How To Be A Part Of Fort Mackinac History

It’s not every day you can watch your father-in-law be part of Fort Mackinac history by shooting off a cannon. Believe it or not, you can do it too! Find out below how you can be a part of this memorable experience.

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A special thank you to Mackinac State Historic Parks for the complimentary admission for our family in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own.

Where is Fort Mackinac?

The historic Fort Mackinac (pronounced: ma-kuh-naa) is located on Mackinac Island near Michigan’s upper peninsula, and is surrounded by Lake Huron and the Straits of Mackinac. Fort Mackinac was built in 1780, and the fort is now part of the Mackinac Island State Park which encompasses most of Mackinac Island.

Inside the gated walls of Fort Mackinac, you can discover some of Michigan’s oldest buildings, for example the Officer’s Stone Quarters that was built in 1780. Each one of the fourteen buildings will give you a better understanding of a soldier’s day-to-day life while living at the fort. History comes alive before your eyes around every corner!

If you are visiting with children, you will be happy to know that there are a lot of hands-on learning opportunities. Especially inside the newly redesigned Kids’ Quarter. Here you can build a fort with blocks, dress up as a soldier, design your own fort on an interactive screen, and learn to play the fife.

Tell me and I forget.

Teach me and I remember.

Involve me and I learn.

Benjamin Franklin

If you are looking for books all about Michigan, check out this list of some of our favorites!

Fort Mackinac History

Did you know that from 1875 to 1895 Mackinac Island was known as the second U.S. national park after Yellowstone National Park?

By the late 1800’s, much of Mackinac Island was owned by the U.S government due to Fort Mackinac being established since 1780. The concept of national parks was gaining traction, and Yellowstone becoming the first national park in 1872. Mackinac-born Senator Thomas Ferry wanted to preserve the Island’s natural beauty and history. Ferry introduced legislation to make Mackinac Island a national park and in 1875, President Ulysses Grant signed it into law.

Now known as the Mackinac National Park, the Fort Mackinac’s commanding officer became the park’s first superintendent and the soldiers served as park rangers. For over 20 years Mackinac Island grew in popularity as “the” summer getaway if you were from the Midwest.

Since the park was overseen by the War Department, in the 1890’s they decided to stop funding the fort. Because it no longer served any military importance, the fort was decommissioned and the troops were sent elsewhere. This left no one to take care of the fort or the National Park.

After the fort closed, the U.S. government gave Mackinac Island to the state of Michigan. In 1895, the national park then became known as Mackinac Island State Park. Not only was it Michigan’s first state park, it was actually the first “state park” in the country!

Today, the Mackinac State Park covers roughly 80% of the Island with over 1,044 acres of land. And it is still known as one of the top midwest destinations. Thanks to the efforts of Michigan State Parks, majority of Mackinac Island looks like it did over 126 years ago.

Here are 12 Things To Know Before Staying At Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island.

How You Can Be A Part Of Fort Mackinac History

Every day at Fort Mackinac, one lucky visitor gets the opportunity to shoot the cannon. Atop the bluff, over looking the Haldimand Bay 150 feet below, you will prep and fire the cannon just like they did hundreds of years ago.

A few weeks prior to our visit, my father-in-law celebrated his 80’s birthday. We knew his gift had to be something AMAZING! Firing a cannon is a sure fire way to start off his 80th year with a bang! (See what I did there?)

Here are a few things you need to know before hand:

• 💥Fort Mackinac is only open May through October.
• 💥You must call 3 days in advance to reserve a date.
• 💥Must be at least 13 years old.
• 💥Your admission is included in the fee. 

A soldier will meet you at the South Sally Port gate about 15 minutes before the fort opens. (Our soldier’s name was Sage, and he was very knowledgeable and answered the many questions from my kids.) You will then make your way up to the gun platform where you will be given directions how the cannon works and everything that is required of you. Then the bugle sounds out and the soldier gives you the signal…

FIRE!!

My father-in-law said that firing the Fort Mackinac cannon is one of the craziest thing he’s ever done. And one of the most memorable. This is definitely an experience none of us will ever forget. I mean, how many people can say they shot a cannon?! So, reserve your date to fire the cannon and be a part of Fort Mackinac history.

Know Before You Go

• Website: https://www.mackinacparks.com/parks-and-attractions/fort-mackinac/
• Address: 7127 Huron Rd, Mackinac Island, MI
• Hours: Fort Mackinac is only open May through October. From May to mid October, they are open from 9:30am to 5:00pm. Mid October their hours change to 11:00am to 4:00pm. Please check their website for the most up to date hours.
• Admission: Fort Mackinac admission is $13.50 an adult and Children (ages 5-12) are $8.00. Your admission also includes the Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum and the Biddle House. Please check their website for the most up to date admission prices and information.

Check out some of our other Michigan adventures:

• 12 Things To Know Before Staying At Mission Point Resort – Mackinac Island, MI
• Leelanau State Park Trails: 7 Things You Need To Know Before Hiking – Northport, MI
• Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – Empire, MI
• Top 10 Things You Must Do In Muskegon, MI 
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• Jubilee Cottage Visit – Grand Haven, MI
• Tri-Cities Historical Museum – Grand Haven, MI
• Outdoor Discovery Center – Holland, MI
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