Remember “Somewhere in Time”? Much of the movie was filmed at this family resort, located on Mackinac Island. In fact, the resort has a movie theater with a specific seat dedicated to Christopher Reeves — the exact place he sat during significant scenes in the movie. One of the largest resorts on the island, award-winning, family-owned Mission Point Resort occupies 18 acres and expansive views of Lake Huron and the Straits of Mackinac.

The focal point of the property is the massive front lawn, filled with white Adirondack-style chairs that face the waterfront. Most days, you’ll find families flying kites, kicking soccer balls, playing with the family dog, enjoying a picnic under a perfect blue sky.

In addition to the wide variety of activities offered on the island, Mission Point also features a water-front 18-hole executive putting course, Lakeside Spa & Salon – the island’s only full-service spa and salon, the Mackinac Arts Council and art gallery, a fitness center, a tennis court, pool, Admiral Dave’s arcade, complimentary Kids Club, and a fleet of branded Mission Point bicycles created in collaboration with Detroit Bikes available at its on-site bike rental facility. With these activities, plus multiple onsite eateries and 241 rooms in a variety of arrangements, families of all sizes will find exactly what they need for every trip type.

The name Mission Point is a reference to the property’s history. In the early 1820s, a protestant missionary started an effort to educate and care for the Ojibwa children who lived on the island and in the region. A few years later, one of the first protestant churches in the Midwest was built here and aptly named Mission Church, thus securing the name of Mission Point and the Mission district for this area of the island. Later, in the 1950s an evangelistic group committed to spreading love and sharing film, settled on Mission Point. Known as the Moral Re-Armament Society, they constructed the Main Lodge and other facilities on the grounds.

After serving as a hotel, resort, and conference center for 30+ years, Mission Point was purchased in 2015 by the Ware family who began the largest, multi-year renovation believed to ever take place on the island. Seamlessly marrying the vintage with the contemporary, the family-operated destination recently unveiled the final stage of property-wide improvements including 133 newly refreshed guest accommodations and a new coffee shop in its Straits Lodge in 2019. The room updates mark the second phase completion of accommodations, with the Main Lodge’s 108 rooms premiering in 2018. These renovations join recent enhancements of Lakeside Spa & Salon, The Boutique and Garden Gate shops, and Boxwood Coffeeshop & Café.

Enhanced wellness offerings such as an innovative yoga space and “meditation stations” are found tucked into the property’s sumptuous Proven Winner’s awarded signature gardens — one of only seven awardees in the United States

Mission Point offers a wide variety of comfortable rooms to accommodate all types of guest needs in the Main and Straits Lodges. The Main Lodge, with its massive log lobby, fireplaces, and library provide easy access to all resort activities, meeting spaces, restaurants and shops. For a more secluded stay apart from the resort's hustle and bustle, Straits Lodge, a quaint four-minute, tree lined stroll from the Main Lodge features a collection of family and pet-friendly rooms with a closer-to-town location.

Family Suites
Mission Point has 241 rooms, of which 78 are two-bedroom family suites, located in two primary buildings: 108 rooms in the Main Lodge and 133 rooms in Straits Lodge. The rate includes access to their daily Kids Club available for children ages 5-12.

Adjoining Rooms and Hot Tubs
Otherwise, room choices include adjoining rooms, rooms with hot tubs, or a large, three-bedroom Presidential Suite. Cribs are available at no charge, and rollaway beds are available for an additional $25 per night. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.

Laundry service and guest laundry are not provided at Mission Point.

Bicycles and Play Equipment
Other than horses, bicycles are the most common mode of transportation on Mackinac Island, and Mission Point Resort has its own bike rental facility. Bikes, buggies and carriers of all sizes and colors are available. Bicycle rental is taken care of on the promenade deck. Mission Point recently added brand new bicycles to their fleet from Detroit Bikes – a Michigan-based company that creates quality bikes using all-American materials.

Outdoor Pool
The outdoor swimming pool has a nice sun deck and two hot tubs, but otherwise the pool itself is rather limited in size and scope. The rectangular shape is four feet deep throughout.

Kids' Club
The children's program is appropriately called Kids Club. Designated for kids ages 5 to 12, the Kids Club is open every day from 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm. They provide a comprehensive program that includes creative time with arts & crafts, quiet time with games and books, and outdoor activities like kite flying, swimming and field trips to places such as the Fort and the Butterfly House. If adults want to spend an evening alone, the concierge can help with arrangements for babysitting services. It is requested that you give 24hrs notice to either the Front Desk or Concierge if you plan to utilize the club.

Movie Theater
The historic movie theater is a real treat at Mission Point as it dates back to the 1950's. Sponsored by the Mackinac Island Arts Council, Movies are shown every Sunday and Tuesday. On rainy days, movies are shown on loop throughout the day.

The resort's "kids eat free" policy offers meals from a special children's menu for all children 12 and younger when accompanied by a paying adult. However, be alert to a service charge per child.

Round Island Bar & Grill
The Round Island Bar & Grill is a family-friendly culinary hub featuring all-day dining, signature drinks from the cocktail garden and indoor and outdoor seating. Round Island Bar & Grill is a true Mackinac Island experience; burgers, sandwiches, salads and more can be enjoyed throughout the day. Although it is also open for dinner, Round Island is most popular for its breakfasts. A massive buffet offers all of the staples, including fresh fruit, cereals, and made-to-order omelets.

Bistro on the Greens
Enjoy a spectacular view of boats and ships passing through the Straits of Mackinac while enjoying lunch, dinner or an afternoon snack outdoors at the Bistro. Located just a short walk from the main lodge, Bistro on the Greens overlooks Mission Point's executive putting greens and includes a wonderful water feature. Enjoy the healthy selection of small plate entrees, salads and sandwiches along with a large variety of beers, wines, and specialty cocktails. Remember to bring a jacket or sweatshirt for when the sun goes down. The temps shift quickly.

Boxwood Coffeeshop & Cafe
For a quick, uncomplicated breakfast, lunch or snack, zip downstairs to the Boxwood Coffeeshop & Cafe. If you want just a muffin for breakfast or an ice cream cone in the middle of the afternoon, you'll find it here. Enjoy artfully crafted lattes made with Lavazza coffee and our made-from-scratch croissants or cookies. You will also find grab-and-go food options, Mission Point house wines, and many Michigan beer selections. Enjoy the views and take a moment to check your email using our free Wi-Fi. Many families place an order early in the day for a picnic lunch that they later enjoy out on the front lawn or while biking the 8-mile loop around the island.

Chianti
Don't let the white linen tablecloths frighten your family from enjoying memorable Italian cuisine at Chianti. Nothing is so formal at Mission Point that children aren't included or that a coat and tie are required. All pasta, sauces, and dressings are house-made from scratch.

If none of these options satisfy your family, Main Street is just a short-bike ride away and offers dozens of choices from pizza to steaks and everything in between.

And if none of these options satisfy your family, Main Street is just a short-bike ride away and offers dozens of choices from pizza to steaks and everything in between.

All About the Extras
Babysitting services are available through the Kid's Club staff and must be through the Concierge. Lakeside Spa & Salon, the island's only full-service health and wellness retreat, is located on the Promenade Deck, next to the fitness center and just across the way from the Bike Rental stand.

If your family is not complete without the family pet, and since Mission Point is pet-friendly, consider visiting in June during the Lilac Festival. The event includes a "blessing of the animals" by local clergy.

You may also enjoy the Mackinac Island Fudge Festival in August, which is an island-wide event and a scrumptiously sweet time for families visiting the island.

The Art of Smart Timing
Mission Point Resort opens in late April and closes at the end of October. Summer is the ideal season to visit Mackinac Island when breezes from the Great Lakes really eliminate the need for air conditioning anywhere on the island. Consequently, summer is the busiest season at Mission Point Resort. Try to visit mid-week and weekends other than major holidays for the best bargains and fewest crowds. If the kids have a break from school, autumn on Mackinac Island is quite beautiful as well.

But no matter when you go, be sure to pack sweatshirts and long pants for everyone in the family or you'll be making some serious purchases at the gift shops. It's quite common for daytime temps to reach 85 degrees, but as soon as the sun drops, so does the temperature, dropping quickly into the low 60s as soon as the sun disappears.

Getting There
Although there is a landing strip for private aircraft on the island, the most common way to reach Mackinac Island is via ferryboat from either St. Ignace or Mackinaw City. Mission Point Resort has a partnership with Shepler’s, and ferry tickets are included in some packages. For an additional fee, the Mission Point taxi shuttle service, operated by Mackinac Island Carriage Tours, makes regular stops at the ferry dock, which is only about a 15-minute walk from the resort.

For Mom and Dad
Parents can feel pretty good about allowing their children to explore just about anywhere on Mackinac Island on their own. That goes double on the grounds of the Mission Point, and older children love the freedom. Although crime and accidents can happen anywhere at any time, scraped knees from bicycle accidents are the most frequent problem children run into here.

Although families are welcome at Chianti, it is a very pleasant experience for moms and dads without the kids. Start with a half-priced martini at the antique cocktail bar, enjoyed in an over-sized chair while the pianist fills the lofty space with the richness of the baby grand piano. Then ask to be seated on the outside deck where the twinkling stars and lights from passing freighters create a magical dining environment.