As a Michigander, I feel quite protective of our (not so) hidden gem, Mackinac Island. It's known as the crown jewel of the state and frankly, a place that feels like pure magic where life slows down and takes the time to just "be".
It’s an island that sits between Michigan’s lower and upper peninsula that covers a little over 4 square miles. Mackinac (pronounced Mack-eh-naw) was originally home to the indigenous Odawa settlement, with European colonization of the island beginning in the 17th century. In the late 19th century, it started to become a tourist destination and summer colony and is now listed as a National Historic Landmark.
Today, it has become a must on many travel bucket lists as it’s known for its beauty, tranquility and laid-back vibe. And there’s just something so magical about an island where they don’t allow motorized vehicles.
Mackinac is extra special to me, personally. I spent summers visiting as a child, worked on the island as a college student, have friends that live and own businesses there and the best part? I got married on Mackinac Island on a perfect cloudless fall day in 2012. We’ve since gone back several times as a family and try to make it there at least once a year.
It has an 8-mile paved bike path around the island, historical Fort Mackinac, 2 golf courses, horse back riding, carriage rides & rentals, tons of shopping and restaurants and, ofcourse, world famous fudge.
Suffice to say - I’ve stayed in quite a few properties on Mackinac Island throughout the years and will share some of my favorites. If you’re planning your own trip to Mackinac, feel free to reach out to me directly if you’d like additional recommendations on things to do or places to eat.
Starting with the be-all-end-all mack daddy of properties on the island. This iconic hotel opened in 1887 and boasts the world’s largest front porch which overlooks the Straits of Mackinac. Stepping into the hotel, you feel like you are instantly transported back in time - the whole vibe of this hotel just makes you feel fancy and posh. Every single room has a different interior design and theme. This makes return visits so fun, as no two rooms are alike!
It still keeps up with traditions like Afternoon Tea and nightly dancing in the ballroom. But the one think you cannot miss is grabbing your favorite drink and sitting in the rocking chairs on the porch and watch the world go by.
They treat meals as “occasions” and even require a dress code at a couple of the 13 Grand Hotel restaurants and bars. My personal favorite Grand Hotel dining experience? The Woods Restaurant—we've been several times and hosted our rehearsal dinner here. You take a horse taxi up to the middle of the island to this remote and sophisticated Bavarian-style hunting lodge. It was even voted “Best Resort Restaurant” by USA Today!
The Grand Hotel will most definitely be the priciest option on the island - it’s certainly a splurge. But if you think this will be your only trip to the island and you’re coming a long way, go for it! You deserve to experience The Grand Hotel at least once. It’s hard to experience the island in all its glory if you haven’t visited The Grand.
This property is for anyone who wants to get up into the middle of the island for an extra quiet, serene and tucked away experience. This was actually our second wedding venue option, as it has the most beautiful views of the Mackinac Bridge from the back of this Edwardian estate. The rooms were all just refurbished this past year. They have a lovely restaurant and bar and they are currently offering a 20% discount for their Grand Re-opening if you book by June 30th! This property is perfect for anyone who wants to get away from the hustle and bustle of the main street/town and doesn’t mind walking, biking, or taking a horse taxi into the middle of the island.
Situated right on the water at the end of Main Street, this sophisticated waterfront hotel is idyllic and beautifully decorated. It has colorful guest rooms decorated in bright plaids and prints with views of the historic Round Island Lighthouse. I love hanging out in the Victorian gardens - they are stunning. It’s an easy walk to all the shops and restaurants on Main Street but far enough away to feel private and quiet. This is one of my favorite hotel restaurants on the island. We make a point of eating here at least once every time we are back. They source fresh produce, make a point to use as much organic as possible and the menu is inspired by “Michigan’s home-grown goodness”.
Perhaps I’m partial to this one as it’s owned by some of our friends, who are just the nicest family. This is a fairly new property, and while we’ve only stayed there once, we will most definitely be back. Another friend of mine hosted a weekend birthday trip here and said the service couldn’t be beat. Located just one block from downtown Mackinac Island, it is the perfect location. It’s peaceful, but you’re a stone's throw away from all the fun on Main Street. It has an adorable front porch to sit in and have a cocktail after a long day of exploring the island; the rooms are beautifully decorated with a little coastal charm, a complimentary continental breakfast, and it is definitely kid-friendly.
Looking for something a little smaller and more intimiate? Stay at my favorite B&B on the island - The Cloughaun. I’ve stayed here a couple of times and it’s just so charming. It is one of the oldest Victorian houses on the island with 11 guestrooms decorated with antiques and charming Irish details. The innkeepers couldln’t be nicer and everything just feels so warm and inviting. Try to stay in a room with a balcony if you can!
This Victorian hotel has 94 guestrooms and a great location as it’s right next to both the historic Fort Mackinac and Arch Rock. Walking distance to town, it has a great restaraunt, 1852 Grill Room, a pool and a wonderful front porch. Even if you don’t stay here, grab a cocktail and a bite and sit on the porch and enjoy the views of the water. This historical hotel is full of charm.
I have not personally stayed at the Windermere, but my parents did and said they would love to return, so I’m including it in my favorites. Built in 1887 as a summer residence, this hotel is very classic and elegant, and another one that offers amazing views of the Straits of Mackinac from the front porch full of comfortable wicker furniture. Easy walking distance to town, this is perfect for those that love historical buildings with quaint charm.
This adorable little Inn is a hidden gem. For anyone who needs to stick to a budget and wants to experience the island without breaking the bank, stay here! We stayed here a couple of times when we were in the middle of wedding planning. The owners could not be nicer! The rooms are a little smaller and more basic than some of Mackinac Island’s bigger properties, but if you plan on being out and about and exploring most of the time, this is perfect. It also has a little garden that’s perfect to sit and have your morning coffee and plan your day.
I saved this one for last as it was our wedding location and will forever be special to my husband and me. Probably the best option for families (especially those with little kids) or groups, this resort is located on the sunrise side of Mackinac Island. It has 5 restaurants and eateries, a great spa, a pool, and the best huge lawn with adriondak chairs - perfect for kids to run around or read a book staring out at the freighters on the lake. This one is definately the place to be for the best family fun. Oh, and dogs are welcome here!
While I haven’t stayed in any of those listed below, these are a few more great options for places to stay that have been recommended to me in the past:
Chippewa Hotel - For those looking to be in the middle of the action and attached to one of my favorite bars and restaurants - The Pink Pony. I’d recommend bachelor/bachelorette parties stay here or anyone looking to be in the heart of all Main Street has to offer!
Lilac Tree—Adorable and quaint, this is one street off of Main, and I’ve heard that it’s a really peaceful and charming place to stay.
Harbor View Inn - Comprised of 4 buildings, it allows you to choose between a variety of room styles.
Metivier Inn - Located on Market Street, it has individually decorated rooms and complimentary afternoon coffee and sweets.
Happy Travels!!
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