We love fall in Michigan — crisp air, a riot of colorful leaves and oh-so-many spots to take it all in. But September in Michigan — who knows what weather we’re in for. If you’re lucky, you might even squeeze in one last summer-weather weekend family getaway.
Either way, the Island House Hotel (theislandhouse.com) on Mackinac Island checks all of our boxes. The bustle of Main Street on the island has its pros and cons — the pros, of course, being plenty of activities, history, shopping, restaurants, fudge and picturesque views. And after a day amid the busyness, it feels like pure luxury to tuck in at the Island House, even if it’s for a quick respite before revitalizing for dinner.
Mackinac Island exudes elegance and nostalgia, and the Island House delivers that and more, as a destination in itself. With magnificent views of Lake Huron and the Mackinac Bridge, graceful Victorian architecture and family-owned eager-to-please intimacy, the Island House oozes historic mellow charm, while massive renovations provide blissful modern comfort. Perfectly positioned on Main Street, the Island House offers the ideal balance — close enough to be in the heart of the action, yet removed just enough to provide a peaceful retreat from the bustling energy below, with just the occasional clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages in the distance.
The Island House has humble beginnings, but the simple beach house hotel, built in 1852, now holds nearly two centuries of Great Lakes history. Purchased by a skipper in 1865, who relocated the entire structure 300 feet inland from the shoreline, the Island House was positioned for massive growth: In 1875, Mackinac Island became the nation’s second National Park and along with it, a hospitality boom was born. The skipper’s daughter transformed the property into a grand Gilded Age resort, adding wings on either side that now define the hotel’s architecture.
Following a period of disrepair, the hotel was saved from demolition by Harry Ryba — founder of Ryba’s Fudge Shop (arguably the best fudge around) — and his son-in-law, Victor Callewaert. The pair reopened Island House in 1972 after three years of renovations, with every intricate detail, from the majestic columns and ornate porch spindles to the elegant gables, windows and door styles, painstakingly preserved. Still owned by the Callewaert family, the hotel today is both a Michigan Historic Landmark and included in the Historic Hotels of America. The Island House is Mackinac Island’s oldest continuously operating hotel — preserved in time in a place where motor vehicles have been banned since 1901.
In 2019, in celebration of 50 years under the Ryba-Callewaert family, a multi-million dollar renovation again breathed new life into the hotel, while maintaining its historic charm, offering 94 guest rooms and suites, two restaurants, a pool, an outdoor deck hot tub, curbside bike rentals and more. Whether sightseeing around the island or relaxing in a rocking chair on the Island House’s expansive porch, watching sailboats glide into the harbor and making s’mores at the front lawn fire pit, Island House Hotel offers an authentic Mackinac Island experience.