Colonial Michilimackinac Historic State Park

May 8, 2022

Mackinaw City, MI

The fort is surrounded by a large fence. Too tall for us to scale. And Gob is a lack luster digger. Can’t go over it, can’t go under it, so I guess we’ll go through it. We pay the admissions fee. As we request entry, Mason and I are immediately waved through. A woman stops Gob. “I’m the good dog inspector. Who do we have here?” Mason and I exchange worried looks. It’s all up to him now. And to our surprise, Gob wags his tail and nuzzles right up to her for some attention. Such a ham. He passes the inspection, then pauses to say hello to another employee with an outstretched hand. He has them all fooled.

Now that we’ve all been granted access, we cross under the Mighty Mac. In all of my visits thus far, I have only explored the shore to the east of the bridge. Many paws have been dipped in the icy waters of Lake Huron. Plenty of photos taken of the lighthouse and bridge.

But now we find ourselves on the other side of the fence. And maybe it’s just the season, but it seems like the grass is a bit greener on this side.

We follow the path past vintage canoes and through the gates to the actual fort. The wooden posts all have a green tint. Not as sun bleached as I expected, but it is the Midwest. Pretty difficult for the sun to bleach things when it’s never out.

The fort has actors dressed in period garb. Gob gives one leery glance in their direction, so we steer clear. Every hour and a half there is an artillery firing demonstration. We timed our entry to ensure avoidance. So as we weave through the exhibits set up to show what life looked like in the 1700s, Mason reads the plaques, I take pictures, and Gob watches the clock.