Mackinac Island is a place where leisure abounds, and transportation is by horse-drawn carriage, bicycle, or your own two legs (the island is car free). And Mackinac Island is at its prettiest when the lilacs are in bloom. Arrive during the annual Mackinac Island Lilac Festival where you may participate in festival events such as “Walk and Talk with Lilacs,” wine tastings, and downtown entertainment.
At the pinnacle of this trip are two nights in a lakeview room at the island’s crown jewel, the Grand Hotel, beckoning you to a bygone era of old-world hospitality and charm.
On the way to Mackinac Island, visit one of the Midwest’s best-preserved 19th-century towns and admire its remarkable collection of historic architecture. Spend two nights in “Charlevoix the Beautiful,” a charming lakeside community that truly lives up to its name and is renowned for Earl Young’s whimsical and distinctive “mushroom” houses. On the return journey, cross the iconic Mackinac Bridge, affectionately known as the “Mighty Mac,” and enjoy spectacular views spanning the Straits of Mackinac.
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE
PACKAGE INCLUDES
NOTE: This itinerary includes activities where moderate walking and stepping on and off a carriage unassisted is required. If you require assistance, you will need to have a travel companion with you.
The rooms included in this package at The Grand Hotel are lakeview accommodations.
Itinerary
Mon, June 7: Depart Indianapolis and head to Marshall, Michigan, one of the Midwest’s best-preserved 19th-century towns. The city contains more than 800 historic structures and was designated a National Historic Landmark District because of its remarkable collection of Victorian, Greek Revival, Italianate, and Gothic Revival architecture. Tour the standout attraction—the Honolulu House Museum, built in 1860 for Abner Pratt, a former Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court and later U.S. Consul to the Kingdom of Hawaii. After serving in Hawaii, Pratt returned to Michigan and wanted a home that reminded him of his years in the Pacific. The result was a house unlike anything else in the Midwest! Following the tour, enjoy lunch at a local icon—Schuler’s Restaurant & Pub. Continue to “Charlevoix the Beautiful” one of the most picturesque resort towns in northern Michigan, situated between Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix. Check in for your two-night stay at Hotel Earl with an evening to relax. (Meals: Lunch)
Tue, June 8: Following breakfast, tour the town via GEM car. These small, electric golf cart style vehicles are specifically designed for public roads and perfect for touring historic areas and resort towns. On tour with your local guide, you’ll see the quirky Earl Young “mushroom” houses, dating back to 1918 featuring undulating stone walls capped by a mushroom-shaped cedar shake roof. The afternoon is free to relax and spend more time in town, take a walk to the lighthouse or the beach. You’ll also have the option to visit the nearby town of Petoskey to explore the shops, restaurants, parks, and art galleries of the Gaslight District. Visit the historical museum or hunt for Petoskey Stones along the waterfront. For the art buffs, discover Stafford’s Gallery of Art & History featuring antiques, works of art by Michigan’s very own, and an exclusive collection of historical photos and artifacts. Tonight, dine at one of Earl Young’s most celebrated commercial designs at the Weathervane Restaurant, located on the river channel. He transformed a former mill site into a landmark waterfront restaurant featuring stonework, nautical elements, and a massive nine-ton boulder transformed into the dining room fireplace. (B,D)
Wed, June 9: Begin the day with breakfast before heading to Mackinaw City to board the ferry to Mackinac Island. Arrive at the dock in the heart of the island’s main street and town center where you’ll have free time for lunch and exploring on your own. Next, enjoy a narrated horse-drawn carriage tour of the island with a stop at Arch Rock for a photo opportunity. Following the tour, check into your lakeview room at the iconic Grand Hotel, known as a destination in itself—honored in time and tradition, where past meets present, and where history comes to life. This National Historic Landmark has been visited by U.S. Presidents, world-renowned entertainers, and countless dignitaries. No two guestrooms are alike, and each reflects the impressive style of old-fashioned American summer resorts as interpreted by New York designer Carleton Varney. Dress up for dinner this evening in the Main Dining Room, then live it up with live music and dancing. (B,D)
Thu, June 10: Today is your day, your own way on Mackinac Island! Check the event roster for the Lilac Festival and discover all the “goings on” around town: rent a bike, take a stroll, or shop along Main Street; visit Fort Mackinac; hike through the woodlands and do some birdwatching; explore Arch Rock; or surround yourself with the grace and beauty of butterflies and tropical gardens in the Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House. Kick back at the Grand Hotel and enjoy a historical tour and high tea, swim in the 220-foot heated pool, try your hand at tennis or pickleball, or enjoy the quintessential summer lawn games of bocce and croquet. Delight in another delicious dinner at your leisure at the Grand Hotel. (B,D)
Fri, June 11: After another hearty breakfast at the Grand Hotel, head back to the mainland. Cross the strait by ferry to St. Ignace and drive across the famous “Mighty Mac” bridge. Continue to Indianapolis, with comfort stops along the way, arriving in the evening. (B)
Hotels
The Earl, Charlevoix, Michigan.With comfortable, modern rooms, and a rooftop bar, The Earl is Charlevoix’s newest boutique hotel, located a short walk from the shores of Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan. Highlights: in-room coffee/tea maker, refrigerator • complimentary WiFi Internet access • two bars • indoor pool & outdoor hot tub • fitness center.
Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan. A classic American resort by anyone’s standards, the Grand Hotel has been named by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as “One of a Dozen Distinctive Destinations” and a National Historic Landmark. Watch the sunsets over the lake from the world’s longest porch (600 feet). Highlights: each room is uniquely decorated • in-room coffee maker and mini bar • 5 restaurants • 5 bars • tea room • spa • 18-hole golf course • Esther Williams Swimming Pool (heated, outdoor) • fitness center • 4 tennis courts • duck pin bowling alley • live music, including the Grand Hotel orchestra • horseback riding on bridle paths • family games, including bocce ball, croquet, putt-putt golf and a giant outdoor chess board • bicycles for rent • no tipping policy (fees apply for some activities).
DRESS CODE: Casual resort wear is appropriate during the day at the hotel, just avoid midriff tops, sweatpants, or cut-off shorts along with no sleeveless shirts for the men in all areas inside the hotel apart from the Cupola Bar. Because every night is special, after 6:30pm, a coat and tie are required for the gentlemen — no jeans or shorts, and for the ladies, dress slacks, dresses, or skirts and blouses are preferred.
Pricing
*Subject to change due to fuel surcharge
