Reconstructed 1715 French fur-trading village and military outpost, later occupied by British military and traders. Today features re-enactments from British 1770s occupation/American Revolution era. National Historic Landmark. Accredited by American Association of Museums.

Accurately, professionally restored 18th and 19th century British and U.S. military outpost with 14 original historic buildings. National Historic Landmark founded in 1780. Abandoned by the military, the fort became part of Michigan's first state park, Mackinac Island State Park, in 1895. From 1875-1895 it was America's second national park, Mackinac National Park, after Yellowstone. Accredited by the American Association of Museums. Open daily, mid-May to mid-Oct.

The Great Lakes Boat Building School, located in the beautiful Les Cheneaux Islands of northern Michigan, offers a diverse program designed “to teach quality wooden boat building skills, to preserve craftsmanship and continue our Great Lakes heritage”. From summer workshops to a full-time, nine month curriculum, the school will feature classes in basic woodworking, joinery, basic design and lofting, restoration, repair, small craft construction, and modern day materials and techniques.

Exhibits tell the stories of wrecked ships & lives lost on the Great Lakes. Highlights include Edmund Fitzgerald memorial featuring the ship's bell, 1861 Lightkeeper's Quarters, Theater, Museum Store & sweeping views of the Shipwreck Coast.

Once the hub of the bustling fur trade, Mackinac Island served as a commercial depot for half a century of fur trappers and traders.

USCG ICEBREAKER MACKINAW WAGB-83 "An American Hero Story". "The Queen of the Great Lakes" was built as part of the war effort during World War II to meet the heavy demands of war materials and transportation during the winter months. Decommissioned in 2006, she now resides at her namesake home of Mackinaw City, Michigan, and is open for public tours and group events. Visit the Mess Deck, Engine Room, offices and more and hear the story of the Mackinaw's 62-year career breaking ice on the Great Lakes and serving as a goodwill ambassador throughout the region.

Mackinac State Historic Parks - Experience Mackinac's Family Adventure! Explore and enjoy Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island and Colonial Michilimackinac, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, and Mill Creek Discovery Park in Mackinaw City. Open Daily from early May through mid-October.

McGulpin Point Lighthouse is open daily, free of charge, from mid-May through the end of October. Summer hours are typically 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Climb the tower for a commanding view of the Mackinac Bridge, and walk the Chi-Sin trail to the "Big Rock" at the shoreline of the Straits of Mackinac, where along the way you'll journey back 9,000 years to meet some of our earliest inhabitants. Gift shop, docents, donations appreciated.
McGulpin Point operated as a lighthouse from 1869 to 1906, when it was decommissioned. It was purchased by Emmet County in 2008 and has been restored to period decor inside and among the grounds.

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse is just east of the Colonial Michilimackinac Visitor's Center in Mackinaw City near the south end of the Mackinac Bridge. Take Exit 339 off northbound I-75, turn left at Nicolet and right on Huron. The Lighthouse Information Center is in the 1907 Fog Signal House, a small brick building east of Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse. Its steam-powered horn steered ships clear from shore in fog and darkness. The Mackinac Island State Park Commission purchased the Fog Signal House, a barn, and the lighthouse in 1960. Visitors toured exhibits there from 1972-1988.

For close to three centuries, the Straits of Mackinac has been a vital nautical thoroughfare, providing passage between Lakes Huron and Michigan. But traveling its famed blue waters has not come without risk. Over the many decades, lighthouses were built to protect mariners from dangerous shoals and reefs. Each has a story to tell. Shepler's exclusive Lighthouse Cruises are voyages of discovery. Guests are treated to awe-inspiring views and the fascinating history surrounding these Great Lakes Guardians. Each three hour cruise is $52.50 per adult and $40.50 per child ages 5-12. NEW for 2009!Take one of our extended four hour cruises for $68.00 per adult and $52.25 per child. The four hour cruises include lunch. See our cruise schedule online at sheplersferry.com. Reservations are suggested. Book your seat today at sheplersferry.com or by calling 1-800-828-6157!

Four blocks east of the Soo Locks, the 21-story Tower of History offers a spectacular view panoramic view of historic Sault Ste Marie and Canada. A gift shop and mini-museum are located in the lower level, featuring local artifacts, a Native American exhibit & historical video presentation.