Fort de Buade

Fort de Buade Museum in Saint Ignace holds a large collection of objects from the history of the Straits of Mackinac region. The items come from different time periods and show how Native Americans, French colonists, the British, and Americans all shaped this area.

The original fort was founded in 1683 to protect French trading interests in the Straits region. It later became the center of conflict as different powers competed for control of these important waterways and the trade that passed through them.

The exhibits show objects from different peoples who lived and traded in this region over centuries. You can see Native American tools displayed alongside French colonial items and British pieces, telling the story of how different groups shared this place.

The location is easy to find and offers a good overview of local history, best visited in pleasant weather. Since the collection is spread indoors, wear comfortable shoes for browsing at your own pace.

The collection includes ancient stone artifacts and carved objects that reveal how early people lived in this region. These pieces offer direct evidence of daily practices and techniques that would otherwise remain unknown.

Location: Michigan

Inception: 1683

GPS coordinates: 45.51580,-84.43330

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:00