Photo by Steve Saunders on Unsplash.com
The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island
This majestic, historic place-The Grand Hotel has been a draw to Mackinac Island since it was built in 1886. W. Stewart Woodfill was hired in 1917 as a desk clerk and later become the owner. The majestic Grand Hotel is one of the first sights to visitors as they head into the harbor on one of the ferry boats: the Hotel, perched on the bluff, overlooks Lake Huron.
In 1947, “This Time for Keeps” was shot on Mackinac Island with Jimmy Durante and Esther Williams and the kidney shaped pool at The Grand Hotel still used today was constructed for the famous swimming scene. In 1979, “Somewhere in Time” starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour was filmed on Mackinac Island with The Grand Hotel having a starring role in the movie.
In 1951, R. D. Musser joined his uncle Stewart Woodfill at The Grand Hotel and became the owner in 1979. Over the years, The Grand Hotel continues to undergo renovations and remodeling each year with newly designed rooms, air conditioning, new shops, and more.
Today, The Grand Hotel, an icon of American hotels, is open May-October. The Grand Hotel is certified as a Green Lodging Michigan Leader by the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth. This National Historic Landmark has 365 rooms and its famous front porch- the world’s largest at 660 feet long.
The landscaped gardens, pool, and golf course are just some of the impressive amenities at this Michigan treasure.
For more information on The Grand Hotel, please contact:
The Grand Hotel
Destinations Up North
Activities & Attractions in Northern Michigan

Charlevoix’s History Museums
The Harsha House and the Charlevoix Depot Museum, run by the Charlevoix Historical Society, preserve much of Charlevoix’s rich history.

Sledding and Ice Skating in Northern Michigan
Get the sleds and the skates out, put on the cold weather clothes, and enjoy sledding and ice skating in Northern Michigan.

National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods in Indian River
The National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods is a 55′ x 22′ redwood cross cut from one redwood tree and with a 28′ tall bronze crucifix.

Beaver Island Up North
Beaver Island is located 32 miles offshore of Charlevoix, Michigan and is the largest island in Lake Michigan.

Harris Gardens at North Central Michigan College
Harris Gardens at North Central Michigan College is a spectacular sculpture garden filled with 26 pieces of vibrant art.

North Central Michigan College’s Natural Area
North Central Michigan College’s Natural Area in Petoskey includes over five miles of trails that run through unique habitats.

Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island
Fort Mackinac is open from May-October and includes buildings restored their original look after the fort’s occupation by the British

M-119 Tunnel of Trees
Take a beautiful color tour as you travel under a tunnel of colorful trees along M-119 from Harbor Springs to Cross Village.

Kayaking Up North Is The Best!
Northern Michigan has many varied settings for kayaking- whether it by river, one of the inland lakes, or Lake Michigan,

Cruise the Inland Waterway from Near Lake Michigan to Lake Huron
This Inland Waterway covers 38.2 miles from outside of Petoskey to Cheboygan. Find state parks, fishing, swimming, and more along the way.

Northern Michigan Beaches
Summer’s not summer without a day at the beach and Northern Michigan offers some of the best beaches anywhere.

Searching for Petoskey Stones in Northern Michigan
A visit to Northern Michigan is not complete without a walk along the Lake Michigan in search of Petoskey stones.

Harbor Springs History Museum
The Harbor Springs History Museum offers a unique look at the history of the community, starting with the first Catholic missionaries.

Charlevoix Circle of Arts
The Charlevoix Circle of Arts is a vibrant, cultural center in downtown Charlevoix that presents six major visual exhibits annually.

Andrew J. Blackbird Museum in Harbor Springs
The Andrew J. Blackbird Museum is named for a counselor who helped Native American veterans. Native American artifacts fill the museum space.