Fort Holmes, originally named Fort George after King George III of Britain, is a small fort 890 feet above sea level. The fort is made of earth and wood, squatting on the top of the highest hill on Mackinac Island. The fort that is here today is a replica, the original fort was built by the British in 1814 to protect Fort Mackinac from the attack by the United States Army. The fort ended up not being involved in the attack and American soldiers reoccupied the island peacefully for a few years.

After the end of the War of 1812, Americans renamed the fort to Fort Holmes in honor of American Major Andrew Hunter Holmes who was killed in battle. At the time when the Mackinac National Park was established in 1875 and Mackinac Island State Park in 1895, what was left of the fort were two viewing towers offering magnificent views of the Straits of Mackinac. The fort was reconstructed in the 1930s and then again in 2015 and today its walls and blockhouse are made of earth and logs. The site attracts many visitors and can even be rented out for special occasions.

Fort Holmes, Fort Holmes Road, Mackinac Island, MI 49757

Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Read our Reservations & Travel Planning Tips guide.