Hometown Tourist: Fort Mackinac

Mackinac Island is considered a crown jewel of Northern Michigan.

But before it became a popular summertime destination, it was a vital part of the fur trade and a key military command center.

We take you to Fort Mackinac where history repeats itself, every day.

“Fort Mackinac was built by the British during the American Revolution to get away from the Americans so the old Fort Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City was torn down. Fort Michilimackinac was torn down with pieces of it reassembled here,” explained Curator of Education Katie Mallory.

Sitting proud on a limestone cliff is Fort Mackinac.

As its days as a military post faded, it became one of the nation’s first national parks and then Michigan’s first state park.

“The soldiers actually acted as the park rangers and people came in throngs up here after the Civil War. They wanted to leave the cities behind and they wanted to leave their problems behind,” noted Mallory.

Interpreters now show off the park with tours, cannon firings, and rifle demonstrations

It’s a complete walk through history full of interactive exhibits.

The fort is also home to one of the oldest buildings in Michigan, the Officers Stone Quarters built in 1780.

“We have fourteen original buildings built by the soldiers from the 1700’s into the 1800’s. And for kids coming here, we have the kids quarters where they can dress up, they can learn history and it’s very popular with the adults too,” said Mallory.

On top of the living history, you also can’t beat the view.

“It really gives you a bird’s eye view of the island itself, but its surrounding areas itself and its two major Great Lakes of Lake Michigan and then Lake Huron coming together. Mackinac Island is fun to visit, and it’s great time, and it’s beautiful, but this gives you really some background to that heritage really of why it’s here and what’s so important about it,” said Mallory.