Denise and I suggest St Ignace, across the bridge to take the fairy for the island. Much shorter lines and better parking. Dress for October in Northern Michigan and extra cool evenings.

Watch the dress code at the Grand Hotel. Men need a sport coat/tie and ladies are best in a dress in the evening.

Welcome to Americas Summer Place-there is no place quite like it-and the experience cannot be duplicated. Grand Hotel. Opened in 1887. On an island without cars-where horses and bicycles are still the favored modes of transportation. Its the slower-more leisurely pace of the past-but with all the amenities of the present.

A special place on the Island: The Butterfly House

Back in 1991, Doug Beardsley of Mackinac Island had the wonderful idea of adding butterflies to his greenhouse and allowing customers to enjoy two of nature’s most beautiful creations, and so originated Michigan’s first live exhibit, The Butterfly House.

Many years later, the Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House has come a long way – evolving from a dirt floor with potted plants and just a handful of North American butterflies to a beautifully landscaped tropical jungle with hundreds of butterflies from all over the world.

As you walk through the garden our attractive, but subtle, signage allows you to read some basic facts about butterflies, and insects in general – giving you just enough information to further pursue on your own, the wonderful world of insects.

And so much more!