1. Fort Holmes

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    Mackinac Island, MI

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    The view is the best on the island!
    Victoria M.

    I have been to the island many times and after a while you run out of things to do besides the standard activities like riding bikes around the island, eating fudge, and shopping. Our last trip we decided to bike into the island rather than go around it and that is how we ended up at Fort Holmes. Local worker at the place we rented bikes also suggested we check this place out. He said going at night is even better to see amazing the stars. The bike ride up is a bit rough and you definitely need a mountain bike rather than a cruising bike. Once you get to Fort Holmes you have to take a lot of stairs - I will emphasize "a lot" again - to actually get to the fort. People were walking down the stairs and before we went up we asked them if the hike up is worth it and they said "yes". So we took all the stairs to the top and I must say it is worth it! Fort Holmes is the highest point of the island and the views are the best. We went during the day but I can only imagine what it looks like at night. We spent about an hour, maybe less here. The reconstructed fort is pretty cool, I wish there was a bit more historical context provided but it was neat to see what the fort used to be like. Benches are provided throughout the land and again the views are the best - at least 180 views of the island, maybe a bit more. Do not pass on visiting this gorgeous place, just be prepared to walk a lot of stairs - but it is worth it! Place is free, so cannot be beat!

    Inside the enclosure

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    28 days ago

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    Ask the Community - Fort Holmes

    Fort Mackinac - They don't make them like they used to

    Fort Mackinac

    4.4(94 reviews)
    0.4 mi

    This is a historic fort located in the island. I would suggest this is your first attraction. Two…read morereasons to visit first - it has a back gate connect to the remaining attractions and the elevation different for easy climb to remain attractions in the island. The ticket can be purchased at bottom entrance. The elevation different is 150 feet from ticket booth to entrance. From sea level is 320 feet. The fort has 20 point of interest. That includes store house, bathhouse, reading room, block house, old hospital, gun platform and more. The experience includes dress up historic solder uniforms. There are several buildings that can be explored. That includes some film explaining the fort. This historic British military fort is important high point in the island. Now it is important tourists attraction and historic center.

    Fort Mackinac is worth the visit. It is one of the best preserved 19th century military sites in…read morethe country. The fort is staffed by energetic college students and reenactors who are dedicated to educating the public about life at Fort Mackinac. It includes a wash house, a commissary, barracks, a hospital, and officers quarters. Inside the soldier's barrracks there is also a very well done museum dedicated to the early settlers and Anishnaabeck peoples. Its view over the harbor is impressive, and there is a restaurant where you can have lunch if you'd like. It is definitely worth a visit if you are anywhere near Mackinac Island.

    Photos
    Fort Mackinac - Well, looky here

    Well, looky here

    Fort Mackinac - The Kids' Quarters at Fort Mackinac.

    The Kids' Quarters at Fort Mackinac.

    Fort Mackinac - Lunch at the Tea Room has been a memorable part of a Fort Mackinac visit for decades.

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    Lunch at the Tea Room has been a memorable part of a Fort Mackinac visit for decades.

    City of Mackinac Island

    City of Mackinac Island

    3.7(60 reviews)
    0.6 mi

    The city has a total area of 18.84 square miles, 4.35 square miles is land and 14.49 square miles…read moreis water. The island population is about 583. The island has a large craft industry devoted to making fudge in a traditional manner, creating portions on cold marble slabs. Mackinac Island is the destination of both the annual Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, and the annual Port Huron to Mackinac Boat Race. A unique local ordinance passed in 1895 prohibits the use of any motor vehicles on the island. The only exceptions to this are city emergency vehicles (ambulance, police cars and fire trucks), city service vehicles & snowmobiles in the winter. Today the most common means of travel is by foot, bicycle, horse or horse-drawn carriage. Roller skates and roller blades are also allowed, except in the downtown area.

    DO NOT GO!! What an absolute disappointment. First thing that smacked us in the face was stale…read morehorse urine! Watched a driver pull so hard on the team the poor horses mouth looked like it was going to split. $80 tor two ferry ticket! The hotels transport wagons im pretty positive are old hurst. Awesome!! unless you want to haul more than one person. The taxi system is a joke! We were literally told "no you can not just get on. you have to call!" Ok! Ill save my money. Couple of the stores literally ignored us! Blatantly! More people than not, were rude! They except you to spend all this money. But only if they decide they want to make money from you. Amazing business mode! And don't you dare express ANY experiences other than "its amazing" because you will be attacked! I have been side to side & top to bottom of our country! This is definitely one of the most disappointing location! Such a beautiful island! With soo much nastiness. NEVER recommend!!

    Photos
    City of Mackinac Island - Suitcases carried by ferry onto the island

    Suitcases carried by ferry onto the island

    City of Mackinac Island
    City of Mackinac Island

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    Fort Holmes - landmarks - Updated October 2026

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