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Today’s Events at Fort Mackinac

Today’s Events at Fort Mackinac

June 1 – September 1, 2024

Rifle Firing Demonstrations and programs take place on the Parade Ground. Cannon Firing Demonstrations take place at the Upper Gun Platform. 

9:30 a.m.
Morning Cannon Salute/Fort Mackinac Open for the Day
Here’s your chance to add your name to the record books!

10:00 a.m.
Rifle Firing Demonstration followed by Changing Face of Fort Mackinac Program
Learn about the changing technology of the US Army and find out why the army put an emphasis on marksmanship and changing tactics. Includes a live demonstration! Then, learn how Fort Mackinac has changed architecturally over the 115 years it was an active fort. 

11:00 a.m.
Cannon Firing Demonstration followed by Medicine at Mackinac Program
Experience the boom of the iconic Fort Mackinac cannon! Then, join interpreters as they provide the history of Army Surgeons at Fort Mackinac and how the Army began changing military medicine in the 1880s.

11:30 a.m.
People of Fort Mackinac Program
Take a tour of Fort Mackinac while learning about the various people who called Fort Mackinac home. 

12:00 p.m.
Rifle Firing Demonstration followed by The Army of the 1880s Program
Learn about the changing technology of the US Army and find out why the army put an emphasis on marksmanship and changing tactics. Includes a live demonstration! Then, head with an interpreter for a deeper look at the army of the 1880s. 

1:00 p.m.
Cannon Firing Demonstration followed by Mackinac National Park Program
Experience the boom of the iconic Fort Mackinac cannon! Fort Mackinac was headquarters to the United States’ second national park, established in 1875. This program will introduce the rise of tourism on Mackinac Island and how the island and fort have been preserved. 

1:30 p.m.
Guard Mount Program
Learn how soldiers would conduct Guard Mount in the 1880s and watch as interpreters act out this complex military ceremony. 

2:00 p.m.
Drill Activity and Rifle Firing Demonstration
Muster into the army of the 1880s by heading out on the Parade Ground and taking part in drill, followed by a live demonstration! 

3:00 p.m.
Cannon Firing Demonstration, followed by Soldier’s Uniform and Equipment Program
Experience the boom of the iconic Fort Mackinac cannon! Then, learn about the equipment issued to soldiers in the 1880s and learn more about the Quartermasters’ Storehouse.

4:00 p.m.
Dress Parade Program, followed by Civilians of Fort Mackinac Program
Watch as soldiers are inspected and reviewed, then join an interpreter in exploring the role civilians played at Fort Mackinac in the 1880s.

5:00 p.m.
Cannon Firing Demonstration, followed by Evenings at Fort Mackinac Program
Experience the boom of the iconic Fort Mackinac cannon! Then, explore how evenings were spent at Fort Mackinac, including ceremonies, tasks and duties, and leisure time.

6:00 p.m.
Rifle Firing Demonstration
Learn about the changing technology of the US Army and find out why the army put an emphasis on marksmanship and changing tactics. Includes a live demonstration! 

6:30 p.m.
Cannon Firing Demonstration
Experience the boom of the iconic Fort Mackinac cannon!

7:00 p.m.
Fort Mackinac Closed for the Day

A downloadable version of the events schedule can be found by clicking here.