You’ll Never Believe What’s Hiding at This Michigan Hotel

Six-year-old Amanda was a time traveler. She took a ferry boat with her parents across Lake Michigan, which may as well have been the Atlantic Ocean, and then on to a place removed from time. Mackinac Island, where cars are not allowed, is a place that seems forgotten by time. No place appeared to my little self more out of a Disney film than the Grand Hotel. A grand dame right out of the Victorian era, the hotel has no shortage of greenery—but did you know it houses a secret garden?

While those in the know might call the garden at the Grand Hotel a "secret," it's not the best-kept one. It is a bright and beloved place for those who find it. It even became a social media icon in the summer of 2019. Almost like a flower treasure hunt, people set off to find the mysterious secret garden within the green confines of the hotel's already extensive garden area. It is hidden within the 150 types of flowers in the Grand Hotel's central garden. This special section is divided into two parts, one for an annual spring display and the other for blooming perennials.

What never fails to delight visitors is the garden's imaginative qualities. That includes a small footbridge over a colorful river of flowers that streams toward the Grand Hotel. It's almost like the river is beckoning you to follow it back to the splendor. Although the colors change, the river remains the same. Like the hotel itself, it has become a mainstay here. An oasis within the oasis that is Mackinac Island, getting visitors away from the bustle of everyday life. Fear not, though, you don't have to be a guest at the hotel to see its spectacular gardens. Plus, you can make a whole day of it.

Visitors who are not staying at the hotel can purchase a day pass at the admissions desk. For a small fee, you can spend the day exploring the grounds (which includes the gardens) and the inside of the hotel. You can hang out on the world's longest porch, visit the shops and restaurants, and enjoy a self-guided tour. This way, you can see the magnificent hotel in all its glory from the inside out while learning about its history.

Keep in mind that the hotel does have a dress code, even during the day, that prohibits cut-offs, sleeveless shirts, inappropriate graphics or language, sweatpants, and showing midriffs. At night, the dress code becomes even more formal, excluding denim and shorts. Instead, attire such as suits, dresses, and sports coats with neckties is required.

If you really want to get into the spirit of the place, however, you'll want to get a room. If you're on the hunt for a Victorian-era ghost, that is. Try spending a night at the Grand Hotel to find out for yourself if it's haunted or not.

Ready to be whisked away to a place even Lisa Frank would envy? Check out the Only In Your State AI Travel Planner to get you on your way to whimsy!