Grand Hotel stands as one of America's most celebrated resort properties, perched on the bluffs of car-free Mackinac Island in Michigan's Straits of Mackinac, accessible only by ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace. Once on the island, motorized vehicles are prohibited, and guests travel to the hotel by horse-drawn carriage, bicycle, or on foot. Opened in 1887 under the sponsorship of three Michigan railroad and shipping companies, the hotel has operated continuously as an emblem of Victorian-era grandeur and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its most distinctive feature, a 660-foot front porch recognized as the world's longest, stretches the full width of the hotel facade and commands panoramic views of Lake Huron and the Mackinac Bridge. The property gained wider cultural recognition as the primary filming location for the 1980 romantic film Somewhere in Time, an event celebrated each October with a weekend-long tribute drawing devoted fans from across the country. The 397 guest rooms and suites are individually decorated in vibrant palettes honoring former U.S. First Ladies; no two rooms are identical. Rates operate under the American Plan, which bundles a full breakfast and a formal five-course dinner in the Grand Dining Room; a jacket and tie are required for men in all public areas after 6 p.m. Additional dining includes the Woods Restaurant, the Carriage House, and multiple porch bars. Recreational offerings encompass the 18-hole Jewel Golf Course, a heated outdoor pool, tennis courts, a croquet lawn, bicycle rentals, and a full-service spa with massage, sauna, and salon services. A dedicated concierge team arranges island carriage tours, kayak excursions, and activity bookings across Mackinac Island's 3.8-square-mile interior of forests and historic fortifications. The hotel operates from early May through late October, and summer weekends require reservations months in advance. The property has hosted thirteen U.S. presidents and maintains a long tradition of gracious, white-glove hospitality.
Room types
- Standard Rooms
- Grand Suites
- Governor's Suite
- Presidential Suite
Amenities
- Full American Plan Dining
- World's Longest Porch (660 ft)
- Golf Course
- Spa
- Pools
- Tennis Courts
- Bicycle Rentals
- Horse-Drawn Carriage
Location
286 Grand Ave, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
45.8631, -84.6159 View on map
Highlights
- 660-foot front porch—recognized as the world's longest—with panoramic Lake Huron and Mackinac Bridge views
- American Plan rates include a formal five-course dinner nightly in the Grand Dining Room
- 397 individually decorated rooms, each inspired by a different former U.S. First Lady
- 18-hole Jewel Golf Course, full-service spa, heated pool, and tennis courts on a car-free island
- Filming location for the 1980 film Somewhere in Time, celebrated each October with a themed weekend
Tips for visiting
- Reserve rooms at least three to four months ahead for July and August weekends; the hotel operates May through October only
- Gentlemen must wear a jacket and tie in all public areas after 6 p.m.—pack formal attire even for a casual stay
- Check the Shepler's or Star Line ferry schedule from Mackinaw City before planning arrival and departure times
- Bicycle rentals at the hotel offer a practical and scenic way to explore the island's eight-mile perimeter road
- Non-guests may visit the property during the day for a small admission fee, credited toward any food or beverage purchase
- Request a south-facing room for the best views of the Mackinac Bridge and the Straits
When to visit
Late June through August offers the warmest weather, full access to all resort amenities, and the island's peak social season; October is favored by return visitors for fall foliage and the Somewhere in Time anniversary weekend with fewer crowds.
Accessibility
Grand Hotel offers ADA-accessible guest rooms with roll-in showers and grab bars, and elevator service connects the main floors of the building. The historic 1887 structure includes uneven porch surfaces, exterior stairs, and cobblestone paths that may present challenges for wheelchair users; guests with specific mobility needs are strongly encouraged to contact the hotel directly before booking to discuss suitable room assignments and routing.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Does the American Plan rate include all meals?
The American Plan includes a full breakfast and a formal five-course dinner each day. Lunch is available at additional cost at the Woods Restaurant, the Carriage House, and other on-site venues.
Can visitors explore Grand Hotel without staying as a guest?
Non-guests may visit the hotel during daytime hours for a small admission fee, which is fully credited toward any food or beverage purchase on the property, including porch refreshments.
What is the dress code at Grand Hotel?
Gentlemen are required to wear a jacket and tie in all public areas after 6 p.m. The hotel upholds a formal evening standard that reflects its Victorian heritage and has been maintained since 1887.
How do guests reach Mackinac Island and Grand Hotel?
Guests cross to Mackinac Island by ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace; the crossing takes approximately 16 to 18 minutes. From the ferry dock, horse-drawn taxis and bicycles are the primary options for reaching the hotel, as motor vehicles are banned island-wide.
When does Grand Hotel open and close each year?
The hotel operates seasonally from early May through late October. The exact opening and closing dates vary slightly by year; guests should confirm dates on the hotel's website before booking.