Mackinac Art Museum

The Mackinac Art Museum is an art museum on Mackinac Island housed in a Federal-style building that displays paintings, decorative objects, and historical artifacts from the region. The collection includes works from various periods and cultures that document the area's history.

The building was constructed in 1838 as a dormitory for Native Americans and served that community as housing before being converted into a public school. For nearly 100 years it played an important role in educating island residents.

The collection features artwork and objects that tell the story of the Great Lakes region, including historic maps, pottery shards, and beaded garments from Native American peoples. These pieces help visitors understand the different cultures that shaped this area.

The museum has an art studio for children where young visitors can engage in creative activities by drawing, painting, and stamping. These hands-on activities are available throughout the visit and provide an engaging way to spend time in the museum.

Archaeological excavations at the museum site uncovered decorated prehistoric pottery fragments that are now displayed in the same location where they were discovered. This connection between the find and the display location makes the museum a special window into the region's distant past.