HISTORY
Time seems to stand still on Mackinac Island not only because there are no cars, but also because there are two historic military forts and a handful of the oldest buildings in Michigan. Just by being here you’ll feel like you’re back in the past! Mackinac Island is home to many beautiful examples of Victorian architecture among the cottages and B&Bs that, in many cases, are well over 100 years old. The Island’s museums and reenactments by costumed interpreters also offer glimpses into the 19th-century lives of both soldiers and civilians.
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American Fur Company Store and Dr. Beaumont Museum
Home to the American Fur Company Store, which sold a variety of general merchandise. It was at this site, on June 6, 1822, that French Canadian voyageur Alexis St. Martin…
Benjamin Blacksmith Shop
Originally built in the 1880s, Robert Benjamin and later his son, Herbert, ran a blacksmith shop into the 1960s. The contents of the shop were moved to the reconstructed building…
Biddle House
Biddle House features the Mackinac Island Native American Museum. A Time of Change. As an Anishnaabek woman, Agatha Biddle and other indigenous people witnessed their culture subjected to immense changes…
British Landing
During the night of July 16-17, 1812, a small force of British regulars and several hundred voyageurs and Indian allies landed and occupied a height that overlooked Fort Mackinac and…
Cemeteries
Our cemeteries are quiet and reverent places. While you can walk them respectfully or view from a distance. These final resting places of our Island’s historic figures, are for the…
Fort Holmes
After the British and their allies captured Fort Mackinac during the War of 1812, they quickly built a small outpost and called it Fort George. When the Americans regained the…
Fort Mackinac
Founded during the American Revolution, the British captured the Fort in the very first engagement on American soil in the War of 1812. Inside, 14 original buildings, cannon salutes, bugle…
Fort Mackinac Post Cemetery
The Post Cemetery is the final resting place for Fort Mackinac soldiers, their families and local officials. Although the origin of the Cemetery is lost in history, local lore suggests…
Grand Hotel Stable & Carriage Museum
The Grand Stables, located minutes away from the hotel near Surrey Hill and just across from Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory, is free of charge and open to all Mackinac…
Horse in History Museum
Mackinac Horsemen’s Association is excited to showcase this compilation of photographs at the entrance of the Mackinac Community Equestrian Center (MCEC) showing Mackinac Island’s unique horse culture. From photos selected…
McGulpin House
One of the island’s oldest structures, McGulpin House dates to 1790. Originally located on the east end of town, the building was moved to this location during restoration in 1982.…
Mission House
The Mission House is a historic structure located adjacent to Mission Point Resort. Built in 1825, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The interior is not open to…
Richard & Jane Manoogian Art Museum
Nowhere else does such a rare and exceptional collection of Mackinac-related art and photography come together to tell Mackinac’s story. In complement to the natural beauty of Mackinac Island, The…
Stuart House Museum
Stuart House Museum illuminates the Island’s history and is where John Jacob Astor made his living as a fur trader during the 1800s.
Surrey Hills Carriage Museum
An antique carriage museum that features a working blacksmith shop, Surrey Hills lets you explore and learn about carriages. Three shops offer food, gifts, and souvenirs. There is a picnic…
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