List of Michigan State Historic Sites in Mackinac County Facts for Kids

A map showing where Mackinac County is in Michigan.

Welcome to Mackinac County, Michigan! This area is full of amazing places that tell stories about the past. Many of these spots are recognized as Michigan State Historic Sites. This means they are important parts of Michigan's history. Some of these sites are even more special, being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A few are even called National Historic Landmarks, which means they are important to the history of the entire United States!

Discovering Historic Places in Mackinac County
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Discovering Historic Places in Mackinac County

Mackinac County is home to many fascinating historic sites. These places help us understand what life was like long ago. Let's explore some of the most interesting ones!

Mackinac Island: A Journey Through Time

Mackinac Island is a very special place where cars aren't allowed. You get around by walking, biking, or horse-drawn carriage. It's like stepping back in time! Many historic sites are found here.

Fort Mackinac: A Stronghold of History

Fort Mackinac, a historic fort on Mackinac Island.

Fort Mackinac is a famous fort that sits high on a hill. It was built by the British during the American Revolutionary War. Later, it became an important American fort. You can visit the fort and see how soldiers lived and worked. It's a great place to learn about military history and the battles that happened here, like the Battlefield of 1814 during the War of 1812. The fort also has old British Cannons that you can see.

Grand Hotel: A Grand Stay

The beautiful Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.

The Grand Hotel is a huge, beautiful hotel built in 1887. It's known for having the world's longest front porch! Many famous people have stayed here. It's a National Historic Landmark, showing its importance to American history and architecture. The Mackinac Conference was also held here, bringing important people together.

Historic Homes and Buildings

Mackinac Island has many old houses that tell stories of the people who lived there.

The Agency House of the American Fur Company was once an office for a big fur trading company.
The American Fur Company Store was where traders bought and sold furs.
The Biddle House is one of the oldest homes on the island. It shows how people lived in the early 1800s.
The Indian Dormitory was built in the 1830s to house Native American students. It's now a museum.
The Island House and Lake View House are other historic hotels that have welcomed visitors for many years.
The Mission House was part of an early mission to Native Americans.

Churches and Spiritual Sites

Several historic churches are found on Mackinac Island:

The Mission Church is one of the oldest Protestant churches in Michigan.
The Little Stone Church is a charming church built with local stones.
Sainte Anne Church has a long history, dating back to the French missionaries.
Trinity Episcopal Church is another beautiful historic church.

Unique Spots on Mackinac Island

British Landing is where British soldiers landed during the War of 1812.
Skull Cave is a small cave with a spooky name, known for its connection to Native American legends.
The Wawashkamo Golf Club is one of the oldest golf courses in Michigan and was part of the 1814 battlefield.

St. Ignace and Nearby Areas: Gateway to the Upper Peninsula

St. Ignace is another historic town in Mackinac County, located on the mainland. It's a gateway to the Upper Peninsula and has a rich past.

St. Ignace Mission: A Place of Faith

The historic St. Ignace Mission.

The St. Ignace Mission was founded by French missionaries, including Father Jacques Marquette, in the late 1600s. It was an important center for Native Americans and early European settlers. It's a National Historic Landmark.

Fort De Buade: An Early Fort

A marker for Fort De Buade in St. Ignace.

Fort De Buade was an early French fort built in St. Ignace. It was important for controlling the fur trade and protecting French interests in the Great Lakes region.

Gros Cap and Lake Michigan Views

Gros Cap, offering views of Lake Michigan.

The Gros Cap and St. Helena Island area offers beautiful views of Lake Michigan. There's also the Gros Cap Cemetery, an old burial ground with a long history. You can learn about the vastness of Lake Michigan from scenic spots nearby.

Other Important Sites in Mackinac County

Bois Blanc Island: A Quiet Escape

The Bois Blanc Lighthouse.

Bois Blanc Island is a peaceful island in Lake Huron. It's home to the Bois Blanc Lighthouse, which has guided ships for many years.

Manitou Lodge: A Rustic Retreat

The Manitou Lodge.

The Manitou Lodge is located near Naubinway. It's part of the Hiawatha Sportsman's Club and has a unique rustic style. It's a great example of early 20th-century lodge architecture.

Epoufette: A Scenic Stop

The historic marker for Epoufette.

Epoufette is a small community with a scenic turnout on US-2. It offers beautiful views of Epoufette Bay and is a nice spot to learn about the area's history.

Northernmost Point of Lake Michigan

A view of the northern part of Lake Michigan.

Near Naubinway, you can find a roadside park that marks the Northernmost Point of Lake Michigan. It's a cool spot to see how far north the lake reaches.

These historic sites in Mackinac County offer a wonderful way to connect with the past and understand the rich history of Michigan!

Images for kids

The Robert Stuart Office Building.
The American Fur Company Store.
The Battle of 1814 historic marker.
The Biddle House on Mackinac Island.
A satellite view showing the Mackinac Bridge and surrounding area, including Bois Blanc Island.
A modern view of Fort Mackinac.
The historic marker at British Landing.
The Ambrose Davenport House.
The David-Preston House.
The French Missionary Chapel.
The historic marker for Hubbard's Annex.
The Indian Dormitory on Mackinac Island.
A satellite photo of Lake Michigan.
The Union Congregational Church on Mackinac Island.
The historic marker for the Mackinac Conference.
The historic marker for Mackinac Island.
The historic marker for the Mackinac Straits.
The historic marker for Market Street.
The Mission Church on Mackinac Island.
The Mission House on Mackinac Island.
The historic marker for the Parade Ground and Scout Barracks.
The Round Island Lighthouse.
The historic marker for St. Ignace.
Sainte Anne Church on Mackinac Island.
Skull Cave on Mackinac Island.
Trinity Episcopal Church on Mackinac Island.
The Lawrence Andrew Young Cottage, also known as the Governor's Summer Retreat.