Photo by the Mackinaw Area Visitors Bureau
Mackinaw City has been a pivotal location for the development of the Great Lakes for hundreds of years. That history is captured at Colonial Fort Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City.
Fur traders set up shop in the Northern Michigan’s Straits of Mackinac in the 1600’s and by the 1700’s, the area was a bustling trading center. The fort was built by the French in the early 1700’s and it was occupied from 1714-1781 by the French and the British.
Today, the reconstructed fort at Colonial Michilimackinac is a major tourist destination and historical site. Ongoing archaeological work at the Fort continues to uncover surprises and offer insight into life at the Colonial setting. Archaeologists first dug at Colonial Michilimackinac in 1959 and since then, more than one million artifacts have been uncovered.
Michilimackinac State Park was established in 1909 and has 37 acres and 2,100 feet of shoreline on Lakes Huron and Michigan. Thirteen authentically reconstructed buildings allow visitors to see what life was like in Colonial times aided by interactive displays and reenactments by costumed interpreters. Colonial Michilimackinac is a great place for children: special activities and programs take place daily during the summer season. Largely popular is the annual Historical Reenactment Pageant held each Memorial Day weekend. This event provides a reenactment of the 1763 Native American attack on the British held fort.
Colonial Michilimackinac is a real gem: when visiting Northern Michigan, a visit to this fort is a must.
The Fort is scheduled to be open from May 10th-October 22nd, 2023. Tickets are $14.50 for those age 13 and up, $8.50 for children ages 5-12, and free for children age 4 and under.
Mackinaw City’s location at the most Northern tip in the lower peninsula is the perfect destination for visitors. With Lake Michigan on one side and Lake Huron on the other side, this is a true Great Lake’s spot. Read the stories below or go to the Mackinaw City destination page.
McGulpin Rock, near Mackinaw City, has been used as a navigational tool by explorers and mariners since before the Pilgrims landed.
While it may be the gateway to Mackinac Island, Mackinaw City offers it's own set of awesome festivals and events.
With Lake Michigan on one side and Lake Huron on the other side, Mackinaw City is a true Great Lake’s spot with lots of things to do!
Built during World War II to haul heavy materials during the winter, the Icebreaker Mackinaw was in service for 62 years then became a museum.
Mackinaw City's Heritage Village lets visitors explore life in the Straits of Mackinac as it was during the era of 1880-1917.
Historic Mill Creek Discover Park has 625 acres along Lake Huron, 3.5 miles of hiking trails, a reconstructed saw mill, mill dam, and more.
The Headlands, just west of Mackinaw City, is one of six International Dark Sky Parks in the U.S. and one of nine in the world.
Mackinaw and Mackinac are pronounced the same way. Why? It's the area's rich history with the Native Americans, French, and British.
The Mackinac Bridge is the 10th largest suspension bridge (over water) in the world and connects Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsula.
Colonial Michilimackinac- Beneath the Mackinac Bridge
Mackinaw City, MI, 49701
(231) 436-4100
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Calendar of Events for Northern Michigan- Harbor Springs, Petoskey, Boyne City, Mackinac Island, Mackinaw City, and more!
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McGulpin Rock, near Mackinaw City, has been used as a navigational tool by explorers and mariners since before the Pilgrims landed.
The Mackinac Bridge is the 10th largest suspension bridge (over water) in the world and connects Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsula.
Within the historic Chicago/West Michigan railroad depot in Petoskey, the Little Traverse History Museum is a history filled gem.
Fort Mackinac is open from May-October and includes buildings restored their original look after the fort’s occupation by the British
The Harbor Springs History Museum offers a unique look at the history of the community, starting with the first Catholic missionaries.
Fisherman’s Island State Park has more than 2,600 acres and miles of gorgeous Lake Michigan beach and is located just south of Charlevoix.
The Headlands, just west of Mackinaw City, is one of six International Dark Sky Parks in the U.S. and one of nine in the world.
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