Mackinac Island’s The Inn at Stonecliffe

The Inn at Stonecliffe offers luxury, and a step back in time. Photo by Fran Miller

Mackinac Island has long captured my imagination. Through the decades, tales and images of the auto-free Michigan vacation destination within Lake Huron ignited a curiosity that I hoped would one day be satisfied with a visit. Fudge! Horses! Bikes! History! Americana kitsch! I yearned to experience all of it. My travels recently led me to this idyllic haven, and it was everything I imagined it might be—and more, thanks to the gracious hospitality at The Inn at Stonecliffe. 

The well-known and stately Grand Hotel might be Mackinac Island’s hospitality icon, but it is the newly reimagined The Inn at Stonecliffe that is commanding the attention of locals and visitors. Itself iconic, and a historic property originally built in 1904 as a private lakeside estate, Stonecliffe recently reopened after a two year, $40-milion renovation, and its 15 acres are spectacular. 

Entrance, The Inn at Stonecliffe. Photo by Fran Miller

The Stonecliffe experience begins with a 45 minute horse-drawn carriage ride from the island’s ferry dock to the resort. The rhythmic clippity-clop of horse hooves is surely Mackinac Island’s soundtrack; modes of transport here are horse and bicycle, the two images of which grace the souvenir t-shirts and hoodies sold within the many boutiques along bustling Main St. The island’s long-standing auto ban was first enacted in 1898, and it has held steady since, serving to preserve the island’s natural beauty and timeless charm. For this California girl, where parched landscapes dominate, the carriage ride through lush green forests to Stonecliffe’s vast front lawn entrance captivated. Verdant lawn, during summer? How novel. 

Horse-drawn carriage is the transport mode on Mackinac Island. Photo by Fran Miller

Hammocks and Adirondack chairs grace Stonecliffe’s green entry expanse, beckoning guests to relax and enjoy the quietude. Out back, an even larger span of green—Stonecliffe’s Straits Lawn—features stunning views toward Lake Huron and the Mackinac Bridge that connects Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, Michigan. Filled with games (croquet, cornhole, and ladder golf), and the site of evening marshmallow roasting and al fresco movie nights under the stars, this magnificent lawn serves as a verdant playground for all ages.

Stonecliffe’s remodel includes new, luxuriously appointed guestrooms: 16 within the stately, 18,500 square foot mansion, and 32 within the renovated Summer House. Both buildings, and four standalone private cottages, feature colorful artwork by local artisans, one of whom teaches art classes on property. Kate Dupre, of the island’s whimsical Watercolor Café, helps guests find their inner artist with her guided direction to the joys of watercolor painting. 

Stonecliffe’s expansive Straits Lawn features views of Lake Huron. Photo by Fran Miller

A Stonecliffe mansion guest room. Photo courtesy of Stonecliffe

A state-of-the-art fitness center, two swimming pools (one for families and one for adults), an apple orchard, a chicken coop, and a bicycle pavilion with bikes for rent provide more than enough entertainment and activity to enthrall guests on property. Dining options too are plentiful. Fine-dining restaurant The Straits serves local specialties from Michigan and the Great Lakes, with ingredients sourced from the resort’s own orchard and garden. The lovely formal dining room overlooks the Straits Lawn. More casual, The Backyard features a variety of wood-fired pizzas, served al fresco on a brick patio. And Horsey’s Bar is a cozy spot for crafted cocktails and small bites. Sit inside the hunting lodge-esque interior, or grab a rocker on the covered patio where quilted blankets are offered to ward-off evening chill. For something off property, Woods Restaurant & Bobby’s Bar is a short stroll from Stonecliffe. Bavarian in style and décor, its menu features hearty comfort dishes. Be sure to look beyond the bar for the single lane bowling alley. Originally constructed in 1898, it is one of the oldest surviving bowling alleys in the nation. Whatever your meal choice, save room for homemade ice cream, scooped from the cooler at The General Store, Stonecliffe’s grab-and-go market that stocks a variety of food items and logoed souvenirs. 

The Straits dining room. Photo courtesy of Stonecliffe

Horsey’s Bar. Photo by Sara Wright

Beyond the hospitality and activities offered at Stonecliffe, Mackinac Island “must-dos,” as I learned from my visit, include: 

Fudge tasting: Fudge is the island’s greatest export, and Main St. teems with purveyors of the sugary goodness. Murdick’s Fudge is the island OG. Founded in 1887, and still family owned, Murdick’s continues to utilize the same recipes (all natural ingredients) and paddling techniques as those of founder Mrs. Henry Murdick. Visitors to the shop can watch the experts at work.

Murdick’s Fudge is the OG of the famed Mackinac Island export. Photo by Fran Miller

Rum Runner imbibing: This The Pink Pony concoction of a refreshing blend of rums and fruit juices is an island icon. Enjoyed on the restaurant’s back deck with views of the harbor, the potent cocktail makes for a memorable Mackinac Island experience.

Biking: Rent your Stonecliffe bicycle and hit the 8 mile, car-free, M-185 highway that encircles the island. It’s the only state highway in the United States where motor vehicles are prohibited; the views of Lake Huron and the surrounding landscapes are breathtaking. 

Cruising: Book a boat cruise around the island with Brown Eyed Girl Charters, and explore the island from the surrounding crystal clear waters. If weather permits, Captain Alan will drop anchor, allowing you a quick dip in chilly Lake Huron. 

Explore the island with a Brown Eyed Girl charter. Photo courtesy of Brown Eyed Girl Charters

Sunset Viewing: Stonecliffe is home to one of the island’s most captivating sunset viewing spots, Sunset Rock. The outcropping affords gorgeous panoramic views, dawn to dusk.  

I’m actually finding it hard to put into words the feeling of contentment that the island, and The Inn at Stonecliffe, provided me. I felt a deep sense of nostalgia for this place I’d not previously known—an odd, yet comforting, sensation. Mackinac Island and Stonecliffe provide a step back in time, where visitors leave worries behind. Both are places of trust, where bike locks are unnecessary, and every interaction feels like a reunion with old friends. It felt like coming home. Though this was my first visit, it will certainly not be my last. 

A Mackinac Island sunset view from Sunset Rock. Photo by Fran Miller

Owned by Pulte Family Charitable Foundation, The Inn at Stonecliffe is one of three Humanitarian Hotels where 100% of net profits are used to support charitable initiatives (scholarship programs, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, affordable housing, mental health, and more) in Mackinac County and around the globe.

The island’s history is as vibrant as its beautiful coastal landscapes. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Odawa and Ojibwe, the first European visitors (French explorers and missionaries) arrived in the 17th century. The island then became a pivotal military outpost during the War of 1812, serving as a base for both American and British forces. It was in the late 19th century that the island transitioned from a military stronghold to a summer resort destination for wealthy families, leading to the construction of grand hotels and the preservation of its historic sites. Today, visitors ferry over from Mackinaw City for day trips, or for longer leisurely stays that reveal the island’s multiple treasures.