MACKINAC ISLAND
WITH THE SISTERHOOD
August 8 - 16, 2025
Mackinac Island Adventure: Join the Sisterhood 2025
Discover History, Friendship, and Nature’s Splendor
Welcome to Sisterhood Travels’ enchanting tour of Mackinac Island in August 2025! Join us for an unforgettable journey that begins in the vibrant city of Chicago and culminates in the serene, timeless beauty of Mackinac Island. Picture yourself stepping back into the Gilded Age with a luxurious two-night stay at The Grand Hotel, a Victorian masterpiece that promises elegance and splendor at every turn. As you stroll through the island, with the clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages replacing the hum of engines, you’ll be transported to a simpler, more leisurely-paced time.
This tour isn’t just about breathtaking sights; it’s about forging lasting friendships and enjoying the camaraderie of like-minded women who share your passion for exploration and relaxation. From the dynamic architecture of Chicago to the tranquil gardens of Grand Rapids, to the pristine natural beauty of Mackinac Island, and back to Bay City and Detroit, every moment is designed to foster connection and create cherished memories. Whether you’re savoring a gourmet meal at the historic Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse or marveling at the limestone formations and lush landscapes of Mackinac, you’ll find that this trip is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. Come, be a part of this magical experience and let the sisterhood of travel enrich your soul.
Featured Destinations
- Chicago
- Grand Rapids
- Mackinac Island
- Bay City
- Detroit
Grand Hotel
on Mackinac Island
Where History Meets Luxury:
A Grand Stay Awaits You
We’re staying two nights in one of North America’s most impressive hotels — the legendary Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.
Built during America’s Gilded Age, the Grand Hotel is an elegantly designed Victorian lodge made from Michigan white pine. The grand opening of the Grand Hotel took place on July 10, 1887, with room rates starting at $3.00 a night!
Guests arrive and depart the hotel by horse-drawn carriage —a whimsical nod to a simpler era. As you approach the majestic manor, the first thing you’ll notice is the hotel’s seemingly endless front porch. At 600 feet in length, it is the longest porch in the world.
Five U.S. Presidents — Bill Clinton, George H. W. Bush, Gerald Ford, John Kennedy, and Harry Truman — have all stayed at the Grand Hotel.
The 1979 motion picture “Somewhere in Time,” starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour, was filmed here, where their characters found love across time. Every October, fans of the film gather at the hotel for a weekend celebration. Esther Williams’ 1949 film “This Time for Keeps” was also shot at the hotel, and the heated, 220-foot, serpentine-shaped, 500,000-gallon swimming pool is named in her honor.
Our stay at this historic landmark is sure to be the highlight of our trip!
OUR ITINERARY
August 8, 2025
Welcome to the Windy City, Chicago! Upon arrival, your driver will meet you outside of the baggage terminal at Chicago-O’Hare and transfer you to our wonderful hotel. This evening, we’ll gather together for an informal Meet & Greet to get to know our Sisters and Group Leader. (No meals included today)
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Chicago
August 9, 2025
We’ll begin our day with a locally guided tour of Chicago’s remarkable and impressive architecture. This dynamic city goes by many names, but no matter what you call it, you’re sure to fall in love. Highlights of our tour include famous Michigan Avenue, the Magnificent Mile, the Wrigley Building, the Loop, the Lakefront, and a leisurely walking tour through Millennium Park. The remainder of your day is at leisure with your Sisters. This evening, we’ll gather together for a fabulous Welcome Dinner at the legendary Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse. The historic landmark building, which houses the restaurant, has a storied past including ties to notorious gangster, Al Capone. (Breakfast and Dinner included)
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Chicago
August 10, 2025
Today, we’ll make our way to the city of Grand Rapids by traveling north. This afternoon, enjoy some time to explore the many gardens, greenhouses, and art exhibits of the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. This evening, you’ll have the opportunity to dine independently with your Sisters. (Breakfast included)
Hotel: Canopy by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown
August 11, 2025
This morning, we’ll enjoy a scenic drive before arriving in Mackinaw City at the tip of Michigan’s lower peninsula. You’ll have some time to explore this coastal vacation town and grab lunch before boarding the ferry that will take us back to a simpler time on Mackinac Island. Upon arrival, listen for the neighs of horses replace the roar of engines. Our home for the next two nights is the glorious Victorian-era resort, the Grand Hotel. Both our hotel and the island itself are National Historic Landmarks. The island is a natural gem with over eighty percent of its land preserved by Mackinac State Park, a woodland paradise accented with limestone formations and ringed by Lake Huron. After dinner at our hotel, the evening is yours to enjoy you’re your Sisters. (Breakfast and Dinner included)
Hotel: Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island
August 12, 2025
Today, climb aboard your horse-drawn carriage for an island tour that includes stops at the Surrey Hills Carriage Museum and Arch Rock. Following our tour, savor some time to enjoy all of Mackinac Island’s quiet pleasures. Enjoy brilliant views while sitting on the front porch of the Grand Hotel or take a walk downtown to visit the shops and buy some fudge, a favorite item on the island. Later, choose from a menu of tasty delicacies when we dine at the elegant Salle a Manger. After dinner, enjoy a cup of coffee while listening to the refined sounds of the rand Hotel’s orchestra. (Breakfast and Dinner included)
Hotel: Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island
August 13, 2025
Enjoy some leisure time this morning at The Grand Hotel and in town before we depart this afternoon toward Midland. This evening, enjoy time on the river walk with your Sisters for independent exploration and dining. (Breakfast included)
Hotel: The H Hotel Midland, Bay City
August 14, 2025
Today, we’ll explore the architectural artistry of Alden B. Dow’s home and studio during a guided tour. This legendary 20th century architect designed his home to be th peak of Mid-Twentieth Century Modern Architecture, and since its construction has been declared a National Historic Landmark. This afternoon, we’ll visit the quaint town of Frankenmuth, or as the locals call it, “Little Bavaria”, because of its Franconian-style architecture. Once we arrive, we’ll visit the largest Christmas store in the world – Bronner’s! Enjoy the evening independently with your Sisters. (Breakfast included)
Hotel: Westin Hotel Southfield Detroit
August 15, 2025
We’ll visit Dearborn today, hometown of Henry Ford and the Ford Motor Company. We’ll visit the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village for an experience in living history. We’ll learn how the automobile forever changed American life and society. At Greenfield Village, we’ll take in the historic homes and see the workshops where famous American icons like the Wright Brothers, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Robert Frost were once inspired. This evening, we’ll join together for our Farewell Dinner to celebrate the wonderful memories we’ve made together. (Breakfast and Dinner included)
Hotel: Westin Hotel Southfield Detroit
August 16, 2025
We’ll be transferred to the Detroit airport for our return flights home. (Breakfast included)
Trip Inclusions
- 8 nights/9 days deluxe accommodations
- 12 Meals (8 Breakfasts and 4 Dinners)
- Private roundtrip airport transfers as specified in the itinerary
- Porterage
- All sightseeing tours, exclusive experiences and excursions as listed within this itinerary
- Deluxe, private transportation throughout the itinerary.
- Private Tour Director
- Sisterhood Travels Group Leader
- Sisterhood Travels Swag
Deposit
- Non-refundable deposit due at time of booking: $800 per person
- Final Payment Due on or Before April 9, 2025
PRICING
Double Occupancy-
MACKINAC ISLAND
WITH THE SISTERHOOD 2025
PRICING
Single Occupancy-
MACKINAC ISLAND
WITH THE SISTERHOOD 2025
important information
PLEASE READ THIS INFORMATION CAREFULLY
- There will be a maximum of 24 Sisters including your Sisterhood Travels Group Leader. Roommate matching is available.
- Airfare is not included in your pricing. You will fly into Chicago-O’Hare (ORD) and depart from Detroit (DTW)
- You can arrive at any time on August 8, 2025, and depart at any time on August 16, 2025
- Check-in time at our arrival hotel is at 3:00 pm.
- All flight arrangements must be submitted to Sisterhood Travels on or before April 9, 2025. If you need help making flight arrangements, or to submit your independent flight arrangements, please click here for Airfare Information.
- Arrival transfers are provided only on August 8th from the Chicago-O’Hare airport to our hotel. Departure transfers are only provided on August 16th from our hotel to the Detroit airport. If you arrive or depart outside these days and times, or you’re needing transfers or hotels elsewhere, you are responsible for making your own arrangements at your own expense.
- Accessing the horse-drawn carriages in Mackinac Island will require mounting 2-3 steep steps.
- The Grand Hotel experience requires dressing up for dinner. After 6:30 pm, ladies should wear a dress, skirt and blouse, or pantsuit. Evening wear is required in all areas of the hotel except the Cupola Bar, where casual dress is acceptable at any time.
- Please don’t schedule any optional excursions on your own for this trip, as we cannot promise that you will arrive in time at any location to make your independent excursion. Sisterhood Travels won’t be liable for any expense you incur because of this.
- Individual gratuities for your Tour Director, local guides, and drivers are not included in your pricing. We will provide you with tipping guidelines for your trip
- Travel Insurance is highly recommended and is not included in your pricing. We will send you a quote via email.
- We cannot accommodate wheelchairs or assistive mobility devices on this trip.
- There are no refunds for unused portions of this tour.
- Dates and times of itinerary as well as hotels listed are subject to change without notice due to operational, weather, or logistical reasons.
- Any optional expenses or expenses related to anything not specifically listed in this itinerary are not included.
- You will receive an invitation soon after you book your trip for our travel app, “Trip Plans”. You will need to download this app to your smart phone as this is where you will find the most up-to-date, accurate information regarding your itinerary in addition to all of the critical information you need to know.
Need a Roommate?
Cancellation & Refunds
Activity Level:
leisurely
This is a leisurely paced itinerary and is full of cultural and interesting sightseeing and some free time to relax. Some excursion days may include reasonably early starts, some longer coach travel and possibly walking over uneven terrain. Guests should have reasonable health and mobility.