Historic Downtown Sites Open for Season

Mission Church is among five historic Mackinac Island buildings that will open to the public for the season Saturday, June 9. Operated by Mackinac State Historic Parks (MSHP), the buildings may be entered free of charge with a Fort Mackinac admission ticket or with a separate ticket priced at $5 for adults, $3 for youth, and free for children younger than 5.

Mission Church was constructed in 1829 and 1830 by the congregation of the Reverend William Ferry, a Presbyterian missionary. Now restored to its original appearance, it may be visited daily from noon to 4 p.m. Mission Church is on Main Street, east of the Island's marina.

To the northwest of the marina is Market Street, where John Jacob Astor reestablished his American Fur Company after the War of 1812 and turned the Island into an important hub of the fur trade in the upper Great Lakes. MSHP has preserved four buildings along this historic street, including the American Fur Company Store and Dr. Beaumont Museum, McGulpin House, Biddle House, and the Benjamin Blacksmith Shop.

These buildings feature historical interpreters in authentic costumes as well as exhibits and period furnishings. They will be open to the public daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.