Mackinac Island in Michigan has been a highlight on my travel wishlist for many years. Coming from New England, the island’s historic, car-free environment intrigued me, and I anticipated that its Victorian-era charm would remind me of beloved coastal spots like Martha’s Vineyard and Cape May.

After a trip to Door County in Wisconsin, I fell in love with the Great Lakes’ scenic beauty and became eager to explore more in the region. So when the opportunity arose to visit The Inn at Stonecliffe on Mackinac Island—recently revamped after a $40-million, two-year renovation—I was thrilled. My stay at Stonecliffe and on Mackinac Island turned out to be as picturesque and tranquil as I had hoped.

Planning your own escape to The Inn at Stonecliffe and Mackinac Island? Here’s a complete guide to help you prepare before booking your trip.

Traveling to and Exploring Mackinac Island

Getting to Mackinac Island requires a bit of effort as it is situated in Lake Huron and can only be reached by boat or private aircraft. Therefore, a weekend trip may not suffice for such a cherished Michigan getaway. The nearest airport with commercial flights is Pellston Regional Airport, which offers daily Delta Connection services to Detroit Metropolitan Airport. There’s also a smaller airport on Mackinac Island for charters and private planes.

If you fly into Pellston Regional Airport, it’s about a 20-minute shuttle ride to Mackinaw City, where you’ll board a ferry to Mackinac Island. Driving from Detroit to the ferry terminal takes approximately four and a half hours, while it’s about a two-hour journey from Traverse City, home to an airport serviced by several airlines.

The ferry ride lasts about 16 minutes, taking you to Mackinac Island, where a horse-drawn carriage will transport you to The Inn at Stonecliffe, located around two miles from downtown.

The Inn at Stonecliffe offers complimentary carriage rides for guests between the hotel and Mackinac Island’s downtown area throughout the day. These carriages depart hourly from both locations, taking about 45 minutes each way (be sure to arrive early if you have a specific schedule). Additionally, guests can visit the resort’s Bike Pavilion to rent bicycles for exploring the island.

On Mackinac Island, hurried lifestyles are hard to maintain. The pace is leisurely—whether you’re in a horse-drawn carriage or cycling, you can only travel as fast as the moment allows. This atmosphere instantly put me in relaxation mode, allowing me to truly escape from my daily routine.

Best Times to Visit

Mackinac Island is open to visitors during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. The Inn at Stonecliffe will close for the year on October 27 and will reopen for guests in late April 2025.

Regardless of when you decide to visit, you’ll find plenty of activities to enjoy. June features the island’s annual Lilac Festival, while August is sweetened by the Mackinac Island Fudge Festival. In July, there are fireworks and a stone-skipping contest to celebrate Independence Day, and fall offers beautiful weather and stunning foliage.

Accommodations at The Inn at Stonecliffe

The Inn at Stonecliffe was initially constructed in 1904 as a lakeside estate for the Cudahy family from Chicago. This historic mansion, standing for 120 years, now serves as the focal point of the 15-acre resort, which has been entirely renovated over two years.

The property has preserved a great deal of its historical charm, featuring restored moldings, original hardwood floors, and beautiful stained glass windows. Simultaneously, modern upgrades like air-conditioning and contemporary furniture reflect Stonecliffe’s nautical and outdoor themes.

The Mansion offers 13 king rooms, two queen rooms, and one queen-queen room, decorated in various blue and red fabrics. The newly designed bathrooms come equipped with modern fixtures and playful wallpaper and tile. During my stay in the Snowberry king room, I was enchanted by the charming penny tile bathroom floor and the floral curtains framing the view of the Mackinac Bridge across the Straits.

Adjacent to The Mansion, the Summer House features 32 guest rooms, including double queen beds along with one- and two-bedroom suites with kitchenettes. Many rooms come with balconies, all showcasing the same lively preppy style, complete with stripes and floral patterns in blue tones.

For families and groups seeking more space, three new private cottages are available. Sunny Honey Cottage, Hill Top Cottage, and Yacht Watch Cottage overlook the resort’s Straits Lawn and Lake Huron. Each includes three bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens (with the option for grocery delivery prior to arrival), and porches to enjoy the views. The cozy Love Shack, a beloved option at the resort, remains popular for couples seeking a more private retreat.

Dining Options at The Inn at Stonecliffe

The resort has introduced three new dining options that utilize ingredients sourced from its own orchard and garden, as well as local produce from Michigan and the Great Lakes area. The Straits occupies the main dining room of The Mansion, providing a fine dining atmosphere that combines historical elegance with modern flair, similar to that of the guest rooms. The Michigan whitefish dish was exceptional during my visit.

If you’re looking for something more casual, the new Backyard outdoor restaurant offers a menu featuring wings, brisket, and pizzas cooked in the resort’s new wood-fired oven. For a club-like atmosphere with craft cocktails like Guava Gale and Sunny Honey (two of my personal favorites), Horsey’s Pub inside The Mansion is the place to be.

The General Store serves as a mix between a gift shop and a café. Swing by for coffee, grab-and-go snacks, ice cream, and souvenir items like Stonecliffe sweatshirts and other essentials.

Within a short walk from Stonecliffe lies Woods Restaurant. This Bavarian-style building was originally established as a recreation center for the children of the family who owned The Mansion after the Cudahys, designed to keep them “away from the temptations of town.”

Currently managed by the Grand Hotel on the island, Woods Restaurant specializes in German cuisine and offers a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of a hunting lodge, featuring dark wood and deep red walls, almost like stepping into a fairy tale. I highly recommend making a reservation here during your visit to Stonecliffe.

Facilities and Activities at The Inn at Stonecliffe

Stonecliffe features both a family-friendly pool and a separate adult pool, ensuring that every guest can find their ideal relaxation spot. The newly opened Wellness Center includes fitness equipment, locker rooms (decorated with some of the cutest themed wallpaper I’ve ever seen), a sauna, and a massage room.

One of my favorite places was the spacious Straits Lawn, which gently slopes down towards the water.