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Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel Is Selling ‘Iconic’ Front Porch Chairs

Many Michiganders have a love for Mackinac Island. This is especially true for the beautiful Grand Hotel. Now, the hotel is selling the chairs that sit on its well-known front…

World's longest porch at the century old Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan
MGSmith/ Getty Images

Many Michiganders have a love for Mackinac Island. This is especially true for the beautiful Grand Hotel. Now, the hotel is selling the chairs that sit on its well-known front porch. According to the Grand Hotel website, the rocking chairs will be sold in black, natural wood color, and white.

"This is the finest, best built weatherproof rocking chair available anywhere in the world, and is the same model featured on America's Front Porch here at Grand Hotel," the listing reads on the website.

Who knew that the Grand Hotel sold furniture? On their website, they sell products, including baths, home, and holiday items.

The tourist destination shared that they were selling their "iconic" chairs on Instagram. "Since 1887, guests have visited Grand Hotel to sit in our iconic rocking chairs on the World's Longest Front Porch, take in the summer breeze, and overlook the Straits of Mackinac. Remind yourself of these incredible memories at Grand Hotel by placing one of these rocking chairs on your front porch. [heart emoji] Made by @fronterafurniture."

People were quick to share their memories of the Grand Hotel and its iconic chairs. "I grew up going to the Grand every year with my grandma and family to the murder mystery weekend. It was so special," one person wrote. Another person said, "Thanks for sharing! The Grand Porch is beyond iconic & always a must for photos."

How much does it cost?

On the other hand, some people weren’t so thrilled by the price. It cost $699, according to the hotel. You can also pair it with a front porch side table that costs $300. "$699 for a rocking chair is crazy," someone wrote under the hotel's Facebook post. Another person said, "I got mine at Cracker Barrel and looks just like that and way cheaper! Love it!"

To be fair, online retailers such as Wayfair and Amazon sell similar chairs for as low as $80.But do those chairs come with the sweet memories of Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel?

The chair is 34"D x 27" W x 48" H and has a weight capacity of 300 pounds. And the chair weighs 37 pounds.

6 Michigan Islands To Explore Other Than Mackinac

You don’t have to travel far for an island getaway when you live in Michigan. Tucked away in the waters of Michigan’s Great Lakes are some of the most beautiful islands you’ll ever see.

If you're familiar with Michigan or even if you've never set foot in the Great Lakes State, chances are you've heard of Mackinac Island. This tiny 4.35 square mile paradise is home to around 500 residents, but its annual visitors exceed one million. However, Michigan is not limited to just Mackinac Island. If you're itching to discover other islands in the state, we've got a few recommendations for you to explore.

These islands are simply gorgeous.

People absolutely love the islands in Michigan, and it's not hard to see why. These islands are simply gorgeous. The natural beauty found there is off the charts. From pristine beaches and lush forests to sparkling waters and stunning views, the scenery is straight out of a postcard. But it's not just about the looks. These islands offer an escape from the daily grind. You can leave behind the honking horns and crowded streets and embrace a more relaxed pace of life. And some of these islands don't even allow cars.

Whether you're into hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, or even off-roading, you'll find your fix here. Of course, you can’t forget the amount of history each island holds. They've witnessed the passage of time, seen settlers come and go, and have their own unique cultures. You can dive into the past by visiting historical sites, checking out museums, or chatting with the locals.

One of the best things about these islands is the chance to have one-of-a-kind experiences. Where you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride like you're in a fairytale. Or spot majestic gray wolves in their natural habitat.

In Michigan, there are islands waiting to be discovered. Here are five islands you should check out.

Isle Royale

Isle Royale, one of Michigan's five national parks, attracts around 17,000 visitors annually. This little island nestled in the heart of Lake Superior offers wildlife and outdoor fun. Despite its national park status, it remains uncrowded. In fact, Isle Royale is one of the least-visited national parks in the entire country according to Michigan.org. But that’s due to its lack of accessibility. Most adventurers reach the island by taking a five-hour boat ride from the Upper Peninsula.

Beaver Island

Beaver Island, the biggest island in Lake Michigan, is a nature lover's paradise with plenty of activities to enjoy. The year-round population has around 600, and a significant portion of the islanders proudly trace their roots back to Ireland.

Les Cheneaux Islands

Les Cheneaux Islands is a cluster of 36 small islands in Lake Huron, Michigan's Upper Peninsula. These islands are a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. The Les Cheneaux Islands are located just a few miles northeast of Michigan’s famed Mackinac Bridge, which connects the state’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas.

Drummond Islands

Drummond Island, the second largest freshwater island in the United States, is home to 1,058 people. This island stands out for its closed-loop trail system, offering off-road adventures. Drummond Island has a diverse range of ecosystems. With over 13 distinct ecosystems, including six forest types, five swamp-marsh types, inland lakes and rivers, and cobble beaches, the island is a haven for nature enthusiasts seeking to explore the richness and variety of its natural landscapes.

North & South Manitou Islands

North and South Manitou Islands are two islands situated within an island chain that stretches northward towards the Straits of Mackinac. South Manitou, located approximately 16 miles west of Leland, covers a land area of 8.277 square miles. On the other hand, North Manitou Island lies to the north, about 12 miles from Leland, and has a larger land area of 22.346 square miles.

Belle Isle

Located in the international waters of the Detroit River, Belle Isle Park is a 982-acre island park known as the "Jewel of Detroit." With its stunning natural landscapes and historic landmarks like the Belle Isle Aquarium and Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, it offers a perfect urban oasis and cultural retreat for visitors to enjoy.

Kayla is the midday host on Detroit’s 105.1 The Bounce. She started her career in radio back in 2016 as an intern at another Detroit station and worked her way here. She's made stops in Knoxville, TN, Omaha, Ne and other places before returning to Detroit. She’s done almost everything in radio from promotions to web, creating content on social media, you name it. She’s a true Michigander, born and raised. So, you can catch her camping or vacationing up north to exploring the downtown Detroit or maybe even catching a sports game. During her free time, Kayla enjoys watching movies, roller-skating, crafting, and music festivals. She and her husband together dip into many of the great things Michigan has to offer. Together they also like to travel. A few hobbies of hers include wine and beer tastings, crafting, hiking, roller skating, movies, home improvement projects, gardening, and festivals. She’s always looking to take on more local events happening in the community. She loves connecting with the community. When writing, Kayla covers topics including lifestyle, pop culture, trending stories, hacks, and urban culture.