Experience Elegance and Step Back In Time at the Mackinac Island Grand Hotel!
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If you love travel spots with a story to tell, Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel is one place you don’t want to miss. Sitting high above the island since 1887, a visit to this historic gem feels like stepping back in time.
From its sweeping front porch (the longest in the world!) to the breathtaking views of Lake Huron, the Grand Hotel is more than just a place to stay — it’s an experience.
Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic retreat or a family getaway, this iconic spot has a way of making every visit unforgettable!
With nearly 390 uniquely decorated rooms and suites, the Grand Hotel has plenty of space. With its full-service spa, multiple restaurants, and charming boutique shops, there’s always something to explore.
But what truly makes this place special is its dedication to preserving the past. Every detail —from the perfectly manicured gardens to the vintage-inspired décor — feels like a step back in time, offering a stay that’s as nostalgic as it is luxurious.
If you’re searching for a travel experience that blends history, elegance, and the natural beauty of Mackinac Island, the Grand Hotel awaits your visit.
About the Mackinac Island Grand Hotel
The Grand Hotel on Mackinac is a historic landmark that has been welcoming guests since 1887. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1989.
Hotel Design & Construction
The Mackinac Island hotel was built by a group of investors led by R.D. Musser, a wealthy businessman who fell in love with the island and wanted to create a luxurious resort destination for the elite.
It was designed by architect Charles Casassa in the popular Victorian style of the time, with a distinctive white facade and red roof.
Popularity & Famous Guests
The hotel quickly became a popular destination for wealthy travelers, including presidents, celebrities, and business leaders. The hotel has hosted multiple U.S. presidents — Harry Truman, John F. Kennedy, Gerald Ford, and Bill Clinton.
The hotel was also the setting for the 1980 film “Somewhere in Time,” starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour.
Historic Charm With Updated Amenities
Over the years, the hotel has undergone several renovations and expansions but has maintained its original charm and elegance, earning it a place in the membership of the Historic Hotels of America.
Today, the hotel features 388 guest rooms, 14 dining options, a full-service spa, and a variety of recreational activities, including golf, tennis, and swimming.
The Grand Hotel Rooms & Suites
The Grand Hotel offers a variety of room types to suit every traveler’s needs. From cozy interior rooms to spacious suites with stunning views, there is something for everyone.
Unique Room Decor
Each of the 388 rooms is uniquely decorated with elegant furnishings and modern amenities. The interiors are perfect for solo travelers or those on a budget. They are cozy and comfortable, with all the necessary amenities to make your stay enjoyable.
The lakeview rooms offer breathtaking sights of Lake Huron, while the deluxe rooms provide extra space and luxurious amenities.
Special Suites
If you’re looking for something truly special, The hotel also offers a range of suites, including the Betty Ford Suite, the Barbara Bush Suite, the Nancy Reagan Suite, the Grand Suite, the Masco Cottage, and the Carriage House Suite.
These spacious accommodations feature separate living areas, private balconies, and stunning views of the island.
Overall, the accommodations at the hotel are luxurious, comfortable, and perfect for any traveler looking for a unique and memorable experience on Mackinac Island.
Dining at The Grand Hotel
Mackinac Island’s signature hotel offers a variety of dining options to suit every taste. From casual to fine dining, there is something for everyone:
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Dress Code |
|---|---|---|
| Main Dining Room | Chicken, fish, pork, and more | Business casual or resort wear |
| The Jockey Club | Steak, seafood, and more | Business casual or resort wear |
| The Gate House | Burgers, short ribs, fish, and more | Casual |
| Woods Restaurant | Burgers, steak, seafood, and more | Dressy casual |
| Fort Mackinac Tea Room | Light fare and beverages | Casual |
| Grand Coffee & Provisions | Grab-n-go breakfast and lunch | Casual |
| Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor | Ice cream from Guernsey Farms Dairy | Casual |
| Terrace Room | Cocktails | Cocktail attire |
| Audubon Wine Bar | Wine and cocktails | Cocktail attire |
| Cupola Bar | Cocktails | Casual |
| Geranium Bar | Pre-dinner cocktails | Dressy casual |
The hotel offers a variety of dining options to suit any taste and occasion. Reservations are recommended for the Main Dining Room and The Jockey Club. The dress code is strictly enforced at these two restaurants, so dress appropriately.
The Grand Hotel Dress Code
Because the hotel is a resort, guests are encouraged to dress in comfortable attire to ensure their comfort during their stay. During the day, casual resort clothing is appropriate.
TIP: Ladies should refrain from wearing midriff-baring tops, sweatpants, or cut-off shorts. Men should avoid sleeveless shirts, sweatpants, and cut-off shorts.
Every evening at the hotel is considered to be a special occasion, the dress code for the main areas of the hotel — including the Parlor, Lobby, Terrace, and Main Dining Room — requires ladies to wear dresses, skirts, blouses, dress sweaters, or dress slacks.
Gentlemen are expected to wear a suit or sport coat, necktie, and dress pants — denim or shorts are not allowed. Children above the age of 12 are required to dress similar to adults.
Things to Do at The Grand Hotel
While an overnight stay at the hotel is worthy of being added to your Michigan bucket list, it’s not required to enjoy the many things to do at the hotel. In fact, for a small fee, non-guests are allowed access to the property.
Here are just a few of the things that non-guests and hotel guests alike can enjoy at Mackinac Island’s historic hotel.
Take a Tour
The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the island. The hotel is a stunning Victorian-era masterpiece with a rich history and a reputation for luxury and elegance.
TIPS: Guided tours to both guests and non-guests. Non-guests are charged a small fee to access the property. The tour lasts about one hour and includes a visit to the hotel’s main attractions, such as the gardens, the porch, and the dining room.
Photography is allowed during the tour, but it is recommended to ask for permission before taking pictures of other guests. The tour is wheelchair accessible, but it is recommended to call ahead to ensure accommodations are available.
Simply exploring the hotel is worth the admission fee. It is a museum unto itself — from the stunning interior decor by the Dorothy Draper Company to the hundreds of images that line the hallways. It’s worth visiting just to meander around and soak in this Michigan masterpiece.
Visitors can take a guided tour and learn about its famous guests, including five U.S. presidents. The tour includes a visit to the beautiful gardens, the world’s longest porch, and the opulent dining room as well.
The hotel staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the atmosphere is both professional and welcoming. Don’t miss the opportunity to step back in time and experience the grandeur of this iconic hotel!
Enjoy Various Activities
The hotel offers a wide range of entertainment options for guests. You can play a round of golf on the Jewel Golf Course, take a dip in the Esther Williams Swimming Pool, or relax at the luxurious spa.
Also, daily activities are available — lawn games, yoga classes, and afternoon tea. In the evenings, guests can enjoy live music and dancing at the Terrace Room or catch a movie at the hotel’s theater.
Plus, the Woodlands Activity Center offers a range of amenities and activities — The Gem 18-hole miniature golf, a nature center, bike rentals, the Cedar Grove Bike Track, and recreation courts for pickleball, shuffleboard, and bocce ball.
Attend a Special Event
Guests can plan their stay at the hotel to coincide with some of the hotel’s special events. The event calendar includes a Ballroom Dance Weekend in early May, a Spring Food & Wine Weekend in June, and a Somewhere in Time Weekend in late October.
The hotel plans several holiday events too, including Mother’s Day Weekend and Memorial Day Weekend in May, Fourth of July, and Labor Day Jazz Weekend in September.
Peruse the Resort Shops
If you want to shop for souvenirs and gifts, you can do so at The Grand Hotel. Along with souvenirs, The Mackinac Market sells children’s toys, china, books, and bath products. You can go to the hotel’s Outlet Store for discounted housekeeping, kitchen, and other items and great finds.
In addition, you can find resort clothing, shoes, and accessories at the Grand Mens and Grand Womens shops. Some of the hotel shops sell fine art and jewelry as well.
Getting to The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island is located in Lake Huron, between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. It is part of Mackinac County and is approximately eight miles in circumference. The island is known for its natural beauty, Victorian architecture, and the absence of motor vehicles.
Reaching Mackinac Island
The only way to get to Mackinac Island is by ferry, private boat, or plane. Ferries depart from Mackinaw City and St. Ignace on the mainland. The trip takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes and offers stunning views of the Mackinac Bridge and the island itself.
The two main ferry companies that offer service to Mackinac Island are Shepler’s Ferry and Arnold Transit Company (formerly Star Line Ferry).
We recommend that you book ferry tickets in advance, especially during the peak season between June and August.
Reaching The Grand Hotel
The best way to get around Mackinac Island is by foot, bike, or horse-drawn carriage. Motor vehicles aren’t allowed on the island, with the exception of emergency and service vehicles.
This adds to the charm and peacefulness of the island, making it a unique and relaxing travel destination.
If you choose to explore the island on foot, be sure to wear comfortable shoes. The streets can be hilly and uneven, so it’s important to be prepared.
If you prefer to bike, there are several rental locations on the island. Bikes are available for all ages and skill levels, and there are even electric bikes for those who want a little extra help on the hills.
Finally, if you’re looking for a more leisurely way to see the island, consider taking a horse-drawn carriage tour. These tours are a great way to learn about the island’s history and see the sites without having to do any of the work. You can even take a carriage ride from the hotel’s entrance.
NOTE: Horse-drawn carriages are a popular option for those who need taxi service to The Grand Hotel.
More Excellent Activities on Mackinac Island
There is no shortage of things to do on Mackinac Island. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, historic sites, or a relaxing day at the beach, this historic Michigan island has something for everyone.
Bike the Island
One of the most popular activities on the island is biking. With over 70 miles of paved and unpaved trails, biking is a great way to explore the island’s natural beauty.
Plus, M-185 is 8.2 miles long and circles the edge of the island. At a leisurely pace, it takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to bike it.
You can rent a bike at several locations on the island, and there are even guided bike tours available.
Visit Fort Mackinac
For history buffs, a visit to Fort Mackinac is a must. The fort was built by the British in 1780 and played a significant role in the War of 1812. Today, you can take a guided tour of the fort and learn about its history.
Enjoy the Beach
If you’re looking for a more relaxing activity, head to one of the island’s beaches. Both British Landing Beach and Sunset Beach offer stunning views of Lake Huron and are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.
Go to a Festival
Mackinac Island is known for its many festivals and events throughout the year. One of the most popular is the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival, which takes place in June and features a parade, live music, and plenty of food and drink.
Other notable events include the Mackinac Island Fudge Festival, the Great Turtle Trail Run, and the Mackinac Island Christmas Bazaar. In addition to these events, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy on the island, including hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
The Grand Hotel can even arrange boat tours, fishing trips, and other excursions for you.
Plan the Ultimate Visit to Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel
If you’re dreaming of a trip to Mackinac Island, there’s one place that truly captures the island’s magic: The Grand Hotel. Perched high above the Straits of Mackinac, this iconic retreat offers an experience like no other.
From its sweeping front porch to its timeless elegance and impeccable service, a visit here feels like stepping into another era—one where horse-drawn carriages replace cars, afternoon tea is a must, and every sunset is best enjoyed in a rocking chair.
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or simply craving a little luxury, this place has something for everyone. Lounge by the famous Esther Williams Pool, dress up for an elegant evening dinner, or explore the island’s car-free charm at your own pace. One thing’s for sure—you won’t run out of things to do, and you definitely won’t forget your stay.
So, pack your bags, grab your favorite travel companions, and get ready for an unforgettable escape to one of Michigan’s most treasured destinations!