Arrive On Horse-Drawn Carriage At A Midwest Island Hotel With A 660-Foot Porch And Old-World Charm

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. 

History buffs will fall in love with the Grand Hotel, which is one of Mackinac Island's crown jewels. The hotel opened in 1887 to accommodate a growing number of summer vacationers. Originally, the hotel was funded by several railroad companies that joined together to form the Mackinac Island Hotel Company. The five-story resort was built in the Queen Anne architectural style with American Colonial Revivalism details. It was dubbed "America's Summer Palace" and remains a beautiful example of the opulent Gilded Age. The massive front porch stretches 660 feet and was once nicknamed the "flirtation walk" as it was a popular hangout spot for summer lovers of all ages. During your visit, you'll be walking in the footsteps of famous guests like Mark Twain, Thomas Edison, and several United States Presidents. Theadore Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, and Dwight D. Eisenhower have all been guests over the years.

Throughout the years, the hotel has continued to grow significantly. By the mid-1900s, prominent additions included a stable with 12 horses, a conference center, a bar, shops, and a salon. Expansions, renovations, and modernizations have been ongoing, and yet the hotel has maintained its classic charm. Each of the 388 guest rooms is uniquely decorated with beautiful colors, luxurious details, and antique-style furniture. There are also 40 specially designed suites. Some are named after First Ladies and were decorated in collaboration with the women themselves to reflect their individual tastes. Each evening, dinner is served in the iconic Main Dining Room. Expect a lavish meal with five courses, a live orchestra, and a formal dress code.

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.