MACKINAC ISLAND, MI – For decades after Mackinac Island’s famous Grand Hotel opened, its highest point played a big part in kicking off the pomp-and-circumstance tradition designed to welcome each guest like royalty.
The hotel’s signature cupola was built along with the rest of the hotel in 1887. On days when visitors were expected to arrive, an employee stationed up in that perch could spot an incoming steamship approaching the island, or see a train pulling into the mainland Mackinaw City station. That was the signal for the resort’s staff to assemble a proper welcoming party, said Bob Tagatz, Grand Hotel’s resident historian.
“They lined the front porch,” he said of the employees. “The managers stood at the bottom of the steps and … got ready for the guests’ arrival.”
Over the years, the cupola’s use has evolved, though it’s still a touchstone for many Grand Hotel guests. It’s since become a two-story bar with one of the island’s best views. Through its tall semi-circle of windows, you get an expansive view of the freighters and ferries crisscrossing the Straits of Mackinac, the island’s downtown and the Mackinac Bridge.
This season, Cupola Bar lovers will see some updates when they step inside. Renovations will make the top story feel a bit larger – and be sure to tip up your head and take in the new mural with a celestial theme that’s planned for the ceiling.
Ready to see it for yourself? Grand Hotel once again will be offering special rates on specific dates this spring as part of its semi-annual Celebrate Michigan package, with overnight stays starting at $212 per person, per night (see below for details). You can book online or call 1-855-885-4107.
The Cupola Bar offers an expansive view of the Straits of Mackinac and the Mackinac Bridge.
A GRAND LOOKOUT
While the cupola’s first use as a lookout spot was purely practical, it set in motion much of the attention to detail Grand Hotel is still known for today.
The employee assigned to that job was looking for two things: any steamship approaching an island dock that might be carrying hotel guests, and any trains chugging to a stop in Mackinaw City – the mainland station located about 7 miles across the Straits from the island.
Unlike today when people hop a ferry or a small plane and arrive on the island to spend a few days, most guests in that turn-of-the-century era came to stay for the summer.
“Our guests came to stay the season, and our season was only two months long,” Tagatz said. “We had to be ready for them.”
Once a ship or train was sighted, the employee stationed in the cupola would run down the hotel’s main stairs, alerting people that guests were coming. It was the signal everyone needed to be prepared to welcome them. Employees were lined up to greet everyone properly. Guests were welcomed by name and ushered in with much fanfare, Tagatz said.
Old photos show that guests themselves found their way up to the cupola in those early years. They likely found it to be a great vantage point to see parties being held down below in the hotel’s front tea garden. Or maybe they watched sunsets or caught the occasional dance of Northern Lights.
“There is no better view than up there,” Tagatz said.
Grand Hotel's Cupola Bar used to be a lookout spot, alerting staff to arriving guests. Now it's an elegant bar offering gorgeous views.
A BAR WITH A MILLION-DOLLAR VIEW
A century after it was built, the cupola was enclosed in 1987 and its two stories were transformed into what’s become a guest favorite – the Cupola Bar. Its showpieces include a Venetian art glass chandelier and an amazing view that makes people feel like they are on top of the island.
Tagatz says he tells people to check out the space during the day. They can see ships traveling in the Straits - where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron meet – and get a bird’s-eye view of island life below. Then stop back in the evening, he tells them. Enjoy some live music from the pianist. Settle into a window seat, have a cocktail and see the lights on the Mackinac Bridge. When the sun sinks below the horizon, raise a toast to island life.
“This is the place to come to watch the sunset.”
The Jewel golf course on Mackinac Island is one of the state's most unique spots to play golf.
GRAND HOTEL’S CELEBRATE MICHIGAN PACKAGE DETAILS
Rates starting at $212 per person, per night (based on double occupancy, and inclusive of taxes and fees)
Available dates in May 2021: May 9-13, 18-20, 24-25
To reserve your stay: You can book online or call 1-855-885-4107.
Package includes:
· Accommodations (standard room only, with the option for a Lakeview upgrade)
· Breakfast and dinner daily
· Complimentary golf greens fees (cart fee required - $30 per person, per 9 holes)
· Complimentary admission to Fort Mackinac (1 admission per reservation)
· 25% off lunch at any Grand Hotel restaurant
· No tipping within Grand Hotel
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March 21, 2021 at 07:01PM
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Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel offers special Celebrate Michigan savings on select dates in May - MLive.com
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