Colonial Michilimackinac
Colonial Michilimackinac
Colonial Michilimackinac
4.5
About
War in the West: Michilimackinac 1779. Treasures from the past come to life at this 18th-century fort and fur trading village, reconstructed based on historic maps and more than 60 years of archaeological excavations. As you walk through the site, you are stepping back in time to 1779, as the American Revolution headed west. Here, you will see and hear how soldiers, civilians, and Native people responded to threats real and imagined as they attempted to maintain their livelihood, the fur trade. Historical interpreters representing voyageurs, British soldiers, and French-Canadian merchant families are stationed throughout the fort to answer your questions and perform demonstrations.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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4.5
969 reviews
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34
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5
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2
jpete02
Lansing, MI993 contributions
June 2022 • Family
Been to the Mackinaw area many times but never to the fort on the mainland. There was a fort here until the early 1780’s. The British destroyed this fort and moved to construct a new fort on Mackinaw island, which you can also tour.
The fort you see today is a reconstruction but a thoughtful and impressive one. They have an active archaeological site inside the fort, plus about 15 buildings you can go into. Besides touring the buildings, there is a rampart you can walk around on and get great views of the area. Also, a 20 minute movie that gives a great history of the area.
Cost to get in is $14.75/adult and 8.75/kid to get in. A way to save money, if you have a family, and plan to see all of the sights is to buy an annual pass for $85. This pass will allow two adults, plus all kids, into the fort on the mainland, the fort on the island, the lighthouse in Mackinac City, the Outdoor Discovery Center, and a few small museums on Mackinac Island.
Plan on spending at least a couple of hours here. Fort is located next to the bridge. Use James St exit (last exit before bridge) for easiest access.
The fort you see today is a reconstruction but a thoughtful and impressive one. They have an active archaeological site inside the fort, plus about 15 buildings you can go into. Besides touring the buildings, there is a rampart you can walk around on and get great views of the area. Also, a 20 minute movie that gives a great history of the area.
Cost to get in is $14.75/adult and 8.75/kid to get in. A way to save money, if you have a family, and plan to see all of the sights is to buy an annual pass for $85. This pass will allow two adults, plus all kids, into the fort on the mainland, the fort on the island, the lighthouse in Mackinac City, the Outdoor Discovery Center, and a few small museums on Mackinac Island.
Plan on spending at least a couple of hours here. Fort is located next to the bridge. Use James St exit (last exit before bridge) for easiest access.
Written 17 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for this amazing review! Colonial Michilimackinac is a constant work-in-progress, as we have been doing archaeological work for more than 60 years, and our dedicated staff is doing constant research to further inform the programs and exhibits we offer to the public.
We agree on the Mackinac Family Heritage Pass - it's our best value and allows the freedom to visit all of our historic sites. We hope you are able to visit us again soon!
Written 21 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RetiredTravelerTN
Nashville, TN4,014 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
We visited Colonial Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City and learned of the fort prior to the move to Mackinac Island. Costumed interpreters held demonstrations and taught of the function of the fort and the lives of the people in and around the fort. We spent 3 hours and only left then because it was closing time. We saved a few dollars on admission with the veteran discount (ID proof required). Time at the fort was time well spent.
Written 7 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MaryEllen B
47 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
First time visiting this gem, but won’t be the last! We visited first week of October when the weather was unseasonably warm and beautiful. My husband was offered a scooter at the entrance due to mobility issues. The staff was so kind and it worked out so well for him, we were able to visit the entire fort. Very interesting interpretive guides, we learned a lot. We especially enjoyed hearing the Native American woman who not only shared the history, but shared with us the efforts being taken to preserve Native culture and language. We will definitely revisit because there’s so much history to take in. Thoroughly enjoyable!
Written 6 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
99erikl
Flint, MI70 contributions
July 2023 • Family
First of all, when you buy your tickets, buy the season pass for the Mackinac State Historic Parks. It costs $85, but it gets you into lots of places around Mackinaw City and also lots of places on the Island. It is totally worth the price.
We have been to this fort several times, and even though we have seen it before, we still enjoyed it. What made it interesting this time was a presentation by a historian named Luke. He taught us about the social and economic importance of tea. While he was speaking, he made and served tea to anyone who wanted to try it. He was fun, polite, patient, and informative.
My wife was in a garden on the grounds and began chatting with one of the gardeners. They had a great time discussing herbs and seeds.
One of the highlights is when they set off the cannon. It was loud and cool, simultaneously. Kids love it.
You can't go to Mackinaw City and not visit the colonial fort.
We have been to this fort several times, and even though we have seen it before, we still enjoyed it. What made it interesting this time was a presentation by a historian named Luke. He taught us about the social and economic importance of tea. While he was speaking, he made and served tea to anyone who wanted to try it. He was fun, polite, patient, and informative.
My wife was in a garden on the grounds and began chatting with one of the gardeners. They had a great time discussing herbs and seeds.
One of the highlights is when they set off the cannon. It was loud and cool, simultaneously. Kids love it.
You can't go to Mackinaw City and not visit the colonial fort.
Written 22 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
4EverGreen
Princeton, NJ106 contributions
May 2022
Had low expectations thinking this might be a cheesy tourist trap. I was SO wrong.
It is a very thoughtful recreation of this fort from the 1700's, based on archeological digs and findings, then rebuilt as close to possible as to how it was back then. Tons of artifacts, exhibits and history. Included a number of re-enactments (musket firing, cannon shot, blacksmiths, cooks, etc.). Even without the staff (who were all incredibly knowledgeable and accessible) we would've enjoyed walking the grounds and taking in all the history. All told we spent about 4 hours in the fort and would've stayed longer if they hadn't been closing. Highly recommend a visit if you have 1/2 day to a day and enjoy history. Really well done and managed!
It is a very thoughtful recreation of this fort from the 1700's, based on archeological digs and findings, then rebuilt as close to possible as to how it was back then. Tons of artifacts, exhibits and history. Included a number of re-enactments (musket firing, cannon shot, blacksmiths, cooks, etc.). Even without the staff (who were all incredibly knowledgeable and accessible) we would've enjoyed walking the grounds and taking in all the history. All told we spent about 4 hours in the fort and would've stayed longer if they hadn't been closing. Highly recommend a visit if you have 1/2 day to a day and enjoy history. Really well done and managed!
Written 11 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for the incredible review! Our goal is to have visitors such as yourself step into the 1770s and then add to the overall story of the site with engaging exhibits, period settings, and demonstrations, and we're glad you were able to enjoy them. We hope you are able to visit us in the summer as well, as the archaeology dig will be ongoing, where you can watch history unearthed daily.
Thank you again!
Written 8 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
cathyd
Jekyll Island, GA2,567 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
We stopped here as soon as we got into town. It was rainy and the black bugs were out in force, which we assumed the combo was keeping tourists away. The visitor center has a nice shop. They sell these kits which include a petoskey stone and everything needed to polish it. The fort is not too big, with many exhibits to walk through and a few videos in some of the houses. There are people dressed up in period costume giving talks and doing demos. Stopping here before going to the island and visiting that fort really gives you a good history lesson.
Written 20 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
Thank you for the great review! We call the little bugs midges, and they hatch typically in the spring. The good thing is that they don't bite, but they are annoying. We're glad you braved your way through and enjoyed the fort! We hope you stop by again soon!
Written 24 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Angela D
27 contributions
Aug 2022
I hadn't been here since I was a kid. I was excited to take my family back. And we all had a great time. Kids ranging in ages 8-16 all enjoyed the history and fire arms.
The underground exhibits were new to me, but it was a nice way to break things up and interact with the exhibits. Not to mention cool off on a hot August day. The souvenirs were unique and fun as were the actors in certain parts of the Fort. They sell cold drinks, but no food. Our kids enjoyed it, they kept saying how they had just learned about this in school.
The underground exhibits were new to me, but it was a nice way to break things up and interact with the exhibits. Not to mention cool off on a hot August day. The souvenirs were unique and fun as were the actors in certain parts of the Fort. They sell cold drinks, but no food. Our kids enjoyed it, they kept saying how they had just learned about this in school.
Written 15 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the great review, and we're thrilled to hear the whole family enjoyed their visit! We strive to make the fort fun and accessible for all. The underground archaeology exhibit is certainly a favorite, and we're lucky to have such an outstanding team. We hope to see you again soon!
Written 18 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bobbywin
McMurray, PA167 contributions
Sept 2020
This was a very interesting fort and requires at least 3 hours to see all the sights and events. There is a cannon demonstration and a rifle demonstration. The buildings have a lot of great stories to them and require some time to hear them all. If you buy the combination pass you can visit the Lighthouse. That requires at least another hour and a half. Worth the trip.
Written 30 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
Thank you very much for taking the time to review, and we're thrilled you enjoyed your visit to both Colonial Michilimackinac and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse! We do try to tell people - don't be surprised if you spend several hours at the site. We have a lot of history to share.
We hope you come through the Mackinaw area and visit us again soon. Thank you!
Written 18 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
slalemand
Auburn, ME483 contributions
Oct 2021
Great way to spend a few hours. So much to see and learn about the area, it's people and how it became the area. Forts and all buildings are clean and pretty easy to get around in. Nice job with period clothing and demo's. Great views of the area, the bridge and other places.
The water in there lakes by in large is REALLY clean and clear and these lakes are BIG. You don't get a feel for how big they are until you are next to them, or are driving along them for one end to the other, as was our case. I believe if you were to drive around all the lakes you would have traveled some 6500 miles.
Lake Superior is 350 +- Miles long (Wide) with Lake Michigan coming in a close 2nd at 307 =- miles long (wide). With OVER 35,000 Islands between all 5 lakes.
The largest freshwater Island in the WORLD is in Lake Huron at 1068 square miles. Ok you get the reidea, a lot of cool stats about the Great Lakes
The water in there lakes by in large is REALLY clean and clear and these lakes are BIG. You don't get a feel for how big they are until you are next to them, or are driving along them for one end to the other, as was our case. I believe if you were to drive around all the lakes you would have traveled some 6500 miles.
Lake Superior is 350 +- Miles long (Wide) with Lake Michigan coming in a close 2nd at 307 =- miles long (wide). With OVER 35,000 Islands between all 5 lakes.
The largest freshwater Island in the WORLD is in Lake Huron at 1068 square miles. Ok you get the reidea, a lot of cool stats about the Great Lakes
Written 27 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
Thank you for taking the time to review, and we're thrilled to hear you enjoyed your visit to Colonial Michilimackinac! Our staff prides itself on our demonstrations, clothing and exhibits being historically accurate, so we're happy to hear we succeeded during your visit.
The Great Lakes are part of the reason why this area was initially inhabited, and are definitely a major reason why the fort was built where it was. As Michiganders, we do not take them for granted, that's for sure. We're glad you enjoyed your visit!
Written 8 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stephanie T
28 contributions
Aug 2022
We have visited many historical sites, including forts. This was excellent! We spent about 2 1/2 hours there. But, we could have spent all day there given the experiences/talks they have scheduled throughout the day. The historical staff did a great job with education and interacting with visitors (adults and children alike).
Written 20 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for this great review! We'll be sure our staff also gets a chance to read this. We're always adding to and updating our offerings, so we hope you are able to visit us again soon!
Written 6 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
About how long would be suggested to view the whole place? If we left two hours, would we be short on time to see everything, or would that be too long to spend?
Written 17 June 2020
Hello,
We recommend spending at least two hours at the site, but certainly longer, if you have the time. There are 13 reconstructed buildings on the grounds, each with a different exhibit, gallery or setting, demonstrations on the hour, an active archaeology dig, and more!
Written 30 July 2020
hours of operation look to end October 5. is this accurate and won't be open October 18??
Written 10 September 2019
Yes almost all of the shops, restaurants, attractions close for the season.
Written 11 September 2019
Price of pkg deal for family of 4 going to fort michilimac and mill creek
Written 5 July 2019
I think it was around $12 for adults but check for package deals. BTW.. Ideal for a family. They shot off a cannon.
Written 6 July 2019
We bought a family pass for $75. This pass got two adults and six kids into Fort Michilimackinac, Fort Mackinac on the Island, the Lighthouse, and Historic Mill Creek. You will have to do the math. How many people are in your party? How many of these places will you be visiting? (Currently, the price to get into Fort Michilimackinac is $11 for adults and $6.50 for children 12 and younger.)
Written 5 August 2016
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