The Oldest Building In Michigan Was Constructed On This Historic Resort Island

The oldest building in Michigan that’s still standing is located on Mackinac Island. We know that much. Read on to find out what else we know!

The oldest building in Michigan is on historic Mackinac Island in Lake Huron between Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas.

Fort Mackinac was constructed by the British during the Revolutionary War in an attempt to control passage through the Straits of Mackinac, which connect Lake Huron in the east to Lake Michigan in the west.

Now the centerpiece of Mackinac State Historic Parks, the fort has been restored.

Given its age and history dating back to before the United States was an independent nation, a visit to ​​Fort Mackinac is like stepping back in time.

Many of its buildings have been rebuilt to specifications and its garrisons reinforced.

One building, though, has survived since the fort was constructed in 1780.

The Officers Stone Quarters has stood on this island for more than two centuries and weathered all than man and nature have thrown at it.

It’s often described as the oldest building in Michigan.

However, there is another structure on the island that dates back to the same time.

The historic McGulpin House, built in a style of French architecture, is indisputably the oldest surviving residential building in Michigan.

It was built around 1780, too. No one can be certain of the date. It may have been constructed shortly after the fort was built.

But, it’s also possible that this home was built before the Officers Stone Quarters at the fort were constructed. So, the McGulpin House is potentially the oldest building in Michigan.

We may not know for sure which of these two buildings is the oldest in the Great Lakes State, but we do know that the oldest building in Michigan is on Mackinac Island - and they’re both from the late eighteenth century. Once you’re on the island, your going to want to stay and explore. Fortunately, there are plenty of inns and hotels that you can reserve before you arrive. Keep in mind that there are no motorized vehicles allowed on the island, so bring or rent a bike, or prepare to hoof it.

Have you visited either of these historic sites? Tell us about your experience in the comments!