The Grand Hotel on Michigan’s Mackinac Island is so iconic that even the porch is famous.
The hotel’s porch is the longest in the world and is lined with classic rocking chairs where visitors can sit and take in the views of the island, Lake Huron, Mackinac Bridge and horse-drawn carriages. Vehicles are banned on the island, so visitors will also hearing the clomping of hooves as the sights and sounds of the island’s laid-back way of life of take them back in time.
Location
Mackinac, Island
Why it matters
The Grand Hotel, a National Historic Landmark, overlooks the Straits of Mackinac, the Mackinac Bridge and Lake Huron.
The Grand Hotel opened July 10, 1887, on the northern Michigan island where automobiles are banned, horse-drawn carriages line the streets and visitors flock each summer, according to the hotel’s website.
Its porch alone is famous. At 660 feet, it’s the world’s largest, and is visible as you approach Mackinac Island from Lake Huron.
The color of the underside of the porch is a memorable aquamarine or teal color by Pittsburgh Paints called Dewkiss, which helps deter birds from nesting there.
The five-story hotel is 332,500 square feet.
The Detroit and Cleveland Steamship Navigation Company formed the Mackinac Island Hotel Company and had the hotel’s plans created by Detroit-based architectural firm Mason and Rice, according to Historic Hotels of America.
The exterior is inspired by Queen Anne architecture with accents of American Colonial Revivalism.
What to see today
The Grand Hotel now has 388 uniquely decorated rooms. There are 95 deluxe guest rooms and some have a balcony.
The hotel offers recreational activities, live entertainment and dining and beverage services. There are 14 restaurants and bars with both formal and casual dining options.
Visitors can also play golf on The Jewel course, which is the only golf course in the United State with horse-drawn carriage rides between nines.
Ask a local
Every year, the hotel hosts Somewhere in Time Weekend. Guests relive the classic movie “Somewhere in Time,” which was filmed at the Grand Hotel. The film timeline bounces between 1980 and 1912, but attendees embrace and experience themed events and period attire from 1912.
Plan your visit
USA 250 Most Treasured Views is a USA TODAY Network project exploring places across America with historical and cultural significance, created in celebration of the USA 250 initiative marking the nation’s 250th birthday.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: The world’s longest porch resides on Mackinac Island
Reporting by Tanya Wildt, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
