Accessibility

The historic and natural environments of the Straits of Mackinac sometimes present impediments to accessibility. Blowing sand, natural trails and steep grades can make traveling difficult. Many 18th and 19th century buildings have entrance steps, narrow doorways and other physical barriers.

Continuous effort is made to make all aspects of Mackinac State Historic Parks accessible. Where possible, physical changes have removed barriers. Alternate programs or services provide additional access opportunities and future projects will continue to improve access.

Museum and Park Services

  • Accessible parking spaces are located at the Visitor’s Centers at Historic Mill Creek Discovery Center, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, and Colonial Michilimackinac.
  • Wheelchairs are available for loan at most admission areas on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Motorized wheelchairs are available for loan at Colonial Michilimackinac and Historic Mill Creek on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Site maps are available in large print format at admission areas.
  • Scripts of some site demonstrations are available for loan at admission areas. Captioning is provided for audiovisual programs at all sites.
  • Service animals are permitted at all sites and in all buildings.
  • An adult changing table is available at Fort Mackinac.

Below is information on accessibility. The numbers or letters refer to the building’s location on the individual site map. Click for a PDF of the printed Guide to Access.

Mackinac Island State Park

Outdoor surfaces are gravel, grass, sand, wood chips, and concrete. 

Miles of island trails offer a variety of experiences and connect many areas of interest. All trails have at least one length of steep slope. Watch for carriages and horses on paved roads, and bicyclists on bike paths. Walking trails have gravel or wood chip surfaces. For more information, consult the Historic Mackinac Visitor’s Guide or guest service representatives at the downtown Mackinac State Historic Parks’ Visitor’s Center.

Difficult Access

Five to eight entrance steps to these buildings may make access

  • Stairs lead to Mission Church (H)

Moderate Access Locations

  • Restrooms in the Mackinac Island State Park Visitor’s Center (G) are functionally accessible.

Fort Mackinac

Outdoor surfaces are wooden boardwalks and grass. 

Getting to Fort Mackinac

Passenger ferries and airplanes take visitors to Mackinac Island. Two private companies operate boats to the island from St. Ignace and Mackinaw City. Air-taxi service from Pellston and St. Ignace is also available. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on Mackinac Island; however, personal motorized devices are allowed with permission. Please contact us for more details.

Fort Mackinac’s most accessible entrance is located on the north side of the site and can be reached in several ways. The most immediate route from downtown is to follow Fort Street up the west side of the fort. The road is very steep and may be difficult for some visitors. Other less direct roads also lead to the north entrance.

The ramp leading to the south entrance has 27 steps at the top. This entrance is NOT accessible for visitors using wheelchairs. Horse-drawn carriage tours and taxis leaving from downtown locations will transport visitors to the north side of the fort. A taxi with a lift may be available; contact 906.847.3323 for taxi information.

Difficult Access

Five to eight entrance steps to these buildings may make access

  • Post Bathhouse (4)
  • North Blockhouse (10) Alternate programs provided
  • Reading Room (9)
  • West Blockhouse (12)
  • Tea Room (15) Alternate service area provided
  • East Blockhouse (20)
  • Upper Gun Platform (19) Alternate Programs Provided

Moderate Access Locations

Access may be limited for some visitors with mobility impairments in these buildings:

  • The Officers’ Hill Quarters (11) has narrow hallways, thresholds and stairs to the second floor.
  • Two entrance steps lead to the Guardhouse (17).

Alternate Building Entrances

The following buildings have alternate ramped entrances:

  • Enter the Post Headquarters (2) through the Quartermaster’s Storehouse (3).
  • Enter the Officers’ Stone Quarters (14) through the back porch of the building.

Alternate Entrances

  • The ramp leading to the South Sally Port (18) entrance is very steep and there are 27 steps at the top. This entrance is NOT accessible for visitors using wheelchairs. Please use Fort Street to connect you to the Avenue of Flags.
  • A small elevator in the Soldiers’ Barracks (7) connects the two levels of Fort Mackinac. The elevator accommodates only smaller motorized wheelchairs. Elevator entrance locations: Parade Ground Level: Near Restrooms (6); Avenue of Flags Level: Barracks rear porch, second door.
  • Alternate North Sally Port (5) entrance to lower level.

Alternate Programs

  • Accessible service for the Tea Room (15) is available on the covered piazza at the rear of the Officers’ Stone Quarters (14).
  • The cannon demonstration, located up a flight of stairs on the Gun Platform (19), is shown live on a television monitor at the Water Well (21). All other scheduled programs are held in accessible areas.
  • A video program is available west of the North Blockhouse (10) exhibit.
  • Auxiliary aids are available for various demonstrations – cannon firing, rifle firing, and walking tours.

The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum

Alternate Entrance

  • To enter main floor, follow ramp around building (F) to north entrance.
  • Elevator access inside to second floor.
  • A staff member can provide access to the restrooms and Kids’ Art Studio. Ask at the admissions window.

Biddle House

Outdoor surfaces are gravel and stone pavers. 

  • The Biddle House (A) is fully accessible, but does have some narrow door openings due to the historic nature of the house.

Benjamin Blacksmith Shop

Outdoor surfaces are gravel and stone pavers. 

  • The Benjamin Blacksmith Shop (B) is full accessible, but does feature a narrow space to view demonstrations.

McGulpin House

Moderate Access

Access may be limited for some visitors with mobility impairments in these buildings:

  • McGulpin House (D) has one entrance step.
  • The door is 31” wide.

American Fur Co. Store & Dr. Beaumont Museum

The American Fur Co. Store & Dr. Beaumont Museum (C) has a narrow door opening.

Michilimackinac State Park

Outdoor surfaces are gravel, grass and concrete. Pathways can sometimes become covered with a layer of sand. Restrooms in the park are fully accessible.

Moderate Access

Access may be limited for some visitors with mobility impairments in these buildings:

  • The Bridgeview Gazebo has one entrance step.

Colonial Michilimackinac

Outdoor surfaces are gravel, grass and sand.

Path to the Fort from the Visitor’s Center

  • A 500 foot path leads from the Visitor’s Center to the fort. A layer of sand sometimes covers the hard-packed trail. The inland route to the Land Gate (left path – 22) is recommended.

Difficult Access

Access may be difficult for some visitors with mobility impairments in these buildings:

  • Stairs lead to the Powder Magazine (19). Entrance is from the SSE Rowhouse (18).
  • Interior stairs in the Northwest Rowhouse (7) lead to the Archaeology Exhibit. A video is available – see Alternate Programs below.

Moderate Access

Access may be limited for some visitors with mobility impairments in these buildings:

  • South Southeast Rowhouse (18) has one entrance step.
  • Merchant’s, Soldier’s and Trader’s houses (11) doors are 29.5” wide.
  • The Priest’s House (8) has two sets of entrance steps and a 3” level change within the building.
  • Artillery Firings (2) (3) are located on a packed gravel surface that is sometimes covered with a layer of sand.
  • The Native American Encampment (23) area has a grass surface.

Alternate Programs and Entrances

  • A video on the underground exhibit “Treasures from the Sand” is available at the entrance in the Northwest Rowhouse (7).
  • A video of the Powder Magazine is available in the South Southeast Rowhouse (18).
  • The North Church door (10) is not accessible; use the main south entrance.
  • An auxiliary aid is available for the musket demonstration.

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse

Outdoor surfaces are paved side-walks and grassy surfaces.

Difficult Access

Access may be difficult for some visitors with mobility impairments in this area:

  • Confined curved staircase leads to the tower (4) in the lighthouse, and an 11-rung ladder leads to the top.
  • The Marshall Gallery on the second floor of the Keepers’ Quarters (3) is only accessible via stairway.

Alternate Programs and Entrances

  • A video on the tower tour and Marshall Gallery is located in the Keepers’ Quarters gallery (2).
  • A ramp leads to the south door of the Barn (5). Ask for assistance for access.
  • Auxiliary aids are available for the Fog Signal Demonstration and Tower Tour.

Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park

Outdoor surfaces are gravel, grass and sand.

Alternate Programs and Entrances

  • A ramped boardwalk (11) near the Visitor’s Center (1) leads to the west side of the Mill Pond Loop, near the Overlook (12). Another ramped boardwalk (11) near the Sawpit Area (9) leads to the trail on the east side of the Mill Pond Loop.
  • A ramp is located on the east side of the British Workshop (8).
  • An auxiliary aid is available for the sawpit and sawmill demonstration.

Difficult Access

Natural conditions make access on these trails difficult for visitors with mobility impairments:

  • Beaver Pond Loop
  • Mill Pond Spur
  • Eagle’s Flight Zip Line (18)  Adventure Tour element
  • Treetop Discovery Tower Climbing Wall (20)  Adventure Tour element
  • Forest Canopy Bridge (19) Adventure Tour element
  • Treetop Discovery Tower (17)
  • The Adventure Tour is a separate ticket and price. All elements of this tour are difficult access for those with mobility impairments.

Moderate Access

Access may be limited for some visitors with mobility impairments in these areas:

  • The Mill Pond Loop and Evergreen Loop are hard-packed gravel but natural slopes and gravel surfaces may be difficult for some visitors.
  • The Picnic Area (3) is covered by grass.
  • Surfaces around the unexcavated building sites (10) are covered by grass.