Colonial Michilimackinac
Mackinaw City, MI
A reconstructed 1770s French and British fur trading fort and village under the Mackinac Bridge, with costumed interpreters and an active archaeological dig. Open from May to October.
Colonial Michilimackinac is a reconstructed 18th-century fort and trading village in Mackinaw City, Michigan, right by the Mackinac Bridge. It is a National Historic Landmark. The French built the fort in 1715 and the British took it over in 1761. On 4 June 1763 Ojibwe players staged a lacrosse-like game outside the fort as a diversion, got inside and killed most of the British garrison. From 1781 the British built a more defensible fortress on Mackinac Island, and the old site was abandoned.
Archaeological digs have run every summer since 1959, and reconstruction based on the finds began in 1960. Today costumed interpreters show cooking and crafts. The visitor center sits beneath the bridge. A discounted combination ticket covers Colonial Michilimackinac, Historic Mill Creek and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse.
The 2026 season has ended (as of October 2026). According to the operator, Colonial Michilimackinac reopens on 5 May 2027; please check hours and prices in advance.
- Nearest town
- Mackinaw City, MI
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 45.7870, -84.7338
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
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)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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All campsites in Michigan · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Colonial Michilimackinac?
Colonial Michilimackinac is in Mackinaw City, MI, at GPS 45.7870, -84.7338. It is about 5 mi from St. Ignace.
Can you camp near Colonial Michilimackinac?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is KOA Kampground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 31 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Colonial Michilimackinac?
Colonial Michilimackinac is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Mackinac Island and the Upper Peninsula’s Lake Michigan shore.
What is there to see near Colonial Michilimackinac?
Places worth a stop nearby: Mackinac Bridge (2 mi), Fort Mackinac (7 mi), Arch Rock (8 mi) and Tunnel of Trees (M-119) (24 mi).
When is the best time to visit Colonial Michilimackinac?
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)