Mackinaw City, Michigan — Attractions
Colonial Michilimackinac
Michilimackinac, about a mile (2km) from the center of Mackinaw City, was the first stop for new arrivals back in the outpost days, around the 1700s. Today it remains the first destination for tourists visiting the area, being the site of a reconstructed 1715 French fur-trading village and military outpost that was later occupied by the British. The working colonial village is a living history exhibit that fascinates visitors while, within the stockade, archaeological excavations continue at the site. The historic park includes a vivid audio-visual recreation of a soldiers' barracks, a unique permanent underground archaeological tunnel exhibit displaying hundreds of original artifacts, a recreated Native American summer encampment illustrating life on the shores of the Great Lakes in the 18th century, as well as musket and cannon firing demonstrations and demonstrations of pioneer skills like blacksmithing and open-hearth cooking.
- Region/City Name
- Mackinaw City
- Phone Number
- (231) 436 4100 (Mackinac Parks office)
- Website
- www.mackinacparks.com
- Hours
- Daily 9am to 4.30pm (6 May to 6 June, and 24 August to 12 October); 9.30am to 6pm (7 June to 19 June) and 9.30am to 8pm (20 June to 24 August)
- Admission
- $10.50 (adults), $6.50 (children 6-17)
Historic Mill Creek
Mill Creek, located on US-23 a few miles south-east of Mackinaw City, was constructed by a Scotsman, Robert Campbell, in 1780, making it one of the first industrial sites in the Great Lakes area. The mill, now reconstructed, provided sawn lumber for the Mackinac Island settlers. Today the water-powered sawmill sits in a delightful wooded setting among nature trails and forest management displays, providing an interesting attraction for numerous visitors. Demonstrations are given of logs being sawn, craftsmen in period dress show how houses were built and a nature program to encourage visitors to discover the area's flora and fauna is offered. The site includes a picnic area, or there is a cookhouse serving lunches and snacks. The surrounding area includes four miles (6km) of nature trails that bypass an active beaver colony.
- Region/City Name
- Mackinaw City
- Phone Number
- (231) 436 4100 (Mackinac Parks office)
- Email Address
- mackinacparks@michigan.gov
- Website
- www.mackinacparks.com
- Hours
- Daily 9am to 4pm (5 May to 6 June, and 24 August to 12 October); 9am to 5pm (7 June to 24 August)
- Admission
- $8 (adults), $4.75 (children 6-17)
Mackinac Island
Visitors who step ashore on Mackinac Island from one of the three ferry services from Mackinaw City can be forgiven for believing they have stepped back in time into a Victorian village. The small population of 500 permanent residents have preserved the island settlement and the surrounding natural beauty to the point that no motor vehicles are allowed on the island; the only way to get around is on foot, bicycle or horse and buggy. The island, 80 percent of which is a state park, boasts 140 miles (225km) of roads and trails, ideal for hiking. The longest route is right around the island, following the scenic eight-mile (13km) Lake Shore road. Other popular walks include the Turtle's Back, Tranquil Bluff Trail and British Landing nature trail. Every year in early June the island comes alive with a Lilac Festival, featuring the world's longest horse-hitch parade, fireworks, hayrides, country line dancing, free outdoor concerts, boat cruises and garden tours.
- Region/City Name
- Mackinaw City
- Phone Number
- (877) 847 0086 (Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau)
- Email Address
- info@mackinacisland.org
- Website
- www.mackinacisland.org
- Hours
- Open year round. State Park Visitor's Center open May to October
Fort Mackinac
From its position on Mackinac Island, Fort Mackinac has stood sentinel over the Straits of Mackinac for 115 years, having been built by British soldiers during the American Revolution. The original fort has been restored as a National Historic Landmark and is one of Michigan's favorite attractions. Visitors can stroll through the 1780 officer's stone quarters, play dress-up in the discovery room, enjoy an audio-visual presentation in the Post Commissary, view the exhibits and watch lively demonstrations.
- Region/City Name
- Mackinaw City
- Address
- Huron Road, Mackinac Island
- Phone Number
- (906) 436 4100 (Mackinac Parks office)
- Website
- www.mackinacparks.com
- Hours
- Daily 9am to 4.30pm (6 May to 6 June and 24 August to 12 October); 9.30am to 6.30pm (7 June to 19 June) and 9.30am to 8pm (20 June to 23 August)
- Admission
- $10.50 (adults), $6.50 (children 6-17)
Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum
About an hour's drive north of the Mackinaw Bridge, situated in one of the most scenic spots on Michigan's Upper Peninsula, lies the intriguing Shipwreck Museum alongside the historic Whitefish Point Light Station on the shore of Lake Superior. The museum is the only one of its kind, dedicated to highlighting the perils of maritime transport on the Great Lakes. The lighthouse on the site is the oldest active lighthouse on Lake Superior. The museum brings to life the dramatic shipwreck legends of the area with artifacts and exhibits telling stories of the ships and sailors who came to grief in the treacherous lake. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the restored 1861 Lightkeepers Quarters, a duplex building with period furnishings, descriptive panels and artifacts from the days when keepers and their families lived here.
- Region/City Name
- Mackinaw City
- Address
- Whitefish Point Road, Paradise
- Phone Number
- (888) 492 3747
- Website
- www.shipwreckmuseum.com
- Hours
- Daily 10am to 6pm 1 May to 31 October
- Admission
- $10 (adults), $7 (children)
