Fort Mackinac

TODAY’S HOURS:
Open for the 2026 season May 1!

TODAY’S EVENTS:
N/A

About Fort Mackinac

Iconic.

The cannon blasts, the rifles fire, the soldiers march and history comes alive. The oldest building in Michigan and 13 other historical structures boast exhibits explaining everything from military training and battles to medical treatments to family life within the fort.

More than just a military outpost, Fort Mackinac served as a home for soldiers and their families and eventually the headquarters for Mackinac National Park, where tourists to the island visited the great fortress on the bluff, much like they do today.

This is Mackinac.

Seasonal Hours

May 1 – June 5, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Last Admission 4:00 p.m.
Click here for a daily events schedule. 

June 6 – September 6, 2026
9:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Last Admission 6:00 p.m.
Click here for a daily events schedule.

September 7 – October 4, 2026
9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Last Admission 4:00 p.m.
Click here for a daily events schedule.

October 5 – October 24, 2026
9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Last Admission 3:00 p.m. Admission is ONLY at the North Sally Port entrance.
Click here for a daily events schedule.

Admission

Adult $17.50
Child (Age 5-12) $10.50

Admission also includes The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum (May 8 – October 4), Biddle House, featuring the Mackinac Island Native American Museum, Benjamin Blacksmith Shop, the American Fur Co. Store & Dr. Beaumont Museum, and McGulpin House (June 6-August 22).

Click here for more information, to purchase tickets, or to learn about weekly passes.

Group rates available! If you have 12 or more people visiting with you, please contact our Marketing and Group Travel and Coordinator.

Location Information

Fort Mackinac is located on Mackinac Island within the boundaries of Mackinac Island State Park, on the bluff overlooking the City of Mackinac Island and Haldimand Bay. There are two entrances: the South Sally Port via the ramp off Fort Street and the North Sally Port off Huron Road.

Address:
7127 Huron Rd., Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Get Directions

America250

A logo showing America250, 13 stars, and a colonial soldier.The revolutionary events of 1776 directly led to the creation of Fort Mackinac, in 1780. Learn all about the America250 programs and events taking place throughout the year with Mackinac State Historic Parks:

Experiences

Demonstrations and tours by costumed interpreters are scheduled throughout the day. Experience the boom of the iconic Fort Mackinac cannon and learn about the changing technology of the U.S. Army during a rifle firing demonstration. Walking tours of the fort include learning about the changing face of the fort, the people who lived and worked at Fort Mackinac, and what equipment was distributed to soldiers station there.

Movies

The Heritage of Mackinac, providing an overview history of Mackinac, and A Pride of Purpose: The Story of Mackinac National Park, are featured in the Soldiers’ Barracks. They alternate throughout the day.

Fire the Cannon

Make your visit one for the record books: fire the opening cannon salute at Fort Mackinac. Click here to find out how!

Exhibits

All fourteen buildings in the fort are restored and open to the public. They are furnished with period settings highlighting the building’s particular function or a themed exhibit. Special exhibits include:

  • Mackinac, An Island Famous in These Regions on the first floor of the Soldier’s’ Barracks presents the full history of Mackinac Island. 
  • Military Medicine at Mackinac: 1780-1895 in the Post Hospital explores medical care at the fort and changing nineteenth-century medical practices. 
  • Kids’ Quarters features hands-on displays and interactive games.
  • North Blockhouse plunges visitors back in time to the War of 1812 to experience the confusion, fear, and drama of the British capture of Fort Mackinac.

Curator’s Tour

Dig even deeper into the military history and importance of Fort Mackinac with a 90-minute tour guided by a Curator. Learn more here.

Historic Downtown Mackinac

A Fort Mackinac ticket includes admission to Historic Downtown Mackinac, which includes Biddle House, featuring the Mackinac Island Native American Museum, The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum, Benjamin Blacksmith Shop, American Fur Co. Store & Dr. Beaumont Museum, and McGulpin House. Dates and hours of operation vary.

Experiences

From firing the iconic cannon and dining in the Tea Room to participating in a drill program and shopping in the Museum Store, Fort Mackinac will be the highlight of your Mackinac Island visit.

Exhibits

All fourteen buildings in the fort are restored and open to the public. They are furnished with period settings highlighting the building’s particular function or a themed exhibit. Current special exhibits include:

Other Mackinac Island Attractions