From the stately Grand Hotel up above the west end of downtown to Mission Point Resort at the east end of Lakeshore Drive, Mackinac Island offers dozens of unique places to stay. Whether you’re looking for a full-service resort, a historic hotel, a charming B&B or a downtown penthouse, there are lots of options right in the heart of all the activity along Main Street.
But sometimes you might want to get away from the hustle and bustle at night. And there are lots of good choices for that, too.
Many Mackinac Island visitors don’t explore much beyond downtown. Yet, there are several fine places to stay off the beaten path in other parts of the island.
Here’s a look at 5 places to stay on Mackinac Island outside of town
Mackinac Island’s LakeBluff Condos & Suites
Located high on Mackinac Island’s West Bluff about 2 miles outside of downtown, LakeBluff Condos & Suites offers spectacular views of the sunset with the Mackinac Bridge on the horizon. The property offers everything from one-bed rooms to two-story suites, with a wide deck out front overlooking the water.
While it’s about a 15-minute bicycle ride from town, LakeBluff is within walking distance of the Woods nine of The Jewel Golf Course. The Woods restaurant with its old-time duckpin bowling alley is right there, too, and Mackinac Island’s gorgeous Sunset Rock is a short walk as well.
Cottage and condo rentals on Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island’s Small Point B&B
Located just past Mission Point Resort and around the bend as Lakeshore Drive veers north along the sunrise side of Mackinac Island, Small Point B&B is an 1880s Victorian cottage with a wraparound porch that’s perfect for passing idle summer days watching freighters and reading books.
Although it’s less than one mile from downtown – just a few minutes by bike or about 15 minutes on foot – Small Point feels more remote as it occupies the easternmost tip of Mackinac Island. Traffic passing by out front tends to be bicyclists making their way all the way around M-185, or kayaks paddling to nearby Arch Rock. Up high above the inn is Robinson’s Folly, a legendary Mackinac Island landmark.
Mackinac Island B&Bs: A quaint and personal experience
Mackinac Island’s Inn at Stonecliffe
This spectacular Tudor mansion is set on 15 secluded acres on the west side of Mackinac Island, about 2 miles from downtown and a 15-minute ride by bicycle. Popular for weddings, The Inn at Stonecliffe is close to Sunset Rock, a spectacular waterfront overlook that is the site of many wedding proposals.
The Inn at Stonecliffe recently renovated guestrooms and added new event spaces, new cottages, a wellness center and a barbecue pavilion. (The Inn at Stonecliffe is closed throughout 2023 for ongoing renovations.) The latest updates maintain the property’s historic charm, while adding modern amenities.
Places to stay on Mackinac Island with swimming pools
Mackinac Island’s Sunset Condominiums
These individually owned and decorated condos on the west side of Mackinac Island feature full kitchens, fireplaces and balconies overlooking the water and offering spectacular sunset views with the Mackinac Bridge in the background.
The various units at Sunset Condominiums have room for between two and 12 guests, and some of the condos welcome pets, too. The condos are about 2 miles from downtown, which makes for a 15-minute ride by bike or a 40-minute walk on foot.
Details for a pet-friendly trip to Mackinac Island
Mackinac Vacation Rentals
Imagine yourself living in one of the massive Victorian cottages on the bluff. Booking a stay with Mackinac Vacation Rentals is your chance. There are both cottages and condos to choose from, including options outside of town on the East Bluff, West Bluff, in Hubbard’s Annex and in Stonecliffe Manors.
These home rentals often require stays of two weeks or more and are ideal for large families or groups of friends, as some of the properties have upwards of 6 bedrooms with room for as many as 20 guests.
Why Mackinac Island’s Victorian cottages are so darn big
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