October 9, 2003

Mackinac Island, Michigan - Visitors to Mackinac Island will have an opportunity to experience Fort Mackinac's authentic cultural history and spectacular Straits of Mackinac vistas during eight days of special fall hours.  The fort will be open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until Oct. 12. In addition, the Fort will be open to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 25 and 26.

Fort Mackinac is a National Historic Landmark and Michigan's only revolutionary war fort, built by the British more than 220 years ago.  Its 14 original buildings are filled with a variety of exciting exhibits, including the dramatic new War of 1812 display in the North Blockhouse, a new video presentation entitled Summer's Playground: Recreational Sports at Mackinac 1880-1920 in the Post Commissary and Kids' Quarters, an interactive children's display in the Officer's Stone Quarters.  Fort guides dressed as 1880s American soldiers will also be on hand to lead soldier's life tours and entertain guests with rifle and cannon firing demonstrations.

Mackinac State Historic Parks is a family of living history parks and museums in the Straits of Mackinac, including Fort Mackinac, Mackinac Island State Park, Colonial Michilimackinac, Historic Mill Creek and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse. For more information call (231) 436-4100 or visit www.MackinacParks.com on the Web.

Mackinac State Historic Parks is an agency of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries, whose mission is to enrich the quality of life for Michigan residents by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity.  The department also includes the Library of Michigan, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the Michigan Film Office and the Michigan Historical Center.  

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries.