Treasures from the past come to life at this 18th-century fort and fur trading village. 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 of all ages can enjoy the unique perspective from the palisade walls.
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.
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.
Audiovisual Programs
Coming Together a Michilimackinac, a 13-minute audiovisual program is presented in the Visitor’s Center theater. Attack! at Michilimackinac explores the 1763 capture of the fort during Pontiacs Uprising. It plays in a theater within the fort.
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.
Colonial Michilimackinac is open from May through the early part of October. Hours of operation posted are for the main season, the park closes at 5:00PM May-June & September-October. Please check our website for current pricing.
- Historical Attraction