Top 10 Classic American Family Resorts: Grand Hotel

Vacations don’t get much grander than at Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island! An island full of rich landscape and heritage and more than 500 horses – yes, that’s right, there are no cars allowed on this island – Mackinac has been a celebrated family getaway for more than a century.

Imagine giving the kids an expansive, breathtaking backyard that you’ll want to play in, too and you’ve got the Grand Hotel! With no cars, the family travels by horse, carriage, bike or foot. Which means kids will exercise discovering the natural beauty of Michigan instead of exercising their thumbs in video games. Challenge them to a swimming race in the 220-ft.-long serpentine pool or maybe let them challenge themselves. Children’s programs teach the kids how to Duck Pin bowl, play Bocce Ball or Putt-Putt golf.

The attention to detail at Grand Hotel doesn’t just extend to the outside (the hotel uses 5,200 geraniums, its trademark flower, in all its flower beds combined). The inside accommodations are lavish and entrancing. No two rooms look the same or have the same history! Stay in one of six guest rooms designed by a U.S. first lady, rooms with a lake-view or the spectacular Masco Cottage.

Things to Know

Related Onsite Offerings

family will want to spend every moment possible outside enjoying the beautiful Mackinac Island – so arrange for a picnic lunch through Grand Hotel!

Fun facts

Classic movies were filmed at Grand Hotel, including “This Time for Keeps” (1947), starring Esther William, whom the pool is named after, and “Somewhere in Time” (1980), starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour.

Getting there

Michigan’s Mackinac Island is only accessible by ferry boat or plane.