There are places you visit—and then there are places that slow you down, reset your perspective, and stay with you long after you leave. Mackinac Island is firmly in the second category. Free of cars and rich with history, the island invites visitors to trade schedules for scenery, noise for nature, and rush for reflection.
And when you pair that setting with one of America’s oldest golf courses and a beautifully reimagined charitable resort, you get a destination experience unlike any other.
The Inn at Stonecliffe: History Renewed with Purpose
Perched high above downtown Mackinac Island, The Inn at Stonecliffe offers a completely different island experience. Located about two miles from the ferry docks, guests arrive via a scenic shuttle ride that immediately signals a shift in pace and mindset.
Stonecliffe feels intentionally removed—peaceful, secluded, and immersive. Guests often find everything they need right on property: bike rentals, lawn games, hammocks, fire pits with evening s’mores, and sweeping sunset views that stretch across the Mackinac Bridge. Many visitors arrive by chance while biking the island, only to stop short, amazed that such a place even exists—and already planning their return.
But Stonecliffe’s story runs deeper than its setting.
Owned by the PY Family Charitable Foundation, the Inn is one of only a few humanitarian hotels in the country. All net profits are directed back into charitable initiatives worldwide, from local soup kitchens in Detroit to housing and humanitarian aid abroad. Staying here means your vacation experience directly supports meaningful causes—adding purpose to an already unforgettable stay.
Washkamo Golf Club: Golf Frozen in Time
History takes center stage at Washkamo Golf Club, the second-oldest continuously played golf course in Michigan, dating back to 1898. Built on land once central to the War of 1812, the course still contains visible artifacts from the historic battles fought here more than two centuries ago.
Designed by Alex Smith, a two-time U.S. Open champion, Washkamo is a masterclass in minimalist golf architecture. There have been no major renovations, no modern reshaping, and no attempts to “update” the experience. What you play today is essentially what golfers played more than a century ago.
The fairways are naturally uneven, the greens famously tiny—some no larger than a bathtub—and every hole offers its own quirky challenge. Nine greens serve 18 holes, each played from different angles and distances, creating variety without altering the land. It’s not easy golf, but it’s authentic golf, and that’s what makes it special.
With no homes lining the course and horses—not cars—providing transportation, Washkamo feels like a living time capsule. From the historic cedar lockers in the clubhouse to features you’ll never see anywhere else (like the infamous “circus ring” green), the experience is as memorable as it is rare.
Island Time: How to Experience It Right
Playing Washkamo requires embracing “island time.” There are no Ubers, no rush, and no shortcuts. Guests arrive by horse-drawn carriage, and timing matters. But that’s the point. Mackinac Island isn’t about efficiency—it’s about enjoyment.
Roughly a third of Washkamo’s players are visitors, and guests are warmly welcomed as long as they understand the rhythm of island life. Once you settle into that pace, everything clicks.
Dining, Evenings, and Island Indulgence
Back at Stonecliffe, the experience continues well into the evening. Guests can choose between three distinct dining options, from refined dining in the historic mansion to relaxed backyard fare featuring pizzas, burgers, and creative small plates. Horsey’s Bar provides the perfect transition spot for a nightcap, while the backyard fire pits become gathering places as the sun dips behind the bridge.
Stonecliffe is often described as Mackinac’s hidden gem, offering breathtaking views, peaceful surroundings, and a sense of privacy rarely found on the island.
And when dessert decisions come down to a classic s’more by the fire or the signature 1904 Sundae, the only correct answer might be both.
Final Verdict
Mackinac Island is already one of America’s most unique destinations—but pairing it with the Inn at Stonecliffe and the historic charm of Washkamo Golf Club elevates the experience to something truly extraordinary.
This is a place where history is preserved, renewal is intentional, golf is timeless, and your stay gives back. If you’re looking for a golf getaway that offers far more than scorecards and scenery, Mackinac Island delivers a rare and meaningful escape.
Slow down. Ride a bike. Play historic golf. Watch the sunset.
And rediscover how special travel can feel when purpose meets place.
Plan your trip to Mackinac Island HERE!