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Reviews

Fort Wilkins


User Reviews

Robert Sendra

November 05, 2025

A nicely done fort history self guided tour. Good place to visit with the family for a day of history. Was surprised how big this fort was compared to others I been to. And all the displays were nicely done. Recommend a visit if your in the area.

Manuela H (ManuelaH)

October 05, 2025

Historic State Park - Interesting Historic Site by the Lake Fort Wilkins Historic State Park is a great stop to explore Michigan’s early military history. The restored buildings and displays make it easy to imagine life on the frontier in the 1840s. An insider fact: the fort was built not for battle, but mainly to keep order among miners during the Copper Rush — and by the time it was finished, most soldiers were no longer needed. Beautiful lake views and a peaceful setting make it well worth a visit.

Anna S

September 18, 2025

Nice historical park, takes about 1-2 hours to go through the entire place. Most buildings are open and all are in well cared for condition. Gift shop with snacks and bathrooms available. Dog friendly grounds as well, not allowed in buildings. Plenty of parking. Park is free to visit with day pass.

K M

July 24, 2025

We went here and left with an appreciation of how challenging it must have been to maintain a fort in the harsh conditions the UP can bring in that era. The buildings had a lot of neat displays that were informative! When we went, there was no one else there and it was peaceful exploration for the fam!

Autumn P

July 15, 2025

Beautiful interesting walk about the lake and forts. It cost $11 daily pass. There is a little store and bathrooms. Dog friendly. Great info and how its presented. Walking through the fort buildings allowed for real feels on how they lived in the 1800s. Easy to follow and read info. Pretty views.

Pam Siddock

March 18, 2025

I really loved this State Park. Almost as much as I loved being in this area of the state. So peaceful. So beautiful.

Rosie

October 23, 2024

We had a wonderful visit at Fort Wilkins HIstoric State Park. It was the end of the season so the camping area, stores and buildings were closed but we enjoyed reading the signs posted next to the buildings. It certainly has an interesting history. All of the buildings and grounds are well maintained.

Duranda Rose

July 22, 2024

Wow what a step back into time! Place is so neat! You get to go into pretty much every building. Amazing displays and bits of history to read. One house you could see down into the cellar! That was cool. Took us a little over an hour to see all the stuff but if your a reader you could be there for hours lol. Only $11 for day pass for out of state plates. There is a gift shop and they sell ice cream and little donuts. Pretty neat place to see. One building even had a guy role playing and that was pretty neat.

Milo A

May 09, 2024

Definitely make this a stop if you are in this locale, very well maintained historical site, good walk thru and explore, picnic, or just pretend to go back in time. Clean restrooms and concession stand. Nice parking lot if you are pulling a trailer, associated camp site was very crowded and fully booked (week before Memorial Day), but you might find limited boon docking sites nearby, if your prepared for some off road and have a small rig.

Jean K

August 05, 2023

This state park is something you will remember forever. You tour all of the buildings and see amazing historical artifacts. They have people dressed in costume who answer all of your questions as if it is back in time. Beautiful setting. All ages will love it. It's quite the long long drive to get way up there, but if you plan your stay accordingly and maybe stay over in the area a few days you will find so many other beautiful things to also explore. It is beautiful in this area. It will lift your spirits to be up here in fresh air, nature, near many trails and lakes, and friendly people. I have attached some photos.

KC C.

September 12, 2021

Great area to visit. The Fort has a nominal $9 entry fee. You can take a few short hikes or walk the buildings & structures and take in the history

Michael Holtom

September 08, 2021

We had a great time visiting the sights around Michigan. We took a 2400 mile motorcycle trip from Ohio to the UP. What an amazing trip it was.

Lynne Cassellius

July 09, 2021

Very informative and fun at the same time! The tour was full on two and a half hours but the time flew by cause the guide moved us along with scads of interesting details and gave plenty of time for questions from the group. Great tour.

Lou Schultz

July 06, 2021

Cool little road side park across from the fort. Nice little water fall and a great view of the light house.

Joey Trottier

June 15, 2021

This is such a beautiful, historical site. We only explored maybe half of it before the rain started, but we would absolutely love to go again!!