We really enjoyed getting to know the history of this part of the USA. The fort has been rebuilt with any details. The experience is one that I really loved.
This historical site is conveniently open year round with docents on duty throughout the summer Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays 1-5pm for tours. Educational, interesting, and fun. Nature trails are spectacular.
This is a new historical site owned by the City of Mackinaw. They have some buildings that were moved onto the site and some that are being replicated. They have a working saw mill on the property.
IN more recent times, as of this fall, The Native American Culture was brought to the Heritage Village ,by having the first Annual Ghost Supper!~ Bringing a dish to pass in honor of your Ancestors who have passed on, Honoring them thru the Spirit Fire with a Spirit plate of all the Foods that were brought to the supper!~ Native Drumming and songs fill the area with a great sense of the NATIVE VILLAGE TO BE PRESENT IN THE FUTURE AT HERITAGE VILLAGE!~Teachings of the Medicine Wheel and the Anishinabe People will be present in the future~!
Great gifts for traivelers family and friends.Great prices on popcorn plan for 4.00$ a large box,.50 more for butter.Fudge is fresh for all fudges,in any flavor,buy 3 get one free.Hand dipped ice Cream also.Oh yes can't forget that taffy for grandma to pull out all your teeth,replace them with dentures.
You get to the Heritage Village along Central Avenue and it's on the left just before you hit a T-junction. It isn't that well signed so be vigilant! We were greeted by a docent in period costume and then joined his wife, also in costume, who was showing a small group around. The work they have done to restore this "village" is wonderful and the docents are able to give you a lot of interesting information about what life was like about 100 years ago. It is all free but donations are welcome and also well deserved! Highly recommended.
They have a good amount of building there with information on what they were used for. Shows how a town would operated with a school house, sick house, church, homes, and gardens. Nice trails. There is a guided tour and a self tour. If you have a phone there is a number you can call to get the information that you would receive from a guided tour. Cant wait to see what other building they will bring to the site!
Beautiful grounds and historical buildings to explore..a great place to step back in time and learn about the Straits area history!
A couple of miles out of town, just off Central Ave. is the new Heritage Village supported by donations and volunteers of the Mackinaw area. What a wonderful addition to preserve the history of the north. Several buildings are present, church, school, homestead, clinic and picnic area with a garden and museum. Although most structures are new looking, I believe a couple are authentic. Docents are present weekend afternoons to present and inform amazing details of this vision. What a peaceful setting and scenic mini-village. Plans to continue to add and build in the future are posted on a small cabin similar to The White Pine Village in Ludington! Anyone who appreciates history and wants a break from the busy tourist area needs to venture out to enjoy this lovely venue. Will return each year when I visit just to see the progress.
This Village is small but growing each time I return to it. Very nicely laid out and quaint authentic buildings and gardens. Something for everyone. Kids can run around and it is free I believe? Lots to learn about the turn of the last century and people to tell you about it. Also volunteer opportunities if you are interested.