After losing Fort Mackinac and failing to take it back during the War of 1812, American soldiers returned to Fort Mackinac in 1815. These soldiers not only played an important role in post-war relations with the community of Mackinac Island and British Canada but also left their mark by constructing new buildings at Fort Mackinac […]
Marquette Park today is home to dozens of gorgeous lilacs and is the home for the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival. But what is the history of that green space? What did the Army use that space for? Join us daily at 1:00 p.m. at Fort Mackinac during the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival for a special […]
An America250 event! The historic island fort is decked out in patriotic finery with banners, flags and bunting. It is an 1880’s Independence Day, with 38-gun salutes honoring the states of the period and children’s games. Guests join the party and participate in games on the fort parade ground. Don’t miss out on this all […]
A vintage game of “base ball” as it was meant to be played, barehanded and by gentlemen’s rules on the old Fort Mackinac ball field behind Fort Mackinac, the oldest continually used ball field in Michigan. Learn an old-fashioned cheer, watch players fined for smoking cigars on the field, and enjoy a good old-fashioned rivalry! […]
Thomas Nuttall was the first botanist to visit the straits, arriving by birchbark canoe on August 12, 1810. That summer, described 20 species for science, including thimbleberry. Meet naturalist Kyle Bagnall behind Fort Mackinac (Huron Road) to search for plants Thomas found growing here over 200 years ago. This easy walk covers about 1.5 miles […]
