Hidden on the rocky shores of Drummond Island, Michigan, Fort Drummond whispers tales of a forgotten British outpost born from the War of 1812. East of the ferry dock, this Upper Peninsula relic—once called Fort Colyer—stands as a rugged reminder of a power struggle that shaped the Great Lakes. Now a quiet retreat with summer cottages and crumbling chimneys, it’s a must-see for history buffs and outdoors lovers craving a wild slice of the Straits of Mackinac.
A British Stronghold Reborn
Fort Drummond’s story starts with the Treaty of Ghent in 1814, forcing the British to ditch Fort Mackinac after snagging it in the War of 1812. Colonel Robert McDouall, a savvy Scotsman, picked Drummond Island—17 square miles of limestone cliffs and cedar swamps—as their new perch in 1815. Why here? It’s a stone’s throw from the Straits of Mackinac, a Native American hub for trade and alliances. The fort, built by McDouall’s 200 troops, kept the Union Jack flying over the fur trade and Upper Great Lakes until 1828, six years after the island was ruled U.S. soil in 1822’s boundary settlement.
Today, the fort’s gone—abandoned when the British bolted to Ontario’s Penetanguishene—but its ghosts linger. A few weathered chimneys and foundation stones dot Collier’s Harbor, named for Lt. Col. William Collier. The Michigan Historical Center notes its role in controlling the Ojibwe and Odawa, making it a linchpin in Britain’s Old Northwest gambit.
Island Wild and Free
Drummond Island’s more than history—it’s a rugged playground. The fort site sits on a rocky coast where Lake Huron laps at fossil-rich shores, perfect for kayaking or rockhounding (it’s the “Gem of Huron” for a reason). No trails mark the fort itself, but the island’s 133 miles of ORV paths and 40 inland lakes—like trout-heavy Potagannissing Bay—keep adventurers busy. Bald eagles soar overhead, and the eastern half’s state forest hums with deer and bear. Summer cottages now rule, but the solitude’s pure UP—especially when snowmobiles roar in winter.
It’s remote—36 miles northeast of St. Ignace—but that’s the charm. The ferry from DeTour Village (20 minutes, year-round) drops you near the site, where history meets untamed nature.
Plan Your Trip
Fort Drummond’s open to roam—no fees, no hours—just public land east of the ferry dock. Catch the ferry from DeTour Village (check schedules at drummondislandferry.com); it runs year-round, cash only. No museum here—just ruins—so bring a camera and respect the site. Drummond Island’s got basic amenities (gas, food at the dock), but pack for a day of exploring. From St. Ignace, it’s an hour’s drive to DeTour, then a quick boat hop.
Fort Drummond’s a Michigan sleeper—raw history, wild shores, and UP vibes. Skip the crowds and chase the echoes of 1815 instead.
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