As a part of our homeschooling adventures north of the state of Michigan, we spent the morning at Fort Michilimackinac in Mackinac City, on Wednesday, August 7th. This was the day after our Tahquamenon Falls visit in the Upper Peninsula. We woke up to a very rainy and dreary morning in Mackinac City's Clarion Hotel. Slightly bummed to say the least, but after breakfast we noticed it started clearing up. By the time we got to the fort it was beautiful and sunny!
We got to Fort Michilimackinac by 9:00 am since it was just down the road from our hotel. Kelly (10) was beyond excited as she loves history. What better than learning about our state history? Lyssa (6.5) and Bethany (4) ended up enjoying it as well even though they didn't understand every single detail.
We were fortunate to have the Michigan Archaeology team digging at a site. They found more relics and objects dating back to 1700-1800's. Kelly was enthralled by all of this and couldn't wait to see all of the items that were housed in replicas and actual historic finds. The girls got to help pic herbs for a homemade stew and they watched bread making and learned about the ovens and the process. Here are some pics highlighting our adventures below.
When you walk into the lobby of the store prior to the fort, there were some really neat facts about the historical finds by the archaeologists!
Next to it was a cool display about the Colonial Frontier etc. I loved the details that were put into the presentation below:
Now it's time to take a tour through the fort. The girls were pretty excited of what was ahead of them, especially Kelly!
On our way in this book was on display. Would love to pick it up at the bookstore sometime!
Just before the actual outdoor tour of the fort, we got to watch a brief movie explaining the life and hardships of the people during the early and late 1700's.
After the movie it was time to take a walk outside through the fort. A quick shot of the Mackinac Bridge on Lake Michigan side. Yay, the sky is clearing up.
Here is the historical cannon kind of like the one used in the war of 1763....................................
Here is a fun replica of the Native American Indian life. The girls loved this!
There was a young man reenacting those hardships etc., but didn't get a chance to take a pic.
Almost inside Fort Michilimackinac. There's Ron and the girls ahead of me. So glad the weather was clearing up. It was going to be a beautiful day.
Walking in................One of the common houses.
Inside the middle of the fort...........................................
One of the digging sites, we were slowly making our way over. Getting ready to watch a rifle demonstration with a soldier re-enactment.
Below is Englishman Jim from the King's regimen of light-foot infantry. He did a great job with the demonstration and re-enactment!
Here is Jim prepping for the firing of the bayonet.
Plug your ears everyone!
Now it's time to visit the archaeological digging site. Kelly was so pumped!
One of the archaeologists discussing their recent finds in an original site. How exciting! Can't wait to visit the Chevalier House to see all of their finds through the years.
Almost done with the group tour. Just one more stop before exploring the fort on our own. This young man was portraying a voyager who brought goods fur trading, etc. back and forth to the fort.
Now it's time to explore the fort on our own. Continued in part 2 of 4 tomorrow.......
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