Colonial Michilimackinac
Colonial Michilimackinac
Colonial Michilimackinac
4.5
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
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
967 reviews
Excellent
713
Very good
213
Average
34
Poor
5
Terrible
2
wemjam
Carleton, MI1,585 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
Went here for a few hours today at hubby's request. Was very enjoyable.
The historic recreation of buildings as well as all the historical information and relics was very interesting. They had multiple people around the property dressed in period clothing doing different things. Cooking, sewing, shooting guns and cannons, etc. So there was plenty to see and do for a couple hours.
If you are into history, have kids, or just want to try something different I would certainly recommend this location.
The historic recreation of buildings as well as all the historical information and relics was very interesting. They had multiple people around the property dressed in period clothing doing different things. Cooking, sewing, shooting guns and cannons, etc. So there was plenty to see and do for a couple hours.
If you are into history, have kids, or just want to try something different I would certainly recommend this location.
Written 10 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.
Thank you for the great review! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed your visit, and we're especially excited to hear that you were able to spend some time at the site and see the various exhibits and costumed interpreters out and about. We're always adding to and expanding our exhibits, so we hope you are able to visit us again soon!
Written 16 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
cathyd
Jekyll Island, GA2,487 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.
Stardust86
Belleville, MI304 contributions
Jul 2020
Visited the beginning of July & honestly I was a little bored, and my whole group found the heat too unpleasant to stick around and listen to the little presentations they do outside.
We did watch the rifle firing, which was interesting, but we didn't stick around for the entire talk.
We visited Fort Mackinaw on the island later as well, and honestly unless you are really into this type of thing, I wouldn't recommend doing both. They just feel too similar.
We did watch the rifle firing, which was interesting, but we didn't stick around for the entire talk.
We visited Fort Mackinaw on the island later as well, and honestly unless you are really into this type of thing, I wouldn't recommend doing both. They just feel too similar.
Written 15 July 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,
We're sorry to hear your recent experience at Colonial Michilimackinac was not ideal. We have many exhibits and demonstrations to view throughout the fort, however if the weather is too warm we understand how that could create an unpleasant experience.
When Fort Michilimackinac moved to the island it became Fort Mackinac, so them being two versions of the same fort they do share a lot of similarities. While there is a lot in common, both strive to provide unique experiences for visitors to learn about the history and have different buildings and exhibits to view.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, and we again apologize that your time at Colonial Michilimackinac was not what you had hoped. We hope that you will have a more pleasant experience if you return in the future. Have a lovely day!
Written 18 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bertram S
Wyoming, MI998 contributions
Jun 2020
This was a very interesting fort. This is actually a reproduction of the French fort that was built here around 1730. Not all the buildings have been rebuilt yet since this is the longest running archaeological dig in North America, starting in 1959 and continuing to this day. While we were there we watched people dig in an area where a building used to stand. They said they’ve dug up millions of artifacts over the years. There was lots of information posted in each building as well as exhibitions of different types of artifacts. There were also several tours and demonstrations given throughout the day. We watched guns and cannon being fired off by people in period costume. Because of Covid there are fewer enactors this year, and everyone is expected to wear a mask in every building. They were right on top of everything. It was very impressive.
Written 23 July 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,
We're very glad you had a wonderful experience at Colonial Michilimackinac! There is so much to see and do, and we're happy you enjoyed all of it, including the archaeological dig, the demonstrations, and the exhibits. Thank you for writing a review and we hope you'll visit again!
Written 23 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
timk1957
Luzerne, MI44 contributions
Jun 2020
The kids 9 & 14 found the fort interesting. The ability to climb on the walls and go inside many rooms with artifacts kept them engaged. They particular like talking to the blacksmith and the working archaeologist. They found the dig site fascinating.
Written 26 June 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,
We are very glad to hear your kids greatly enjoyed the fort! The staff and cast strive to make the experience at the fort both entertaining and educational for all ages. Thank you for leaving a review and we hope you visit again sometime soon!
Written 30 June 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Julie S
Michigan4 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
What a gem! We have always gone to Fort Mackinac and never visited here. Big mistake. This Fort should be visited first to get a better idea of the history of the area. We stayed 5 hours and wished we could have stayed longer. They also have an archeological dig and artifacts.
The guides in historic costumes are incredibly knowledgeable, extremely interesting, very patient, kind, and excellent with children. We’ve never met such dedicated, enthusiastic guides. They loved answering our questions long after they finished their demonstrations and talks. Thank you Patrick, Steven, Devin!
The guides in historic costumes are incredibly knowledgeable, extremely interesting, very patient, kind, and excellent with children. We’ve never met such dedicated, enthusiastic guides. They loved answering our questions long after they finished their demonstrations and talks. Thank you Patrick, Steven, Devin!
Written 7 July 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.
Thank you for the great review! Our staff is passionate about protecting, preserving, and presenting the history of this area. We will pass these kind words on to our guides and are excited to have you back during your next visit to Mackinaw City.
Written 3 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
slalemand
Auburn, ME477 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.
Have Camera, Will Travel
South Bend, IN3,707 contributions
Jun 2021
We did the fort combo ticket that got us into Michilimackinac and Fort Mackinac on the island. I love a good fort. Michilimackinac is excellent. There are many buildings and a lot of people dressed up doing the living museum thing. We didn't see the cannon firing, but did see the musket demo, which was excellent. There is a lot of info in all of the buildings, including a arkeological dig area, which I found very interesting.
The one down side we had was that we went in early June and the Midge Flies were epically bad. They don't bit, but it freaked out my teen daughter. They were all over the place and is some areas, there were huge black clouds of them. This was hardly a fort thing as it was an issue all over Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island. Be aware if you are thinking about going in early June.
The one down side we had was that we went in early June and the Midge Flies were epically bad. They don't bit, but it freaked out my teen daughter. They were all over the place and is some areas, there were huge black clouds of them. This was hardly a fort thing as it was an issue all over Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island. Be aware if you are thinking about going in early June.
Written 11 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.
Hi Frank,
Thank you for taking the time to review, and we're happy to hear you enjoyed your visit to our forts in Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island. Our museum programs staff spends a lot of time researching ways to interpret the 1770s to our visitors, and we're happy to hear you enjoyed your time spent here. The archaeological dig is actually one of the longest ongoing digs in North America, happening every summer since 1959.
The midges can definitely be a nuisance, for sure. They typically hatch in mid-to-late May and die in early June.
We thank you again for your review, and we hope you are able to visit us again soon!
Written 26 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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.
RetiredTravelerTN
Nashville, TN3,994 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.
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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