The Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island

Every evening at the Grand Hotel brings live music for dancing in the ballroom, and the property sprawls across the island with hidden gardens, a spectacular pool, and enough history to keep you exploring for hours.

All 390 rooms are uniquely decorated, so you never know if you’ll get bright florals or a themed room with a story.

Fair warning: even if you’re not staying here, there’s a fee just to step onto the property, but you get a map and hours to wander around soaking it all in.

• That legendary porch with 660 feet of rocking chairs where you can watch ferries cross the Straits all day long
• A real secret garden that’s actually hidden and lush, plus two golf courses with one offering killer lake views
• All-inclusive luxury means your meals are covered, but pricing reflects true top-tier territory
• Themed weekends like the Somewhere in Time event (yes, from the movie filmed here) and occasional murder mystery weekends

• You’ll need to dress up for dinner (think collared shirts and dresses, not your first time trying formal wear
• Super kid-friendly if your family can handle the dress code and formal dining expectations
• Horse-drawn carriages and bikes are your transport since the whole island is car-free
• May through October is prime time, but the high prices mean you might find availability when everything else on the island is booked solid
• Rooms vary wildly in size and style, and walls can be thin, but you’ll get those signature geranium-scented toiletries
• The fee for non-guests is worth it if you’re into historic buildings and want to explore, but commit to spending a few hours here