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Summer Celebrations Have Begun At This Indelible Inn On Michigan's Mackinac Island
Horse drawn carriages are the only forms of transportation on historic island community in Northern Michigan. getty
Between Michigan's Upper and Lower peninsulas sits one of the most beautiful destinations: Mackinac Island. Full of fudge shops—10 tons of sugar are transported here each week, horses and carriages, and bicycles, this car-free island is the perfect summer vacation for families.
Spend time biking around the island, an easy eight-mile ride; shopping and dining in town; and learning about the history at Fort Mackinac, a constellation of military buildings perched on a hill. Fragrant forests and sweet-smelling lilacs abound in the state park that covers over 80% of the island.
The Inn at Stonecliff is a summer retreat like no other. Wendy Altschuler
With no chain hotels, a stay on Mackinac Island feels distinctive and special. The Inn at Stonecliffe, built in 1904, is indelible for not only its history, but also, its location. Removed from the vibrant-yet-chaotic downtown, this hotel is a verdant oasis with an expansive lawn and views of the grand Mackinac Bridge, also known as the "Mighty Mac'.
Once a residence and the island's largest private estate, accommodations here feel homelike yet with an elevated flair. Complete with a chicken coop, apple orchard, two swimming pools, a wellness center, bicycles for hire, and nearby hiking trails, there's plenty to do here.
In the summer of 2024, the Inn at Stonecliffe completed a $40 million renovation, which included upgraded rooms, dining options, and outdoor spaces.
A true beauty, this hotel, owned by the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation, is also a Humanitarian Hotel, where giving back to the community is a major part the ethos. Amazingly, net profits are all donated to charitable causes. Seasonal Summer Events
Beauty abounds at this inn by the lake. Wendy Altschuler
With dining at The Straits, The Backyard, Horsey's Pub, and other nearby options, you might find little need to venture too far away from the inn, especially with the lineup of seasonal activities and special events.
Enjoy the Sounds of Summer Benefit Concert Series July 17 and September 11 for live music and a fun atmosphere, kicking off at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening for VIP guests at 6:30 p.m. All ticket proceeds are donated to charity—artists' choices. Open to guests as well as locals, these events bring everyone together, serving the established community as well as those just passing through. Registration is required, as well as a donation of $15.
And, on the 4th of July weekend, there's no better place to be than at the inn. Celebrate our country's independence with delectable food, live music, lawn games, big views, and a watermelon eating contest at the Red, White, & Brew with Short's Brewing Co, July 4 from 12:00—8:00 p.m. All ticket proceeds for this event will be donated to Operation Homefront, a nonprofit that supports military families. Partnering with Short's Brewing Company, this fourth of July event is sure to delight all partygoers. And, yes, there will be fireworks.
