Fort Mackinac Visitor Information - Mackinac State Historic Parks (2024)

FAQs

Is Fort Mackinac worth it? ›

Exploring Fort Mackinac makes for a memorable Mackinac Island experience, even if you're not a history buff. Yes, there's lots of history to appreciate at Fort Mackinac.

Touring Time

There is a lot to see and do at Fort Mackinac. We recommend that you plan to spend a minimum of one to two hours touring the site.

Fort Mackinac later became the scene of two strategic battles for control of the Great Lakes during the War of 1812. During most of the 19th century, it served as an outpost of the United States Army. Closed in 1895, the fort has been adapted as a museum on the grounds of Mackinac Island State Park.

Already a federal presence on the island, the army managed the national park until 1895, just after the fort was deactivated. With the army's departure, the State of Michigan was persuaded to operate Mackinac as a state park; thus the park lost its "national" designation.

Mackinac Island State Park

The park surprises visitors with its faraway-woods feel, despite being a few hundred yards from downtown. More than 80 percent of Mackinac Island is within the state park. Hike, bike or ride a horse through forests, past geological formations and along limestone bluffs.

For dining at Fort Mackinac Tea Room, admission to Fort Mackinac is required. Admission includes a self-guided tour of the Fort, seeing 1780s soldiers demonstrate rifle firings, and a cannon salute over the harbor.

July and August tend to be the busiest times of the year on Mackinac Island. As you might expect, dates during these months often sell out the fastest – especially around the Fourth of July, during the yacht races that take place in July and during the annual Mackinac Island Fudge Festival in August.

For a relaxed visit that gives you time to really get to know Mackinac Island, you may want to consider spending an entire weekend, or even an entire week.

Two ferry companies service Mackinac Island with rides that take 16 to 18 minutes and bring you right into the heart of town. Day-trippers can park their car for free in designated ferry lots in Mackinaw City or St. Ignace. For overnight guests, Mackinac Island ferry companies offer a range of parking options.

Mackinac Island's 'Somewhere in Time' Gazebo. It's no coincidence that the time-traveling love story “Somewhere in Time” was filmed on Mackinac Island.

What happened at Fort Mackinac? ›

In July 1812, in the first land engagement of the War of 1812 in the United States, the British captured the fort. In a bloody battle in 1814 the Americans attempted but failed to retake the fort. It was returned to the United States after the war. The fort remained active until 1895.

Do any celebrities live on Mackinac Island? Yes, celebrities have houses on Mackinac Island. A few are actor Vince Vaughn, Director Ron Howard, and Michigan's own Bob Seger.

The Anishnaabek (also known as the Odawa, Ojibway and Potawatomi) tribes inhabited the Mackinac Island area for thousands of years. They hold the beginning of the story to the island. With its central location, Mackinac Island had served as a meeting place for tribal groups from the area.

Living on Mackinac Island is possible; there are nearly 600 people that do so year-round. According to the 2020 census, there are exactly 583 people who call Mackinac Island their home. That being said, it can be challenging to become a full-time resident of Mackinac Island, due to limited housing and jobs.

How many people live on Mackinac Island year-round? Approximately 500-600 people reside on Mackinac Island on a year-round basis.

Just world-famous Mackinac Island Fudge , historic Fort Mackinac , unique shopping and diverse dining. Unforgettable sunsets, awe-inspiring sunrises and over 70 miles of hiking and biking trails befit our ranking as the #1 Island in the Continental U.S. as named by Travel & Leisure Magazine.

For a relaxed visit that gives you time to really get to know Mackinac Island, you may want to consider spending an entire weekend, or even an entire week.

Many people choose to stay in Mackinaw City vs. on Mackinac Island. It's a lot less expensive and regardless of where you stay, you still need to take the ferry over to Mackinac Island. Mackinaw City has more modern, less expensive rooms and more extensive night life.