Mackinac Island Tourist Attractions
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Mackinac Island is 3 miles long and 2 miles wide with high cliffs, ravines, natural bridges, caves and rock formations. Hiking, biking, carriage tours, golfing and visits to the shops are popular activities when visiting the island.
Fort Mackinac
In the late 1770s the British decided to change sites and chose the high bluffs of Mackinac Island. During 1780-81, Fort Mackinac, under the command of Lt. Governor Patrick Sinclair, was relocated on the island and many of the wooden structures replaced with stone buildings.The 14 original buildings at Fort Mackinac include interactive exhibits and a children's play area. The 1880s soldier interpreters play concerts of military music, fire rifles on the grounds, and provide a cannon salute over the harbor.
Biddle House
The Edward Biddle family owned the Biddle House, built in the late 18th century, for several generations. Exhibits focus on the Biddle family and on living history demonstrations of early 19th century crafts. The furnishings of the house focus on textile production processes including cleaning, carding, spinning and knitting wool, and quilting. Living history demonstrations such as candle making, dyeing, laundering, and gardening take place outside in the yard.
Indian Dormitory
The Indian Dormitory housed the headquarters for the American Indian Agency, with a territory that stretched as far west as Minnesota. The dormitory was built in 1838 as a result of the Treaty of Washington negotiated in 1836.Hundreds of Native Americans, from the Great Lakes region, gathered annually to receive annuity payments at the Indian Dormitory. Period settings include a kitchen, Dorm Keeper's Apartment, and Henry Schoolcraft's Winter Office, he negotiated the treaty.
McGulpin House
Built in the late 18th century, the McGulpin House may have been part of the mainland Michilimackinac community and moved to the island after 1780. The unique French-Canadian architecture of the building is the focus. Exposed wall sections show original lathe, plaster and wallpaper layers, paint colors and a section of the wall that may have contained a Catholic shrine.
Benjamin Blacksmith Shop
The Benjamin Blacksmith Shop dates from the 19th century, and was operated by an island resident until the mid-20th century. Demonstrations using original blacksmith tools are offered.
Beaumont Memorial
Dr. William Beaumont was a pioneer in studies of the human digestive system. His medical instruments are on display.
Mackinac Island Butterfly House
Mackinac Island Butterfly House is the third oldest live butterfly exhibit in the United States. The greenhouse garden is filled with hundreds of butterflies from all over the world. Visitors can also enjoy the exotic giant insect exhibit where reptiles and amphibians living in their natural habitat.
Early Missionary Bark Chapel
The Early Missionary Bark Chapel is an example of the bark chapels used by the Jesuit missionaries. These primitive huts were used by the Jesuits as homes and where they worked with the Indians to bring them to Christianity.
Mackinac Island Carriage Tours
Mackinac Island offers tours of the scenic and historic points of interest including Fort Mackinac, Arch Rock, Skull Cave, Surrey Hill and the Grand Hotel.
