Historic Structures

With the creation of Mackinac Island State Park in 1895, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission acquired the original buildings of Fort Mackinac (1780-1895) on Mackinac Island. The fort includes the oldest standing structures in Michigan. In 1909, the site of Fort Michilimackinac (1715-1780) in Mackinaw City was added to the park system. Beginning in the 1950s, the Park Commission acquired other historic properties. A restoration program was begun at Fort Mackinac and reconstruction at Colonial Michilimackinac, where several archaeological ruins have been stabilized and preserved. There are currently 37 original historic structures preserved in the collection, including Mackinac Island downtown buildings-- such as the early 19-century Biddle House and 1829 Mission Church--and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse in Mackinaw City.

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