State Historic Parks accessible. Where possible, physical changes have removed barriers. Alternate programs or services provide additional access opportunities and future projects will continue to improve access.
Museum and Park Services
Outdoor surfaces are gravel, grass, sand, wood chips, and concrete.
Miles of island trails offer a variety of experiences and connect many areas of interest. All trails have at least one length of steep slope. Watch for carriages and horses on paved roads, and bicyclists on bike paths. Walking trails have gravel or wood chip surfaces. For more information, consult the Historic Mackinac Visitor’s Guide or Guest Services Representative at the Mackinac Island State Park Visitor’s Center, across from Marquette Park.
Letters refer to the printed site map. Click here for the Fort Mackinac site map. Click here for the Mackinac Island Guide to Access.
Difficult Access
Five to eight entrance steps to these buildings may make access
Moderate Access Locations
Outdoor surfaces are wooden boardwalks, grass, and concrete.
Getting to Fort Mackinac
Passenger ferries and airplanes take visitors to Mackinac Island. Two private companies operate boats to the island from St. Ignace and Mackinaw City. Air-taxi service from Pellston and St. Ignace is also available. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on Mackinac Island; however, personal motorized devices are allowed with permission. Please contact us for more details.
Fort Mackinac’s most accessible entrance is located on the north side of the site and can be reached in several ways. The most immediate route from downtown is to follow Fort Street up the west side of the fort. This road is very steep and may be difficult for some visitors. Other less direct roads also lead to the north entrance.
The ramp leading to the south entrance has 27 steps at the top. This entrance is NOT accessible for visitors using wheelchairs, and may be limited for strollers. Horse-drawn carriage tours and taxis leaving from downtown locations will transport visitors to the north side of the fort. A taxi with a lift may be available; contact 906.847.3323 for taxi information.
Numbers refer to the printed site map. Click here for the Fort Mackinac site map. Click here for the Mackinac Island Guide to Access.
Difficult Access
Five to eight entrance steps to these buildings may make access
Alternate Building Entrances
The following buildings have alternate ramped entrances:
Alternate Entrances
Alternate Programs
Letters refer to the printed site map. Click here for the Fort Mackinac site map. Click here for the Mackinac Island Guide to Access.
Alternate Entrance
Sensory Considerations
Biddle House
Outdoor surfaces are gravel, stone pavers, and grass.
Letters refer to the printed site map. Click here for the Fort Mackinac site map. Click here for the Mackinac Island Guide to Access.
General Access Notes
Sensory Considerations
Outdoor surfaces are gravel and stone pavers.
Letters refer to the printed site map. Click here for the Fort Mackinac site map. Click here for the Mackinac Island Guide to Access.
General Access Notes
Letters refer to the printed site map. Click here for the Fort Mackinac site map. Click here for the Mackinac Island Guide to Access.
General Access Notes
Sensory Considerations
American Fur Co. Store & Dr. Beaumont Museum
Letters refer to the printed site map. Click here for the Fort Mackinac site map. Click here for the Mackinac Island Guide to Access.
General Access Notes
The American Fur Co. Store & Dr. Beaumont Museum (C) has a narrow door opening.
Sensory Considerations
Outdoor surfaces are paved sidewalks, gravel, grass and sand. Pathways can sometimes become covered with a layer of sand.
Click here for the Mackinaw City Guide to Access.
Moderate Access
Access may be limited for some visitors with mobility impairments in these buildings:
Shoreline
Outdoor surfaces are gravel, grass and sand.
Numbers refer to the printed site map. Click here for the Colonial Michilimackinac site map. Click here for the Mackinaw City Guide to Access.
Path to the Fort from the Visitor’s Center
Difficult Access
Access may be difficult for some visitors with mobility impairments in these buildings:
* Alternate program available.
Moderate Access
Access may be limited for some visitors with mobility impairments in these buildings:
Alternate Programs and Entrances
Outdoor surfaces are paved side-walks and grassy surfaces.
Numbers refer to the printed site map. Click here for the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse site map. Click here for the Mackinaw City Guide to Access.
Difficult Access
Access may be difficult for some visitors with mobility impairments in these areas:
Sensory Considerations
Program Bulletins
Social Story Guide
Available soon.
Outdoor surfaces are gravel, grass, sand, and wooden boardwalk.
Numbers refer to the printed site map. Click here for the Historic Mill Creek site map. Click here for the Mackinaw City Guide to Access.
Difficult Access
Natural conditions make access on these trails difficult for visitors with mobility impairments:
Access may be limited for some visitors with mobility impairments in these buildings:
Alternate Entrances
Sensory Considerations
Program Bulletins
Social Story Guide
Click here for a PDF social story for a visit to Historic Mill Creek.