Fort Holmes stands on Mackinac Island’s highest point, above the busy harbor and shoreline road. The quiet hilltop combines wide island views with a tangible chapter of War of 1812 history.
From Fort George to Fort Holmes
British forces built the post as Fort George during the War of 1812 after capturing Mackinac Island in 1812. When the United States regained the island after the war, it renamed the position Fort Holmes in memory of Major Andrew Hunter Holmes, who was killed during the unsuccessful American attempt to retake the island in 1814.
The original fort did not survive. A Works Progress Administration crew reconstructed it in 1934 using historic plans, and the current blockhouse is a 2015 reconstruction. Mackinac State Historic Parks explains the site’s development in its official guide to historic sites and monuments.
Reaching the Hilltop
The climb is steep enough to merit water, sturdy footwear and extra time. The Fort Holmes grounds are always open. For the 2026 season, the blockhouse is open May 1 through October 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A pit toilet is available from dawn to dusk, but it has no lights.
- Travel by foot, bicycle or horse-drawn carriage; private automobiles are not the normal way to explore Mackinac Island.
- Keep bicycles clear of entrances and other visitors.
- Stay on established routes and leave historic features undisturbed.
For ferry planning, shoreline routes and other island landmarks, pair this stop with our broader Mackinac Island guide.
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