If you’re the kind of traveler who occasionally feels as though you were born in the wrong era, there’s an island hotel on the shores of a sparkling lake that will leave you enchanted long after your vacation comes to an end. You’ll feel as though you’ve been transported back in time as you step off the ferry and climb aboard a horse-drawn carriage that will transport you from the dock to a sprawling historic hotel that looks like something out of an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. There’s no need to travel all the way to Europe if you long to experience Gilded Age glamour because the Grand Hotel Mackinac Island is located in the Midwestern state of Michigan.
Mackinac Island is situated in Lake Huron, and there are no roads connecting it to the mainland. The easiest way to get there is via the public ferry, which takes about 15 to 30 minutes from mainland Michigan. Some visitors choose to fly on a small plane instead, and the flight takes around 7 minutes. The beautiful illusion of a simpler time won’t be spoiled by the sounds of automobiles buzzing by, as Mackinac Island is completely car-free. Each morning, a cannon is fired to honor the island’s military history, so don’t be surprised by the alarming daily ritual.
Spend your vacation lounging by the pool, enjoying the stunning scenery, indulging in peaceful luxury, and fully immersing yourself in old-world charm. Staying at the Grand Hotel is certainly a splurge. Room prices start at around $600 per night, but if you’re looking to plan the perfect Great Lakes vacation, the historic Grand Hotel Mackinac Island offers something for every type of traveler.
Immerse yourself in history at the Grand Hotel Mackinac Island
Fun for the whole family at the Grand Hotel Mackinac Island
Guests staying at the Grand Hotel Mackinac Island can easily spend a week at the property without ever growing bored. There are 13 different restaurants and bars on the premises, live entertainment, and plenty of daily activities. The Esther Williams Swimming Pool is the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day or spend all afternoon soaking up the sun with a good book. The pool is named after an actress who played the lead in the movie “This Time for Keeps,” which was filmed at the hotel in 1947. Adults will love relaxing in the cabanas and grabbing lunch or drinks at the pool bar. Families will adore the giant slide and the kid-friendly play area.
On a visit to the Grand Hotel Stables and the Antique Carriage Museum, guests can meet the horses, book a guided horseback riding tour, or take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage. The museum features 30 antique carriages. The 18-hole Jewel Golf Course is located across from the hotel, and golfers can ride on a horse-drawn carriage between nines. If golf isn’t your thing, you can enjoy a variety of other games and sports on the hotel’s lawn with complimentary equipment rentals.
If you’re in need of some rest and relaxation after a day of fun in the sun, visit Astor’s Salon and Spa where you can book a massage or specialty beauty and wellness treatments. Don’t forget to visit The Parlor for a delightful afternoon tea service. Although you’ll probably find it hard to leave the Grand Hotel’s gorgeous property, it’s worth carving out some time for one of a kind outdoor activities like biking and kayaking around the island.
