Mackinac Island, Michigan
Taking a trip to Mackinac Island is like taking a trip back in time. A small island located in the northern reaches of Lake Huron, Mackinac (pronounced mack-i-naw) Island is seemingly isolated from the rest of the world. Motorized vehicles have been banned on the island since the late 1800s with the favored modes of transportation instead being horse-drawn carriage or bicycle. Here, everyone is on “island time.” let your stress melt away as you settle into the laid-back and inviting spirit of Mackinac Island. Take a stroll through pristine boreal forest, kayak in the bright blue waters of Lake Huron along dramatic limestone bluffs, relish in the majesty of the historic Grand Hotel, delight in elegant dining experiences, sample homemade delicacies, and fall in love with the undeniable charm of Mackinac Island.
Interested in this trip? Fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
This Trip at a Glance
Relax, Rejuvenate, & Journey Back in Time
Dates: TBD | Price: $4,200
This trip is luxury in style, featuring a stay at the gorgeous Grand Hotel. Activities follow a moderate pace, and participants should be comfortable walking and standing for extended periods of time.
If you wish to take this trip at another date, either solo or with a group of your own, contact us and we’ll work with you to customize this trip for your needs.
The Itinerary — 6 Days, 5 Nights
Day 1
Carriage ride in front of The Grand Hotel. Photo source.
Meet your fellow travelers and ATC Trip Host in Mackinaw City, Michigan. From there, you’ll board a ferry and embark on a scenic cruise past the famous Mackinac Bridge and across Lake Huron towards Mackinac Island.
Upon arrival, a porter from the Grand Hotel will greet you and shuttle your bags to the hotel while you follow along in a horse-drawn carriage. Motor vehicles have been banned on the island since 1898, and with the exception of winter snowmobiles and emergency vehicles, the only modes of transportation are bicycles, horse-drawn-carriages, and your own two feet!
Take some leisure time to get settled into your room and explore the marvelous Grand Hotel, a destination in and of itself. Regroup in the evening for a carriage ride to the interior of the island where you’ll enjoy a Welcome Dinner at Woods Restaurant. Housed in a stunning Tudor Mansion and serving up Bavarian cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere, Woods Restaurant is a favorite among Mackinac Island’s guests.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2
Arch Rock, Mackinac Island Photo source.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before diving into the fascinating history of Mackinac Island on a Historic Walking Tour. Your expert, local guide will share the history of the island from its origin as a fur-trading post to its transformation into a bustling summer resort town. You’ll discover Fort Mackinac, the Island schoolhouse, beautiful West Bluff summer cottages, neighborhood stables, and gorgeous gardens along the way.
Stop for lunch at The Gate House, a casual outdoor restaurant and bar. Afterward, enjoy leisure time to explore Downtown Mackinac Island. Then regroup with your fellow travelers for an elegant yet relaxed Afternoon Tea in the Parlor at the Grand Hotel.
In the late afternoon, take a bike ride around the island to enjoy the scenic views of dramatic limestone bluffs, green forested area, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan. Conclude the day with sunset drinks at the top-floor Cupola Bar which offers sweeping panoramic views of the island below.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3
Grand Hotel “Secret Garden” Photo source.
Begin the day with breakfast at the hotel. Afterward, enjoy a nature walk on the island featuring the Grand Hotel’s sensational “Secret Garden”, lakeside views, and famous sites from the 1980 movie Somewhere in Time, which was filmed on the island.
Afterward enjoy lunch at Sushi Grand, and in the afternoon, pay a visit to Biddle House, a historic house and fur-trading shop in the heart of downtown. Featured in Biddle House is the Mackinac Island Native American Museum, an exhibition which highlights the story of the Anishinaabek people who called Mackinac Island home. Continue the journey to Richard and Jane Manoogian Art Museum - a gallery of fine and decorative arts inspired by the island and conclude at The Butterfly House, a tropical garden filled with hundreds of butterflies from around the world.
Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure, perhaps partaking in a round of croquet on the Grand Hotel lawn. Enjoy dinner at the beautiful, lakeside Mission Point Resort and end the evening with a Sunset Boat Ride on the Great Lakes.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Kayaking Mackinac Island.
Enjoy breakfast at the Grand Hotel before taking to the water for a morning kayaking trip around Mackinac Island. Suitable for beginners, this 2-hour paddle will grant access to the pristine waters of Lake Huron, and provide unsurpassed views of the island.
Enjoy lunch at Pink Pony, one of the island’s most popular restaurants located in the Chippewa waterfront hotel. After lunch, enjoy leisure time to lounge on the front porch of the Grand Hotel, explore downtown, sip a fresh cocktail, receive a spa treatment at Astor’s Salon and Spa, or spend however you see fit.
In the evening, attend a Farewell Dinner in the Grand Hotel’s Main Dining Room. Complete with a live orchestra and tuxedoed waitstaff, dining in this picturesque dining room is a totally delightful and memorable experience.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Take a carriage ride to the dock and board the ferry for Mackinaw City.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Grand Hotel
“Since 1887 Grand Hotel beckons guests to a bygone era of old-world hospitality and charm. Experience the tradition of Afternoon Tea in the Parlor, dressing up for dinner, nightly dancing to the sounds of the Grand Hotel Orchestra, and sitting in a rocking chair on the world’s longest porch with views of the Straits of Mackinac.
This National Historic Landmark has always embraced its rich history, while keeping up with current times. That means today, guests enjoy modern amenities while the hotel’s original architecture and charm have been tastefully preserved.
Grand Hotel’s design has been influenced by esteemed interior designer, Carleton Varney of Dorothy Draper & Co. Each of the hotel’s 397 guest rooms feature their own unique style and theme.”
Watch the featured video to gain a glimpse into this incredible hotel!
Photo Gallery
Additional Trip Information
Inclusions
Private accommodations for 4 nights at the historic Grand Hotel
4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
All tours mentioned in the itinerary
Transportation to/from Mackinaw City
Bike rentals on the island
Afternoon tea at the Grand Hotel
Local travel concierge
Gratuities
An AstridTravel Club Trip Host on-site
Exclusions
Airfare
Meals not specified in itinerary
Miscellaneous personal expenses
Travel Insurance
Payment Schedule
$500 deposit is required upon booking.
$1,600 payment due on or before June 1, 2021.
$1,400 payment due on or before August 1, 2021.
Monthly payment plans available. Contact us for details.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your trip 90 days or more prior to departure, and you will receive a full refund of any monies paid to the ATC. Cancel your trip between 89 - 60 days prior to departure, and you will receive a 50% refund. Cancel your trip between 59 - 30 days prior to departure and you will receive a 25% refund. Cancel your trip less than 30 days prior to departure, and you will receive no refund.
All cancellations must be sent via email to contact@astridtravel.com and are effective the date we receive this correspondence.
ATC reserves the right to cancel this trip for any reason. Such reasons include, but are not limited to, not achieving a minimum number of participants necessary to make the trip feasible, weather phenomena, and other unforeseen circumstances. In such event, you may choose to either receive a full refund, including the deposit, or apply your payments to another trip if approved by ATC.
Traveler Requirements
Travelers must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months following the return travel date if traveling internationally.
Travelers are responsible for making their own flight arrangements.
Travelers must provide a copy of their desired flight reservation before booking to ensure that all information is correct.
Travel Insurance is Recommended
The ATC does not require travel insurance for domestic trips, however, it is strongly encouraged you purchase travel insurance. In the event that you are unable attend this trip due to an illness, family emergency, missed or canceled flight, act of terrorism, natural disaster, etc., Astrid Solo Travel Advisor, AstridTravel LLC, the AstridTravel Club LLC, nor any affiliated person or party will be held responsible for payment repatriation. Protect yourself against any unforeseen trip disasters and purchase travel insurance. The company we personally use and have an affiliate relationship with is Allianz Travel Insurance. Please contact us with any questions.
Interested in Joining?
If you are interested in this trip to Mackinac Island, fill out the brief, no obligation, interest form below and we will reach out to you via email. Please feel free to include any questions or comments you might have about this trip.