Location: Mackinac Island
Top Things to do in Mackinac Island
What to do and see in Mackinac Island, Michigan (MI): The Best Historic Sites
Charming Mackinac Island is a throwback to old-timey seaside leisure, from the candy-colored facades of downtown shops to the impressive (record-breaking, in fact) front porch of the Victorian-era Grand Hotel. Mackinac is world-famous for its homemade fudge, available in every flavor you can imagine. Work off your sugar high with a round of golf, a bike ride along a seaside trail, or exploring the limestone bluffs of Mackinac Island State Park.
Restaurants in Mackinac Island
1. Fort Mackinac
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,023 reviews
Iconic. The cannon blasts, the rifles fire, the soldiers march and history comes alive. The oldest building in Michigan and 13 other historical structures boast exhibits explaining everything from military training and battles to medical treatments to family life within the fort. More than just a military outpost, Fort Mackinac served as a home for soldiers and their families and eventually the headquarters for Mackinac National Park, where tourists to the island visited the great fortress on the bluff, much like they do today. This is Mackinac.
2. Biddle House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 reviews
A Time of Change. Step into the home of Agatha and Edward Biddle, merchants who moved in around 1830. This was a time of change, and the 1830s were critical to the Biddles for another reason: as an Anishnaabek woman, Agatha and other indigenous people witnessed their culture subjected to immense changes. The decade transformed the Anishnaabek, linking old ways with Michigan’s modern indigenous culture. The continuing story of the Anishnaabek of northern Michigan is not always a happy one. It is a story of battles won and lost, promises made and broken, and cultures repressed and resurgent. Most importantly, the story in which the Biddle family played a role is one that continues today. This new exhibit, created in conjunction with tribal partners, explores that story and how it still resonates on Mackinac Island and throughout northern Michigan. This is Mackinac.
3. Fort Holmes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 275 reviews
During the War of 1812, the British constructed a small fort on the highest point of the island, to better protect Fort Mackinac. Originally named Fort George, it was renamed by the Americans, following their return in 1815. The Americans continued to man the outpost for a few years, but eventually abandoned it. In 1934 a reconstruction, carried out by the Works Progress Administration and based on original plans, was completed. It was replaced by the current version in 2015.
Reviewed By Phliz - Naperville, United States
It's really up there but the view is stunning! The highest point on the Island. Also easy to combine with a walk to sugar loaf, skull cave and the arch.
4. Trinity Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By johnhY1816TO
Trinity Church is one of four active churches on Mackinac Island, with services each Sunday in an historic church building.
5. Sugar Loaf
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 7 reviews
