FORT MACKINAC

 

Built by the British in 1780 to protect the Great Lakes Fur Trade, Fort Mackinac served as a sentinel in the Straits of Mackinac for 115 years. Today, the original restored fort is a National Historic Landmark as well as an extremely popular tourist destination. The fort is situated on a 150 foot bluff above the Straits of Mackinac and is one of the few surviving Revolutionary War forts in the U.S. and one of the most complete forts in the country. For over 240 years, Fort Mackinac has been standing guard over Mackinac Island and is home to the second largest cannon regularly demonstrated on the Great Lakes; an 1841 model six-pounder! There are tours given daily during the season where you will see costumed interpreters portraying the life in 1880's, as well as rifle firings, court martial re-enactments, soldiers marching and colonial dancing with live music! You can walk through officer's quarters, the hospital, the jail, the school house and more! Kids can visit the Kid's Quarter's for interactive displays. The Fort Tea Room is operated by the Grand Hotel and is a great place to stop for lunch without ever having to leave the fort - and the view overlooking Marquette Park and the bustling harbor is amazing.  There is also a museum with displays and artifacts that show's the timeline of the activity in the Straits region and the role that Mackinac Island has played throughout history.  

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