Mackinac Island, Michigan

The Grand Hotel is as it's name suggests. It is over 100 years old, and has been visited by many well known people, including several US Presidents.

The front porch is over 600 feet long, and overlooks a lovely tea garden and swimming pool.

The movie Somewhere in Time with Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour was filmed here.

This hotel really is an attraction itself, and has outstanding views of the island and the Mackinac Bridge

Over 300 rooms and no two are alike!

One of the best ways to explore the island is to take one of the many carriage tours available. You can even rent your own carriage or discover all the island has to offer on horseback.

For the more adventuresome you can rent bicycles.

There are many interesting shops which include clothing, gifts, fudge and candies. Several artists live on the island and their paintings are available in several galleries. My favorite store is Lilacs and Lace which has victorian china, jewelry, bath and body products and jewelry cases.

There are two golf courses, one at the Grand Hotel and the other is the Wawashkamo Golf Club

Kids and families can enjoy the Original Butterfly House This has an 1800 sq ft tropical garden with hundreds of butterflies.

Accomodations include stately hotels, bed and breakfast, condos and suites. The island has a permanent population of about 500 but this increases dramatically in the spring and especially the busy summer season. Reservations at any place should be made well in advance.

1. No cars are allowed on the island. Transportation is by bicycle, or horse and carriage.

2. The Grand Hotels porch is 660 feet and visible as you approach the island by ferry.

3. The island's population is 600, however, about a million people visit Mackinaw every year.

4. The movie Somewhere in Time with Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour was filmed here. Also the 1949 movie This Time for Keeps with Esther Williams.

5. The Grand Hotel serves as many as 4,000 meals per day at peak season.

6. There are almost as many horses at Mackinac as permanent residents.....500.

7. Five Presidents have stayed at the Grand Hotel. This includes Presidents Truman, Kennedy, Ford, Bush and Clinton.