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Fort Mackinac📷 Donovan Squires, CC BY-SA 3.0
Editor's pick

Fort Mackinac

Mackinac Island, MI

History

A limestone fort on the bluff above the harbor, first built by the British in 1780, with rifle and cannon firings in summer. Reach the island by passenger ferry; cars are banned there.

Nearest town
Mackinac Island, MI
Category
History & culture
GPS
45.8513, -84.6172
Editor's pick
★

Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.

Good to know

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

Featured in these trip guides

Mackinac Island and the Upper Peninsula’s Lake Michigan shore – Colonial Fort Michilimackinac in Winter© TracieMichelle · CC BY-SA 4.0
2
Scenic byways

Mackinac Island and the Upper Peninsula’s Lake Michigan shore

194 mi9 stops3 days

Nearby

Arch Rock (Mackinac Island) (cropped)© WMrapids · CC0
Nature

Arch Rock

Mackinac Island, MI
Mackinac Bridge – aerial view of a bridgePhoto by Dillon Austin on Unsplash
Views

Mackinac Bridge

Mackinaw City, MI
Colonial Michilimackinac – Colonial Fort Michilimackinac in Winter© TracieMichelle · CC BY-SA 4.0
History

Colonial Michilimackinac

Mackinaw City, MI
Editor's pick
Views

Tunnel of Trees (M-119)

Good Hart, MI

Campsites nearby

  • Tiki RV ParkMotorhome stopover
    6 mi from Fort Mackinac
    TentsMotorhomesElectricityToiletsWaste disposal
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Castle Rock CamparkMotorhome stopover
    7 mi from Fort Mackinac
    TentsMotorhomesElectricityToiletsWaste disposal
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Tee Pee CampgroundsMotorhome stopover
    8 mi from Fort Mackinac
    TentsMotorhomes
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Roberts Landing CampgroundMotorhome stopover
    9 mi from Fort Mackinac
    TentsMotorhomes
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Wilderness State Park CampgroundCampsite
    15 mi from Fort Mackinac
    TentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
    OSMAdd to trip
  • Wilderness State Park Pines CampgroundCampsite
    16 mi from Fort Mackinac
    TentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
    OSMAdd to trip

All campsites in Michigan · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026

FAQs

Where is Fort Mackinac?

Fort Mackinac is in Mackinac Island, MI, at GPS 45.8513, -84.6172. It is about 5 mi from St. Ignace.

Can you camp near Fort Mackinac?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Straits State Park Semi Modern Waterfront, about 5 mi away; within 25 mi there are 26 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

Which road trips pass Fort Mackinac?

Fort Mackinac is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Mackinac Island and the Upper Peninsula’s Lake Michigan shore.

What is there to see near Fort Mackinac?

Places worth a stop nearby: Arch Rock (1 mi), Mackinac Bridge (6 mi), Colonial Michilimackinac (7 mi) and Tunnel of Trees (M-119) (31 mi).

When is the best time to visit Fort Mackinac?

The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)