Michigan’s Grand Hotel celebrated its 125th anniversary on July 10th as “America’s Summer Place.” Located on Mackinac Island, the 385-room national historic landmark first opened July 10, 1887 and is renowned for its white-glove service and classic charm. Guests arrive by ferry or airplane to Mackinac Island, then ride to their destination in horse-drawn opera wagons built by Amish farmers. The Musser Family, owners for 79 years, have helped maintained the hotel’s award-winning ambience.
Hotel operators and guests celebrated on July 10th with a 125-foot birthday cake and champagne on Grand Hotel’s 660-foot Front Porch, the longest porch in the world. The formal 125th Anniversary Celebration takes place July 13th-15th with receptions, concerts, and fireworks.
Grand Hotel guests enjoy taking in the scenery of the well-kept grounds and the straits of Lake Michigan; sitting in the well-furnished lobby for afternoon tea; wading in the Esther Williams Swimming Pool or dressing up (to meet the coat and tie requirement) for an elegant dinner in the main dining room. No two rooms in the hotel are alike; each is adorned with famed designer Carlton Varney’s signature use of color. Visitors may also stay in one of seven First Lady Suites designed by Varney in consultation with Lady Bird Johnson, Betty Ford, Rosalynn Carter, Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush and Laura Bush.
Feature image courtesy Grand Hotel on Facebook.