4 Vacation Destinations That Are Perfect for Family Reunions

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Midwestern charm and elegant isolation meet at Mackinac Island, four square miles of space situated in Michigan’s Lake Huron. The first European settler on the island was a French Jesuit priest in the 17th century, and in some ways, the island has refused to advance beyond its old-time roots. In 1896, a petition effectively banned all automobiles — a ban that remains in place today.

That prohibition means that Mackinac has plenty available for outdoorsy types, including biking the island’s eight-mile-long beltway trail, kayaking around Lake Huron (or a least a small section of it!), or camping in Mackinac Island State Park.

The less adventurous can tour the island via horse-drawn carriage, stroll through the third-oldest U.S. butterfly house, and browse art galleries and boutiques downtown. Also, Mackinac Island’s candy makers have been honing their craft since the late 19th century, so make sure to sample some fudge!

Despite its small size, Mackinac Island has several venues big enough to host even the largest family reunion. The most striking is the Grand Hotel, a 130-year-old Victorian behemoth that served as the setting for the 1980 Christopher Reeve film “Somewhere in Time.”

In addition to excellent dining and an onsite spa, the resort has live music every day, an assortment of lawn games, a golf course and a daily children’s program.