Island House Hotel
Overview
Often dubbed America’s “all natural theme park, Mackinac Island has escaped many of the trappings of the last century. Disembarking on the island is truly like stepping back in time. Motor traffic is prohibited on the island, so walking, biking and horse and buggy are the preferred modes of transportation.
Victorian architecture abounds and historic Fort Mackinac, built by the British in 1780, is a popular attraction. The island has a long and storied history, beginning with the Native Americans who populated the Straits region and maintained the land as a sacred burial ground. They likened its distinctive shape to that of a turtle’s back and christened it Michilimackinac – “Land of the Great Turtle.”
Mackinac Island abundant natural resources made it an important post in the lucrative fur trade and a hub of fishing activity. In the 19th century, tourism became the island’s main industry and today, new generations discover the charms of this quaint resort community. The Island House Hotel has the distinction of being the only hotel located within the boundaries of the pristine Mackinac Island State Park.
The Island House was purchased by Captain Henry Van Allen, who moved the property approximately 300 feet offshore to its present location.
Original Property Opened: 1852
Contact Information:
Street Address:
P.O. Box 1410
Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Historic Hotels of America toll-free reservations number (800) 678-8946
Industry & Upheaval, 1849 ~ 1859
Often dubbed America’s “all natural theme park, Mackinac Island has escaped many of the trappings of the last century. Disembarking on the island is truly like stepping back in time. Motor traffic is prohibited on the island, so walking, biking and horse and buggy are the preferred modes of transportation.
Learn more about the History of Island House Hotel.
