It’s a different perspective from the palisade walls. 

This is Mackinac.

Treasures from the past come to life at this 18th-century fort and fur trading village. As you walk through the site, you are stepping back in time to 1775, when the American Revolution began. Reconstructed based on historic maps and more than 50 years of archaeological excavations that continue today, Colonial Michilimackinac offers a one-of-a-kind experience from cannon and musket firings to hearth cooking and crafts.

Located on the shore of the Straits of Mackinac, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Mackinac Bridge, the straits, and the Upper Peninsula. 

Highlights

Live Programs and Tours

Demonstrations and tours by costumed interpreters are scheduled throughout the day. Cooking, crafts and trades are conducted at key locations and vary by season. Click the links below for daily events taking place throughout the season:

Exhibits

All sixteen buildings in the fort are open and furnished with period settings or themed exhibits. Special exhibits include:

 

• France at Mackinac, 1670-1760, explores Michilimackinac as it was under the French regime.
• Treasures from the Sand, an underground exhibit exploring the process of historical archaeology.
• Redcoats on the Frontier, describing the life of the British soldier, including a children’s discovery area.
• Powder Magazine and Firearms on the Frontier, a subterranean exhibit describing the preserved ruins of this military structure.
• Commanding Officer’s House, showcasing the life of Michilimackinac’s commanding officer.

Movies

Michilimackinac: Crossroads of the Great Lakes, a 15-minute movie, is presented in the King’s Storehouse. It plays every 20 minutes. Attack! at Michilimackinac presents the most dramatic event in the fort’s history. It plays continuously in the Trader’s House of the Southwest Rowhouse.

Kids’ Rendezvous 

In a playground just outside the Visitor’s Center, children can exercise both bodies and brains as they explore the routes of the fur traders.

Ongoing Archaeology 

During the main season, from early June until mid-August, you can witness archaeologists continuing the excavation of Michilimackinac. Continuing each summer since 1959, the dig is one of longest ongoing excavations of its kind in the nation.

Watch the video below to see all that Colonial Michilimackinac has to offer!

Hours of Operation 

2018 Hours of Operation

May 2  – June 8
9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
Last admission 4:00 p.m.

June 9 – September 2
9:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m.
Last admission 6:00 p.m.

September 3  – October 7
9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
Last admission 4:00 p.m.

May 27 & 28 last admission 6:00 p.m.

Admission Rates

Adult $12.00 – Online $11.25
Child (Age 5-12) $7.00 – Online 6.75

Click here for more information and to save on combination tickets and season passes.

Travel Information

Colonial Michilimackinac is located within the boundaries of Michilimackinac State Park on the shore of Lake Michigan, just off I-75 in Mackinaw City. The Visitor’s Center entrance is under the Mackinac Bridge.

Street Address

102 W. Straits Ave.
Mackinaw City, MI 49701

Travel Directions

Click here to map your route to Colonial Michilimackinac and for general travel information on your visit to the Straits of Mackinac.

Parking

Parking at Colonial Michilimackinac is free. The main lot is located adjacent to the Visitor’s Center off Straits Avenue.

Visitor Services 

Refreshments and Picnic Area

The Colonial Michilimackinac Visitor’s Center offers a selection of beverages and light snacks. Picnic tables are available in the ticketed area between the Visitor’s Center and the fort entrance. There are also picnic grounds in the free area of Michilimackinac State Park, to the east of the parking lot.

Shopping

The Colonial Michilimackinac Visitor’s Center houses a Museum Store featuring a wide variety of unique gifts, mementos, apparel and publications. The Hearthside Museum Store is located inside the South Southwest Rowhouse, within the fort, offering gifts, mementos, publications and a refreshment area.

Restrooms

Accessible restrooms are located adjacent to the parking lot, along the walkway to the fort entrance, and within the fort.

Accessibility 

Colonial Michilimackinac warmly welcomes guests with special needs. Learn more about how guests with limited mobility or other special needs can fully enjoy their visit. Click here for complete information about accessibility.

Visitation Tips & Courtesies

Getting Around

Please keep in mind that Colonial Michilimackinac is very much an outdoor experience so prepare accordingly for various weather conditions. We recommend walking shoes and comfortable clothing. Please be sure to collect a Map & Schedule at the Visitor’s Center.

Touring Time

There is a lot to see and do at Colonial Michilimackinac. We recommend that you plan to spend at least one and a half to two hours touring the site, but don’t be surprised if you spend the entire day!

Pet Friendly

Well-behaved pets on leashes are welcome.

Photography

Photography is permitted and encouraged in all areas. Professional or group photography must be approved in advance.

Electronic Devices

Please silence electronic devices in the theaters and during live demonstrations.

Smoking

Colonial Michilimackinac is a smoke-free site.