My husband and SIL & BIL were thinking about doing New Years '04 on Mackinac Island. I'm pretty sure that some hotels there offer packages but I haven't been able to find any on the web so far. Anyone out there in Fodor's land know about NY packages? Also, if you've done it, was it fun? I love the island, and the thought of a car-free NY is very appealing

I hope others will know more and chime in but as far as I know, Mackinac all but shuts down for the winter. I think there are only 200 people who brave the winters and live on the island through the cold months. Winters in those parts are pretty tough. Lots of cold, lots of snow.

I believe it's been done in the past, and seem to remember seeing some info on it somewhere. I know the island pretty much shuts down for the most part, but I think some of the hotels stay open year round. I am from MI so the cold and snow doesn't scare me! In fact I would love to see the island blanketed by snow!

I'm not an expert on Mackinac but I do know that during the winter months the only way in and out of the Island is snowmobile. While there a month or so ago, we spoke with people who live there year around and they told us of shopping for groceries via snowmobile across the lake.

Actually that's not true. I just discovered Mackinac.com. Ferry (Arnold's) runs until Jan 2. Planes can fly in also. The only time that they can snowmobile is in Feb, if the straits freeze completely. But, I'm taking it that no one here has done Mackinac in the winter.

Have you looked into Mohonk Mountain House, in the Hudson River Valley, 2 hours north of NY City? That is where this Michigander might head for your criteria. This place is truly wonderful. Was just there for the 4th of July and was thinking just how nice it would be to stay there in the winter.

They just sent me a 'special' notice this morning... here's the link...

http://mohonk.com/

I've seen Mohonk posted here before and checked it out. Veeerryyy nice! But a bit more pricey than what we were thinking. How long of a drive is that from Detroit? We were really looking for a 2-3 day escape over New Years. Like the 30th-1st.

A fellow Detroiter, hey Cassidy? The drive from here here in Southfield, MI is about 10 1/2 hours. I only suggested that place being as I thought you might have been from NY when you asked for NY packages. Somehow I have this strange feeling about Mackinac Island for New Year's. But hey, you never know!

Sorry: NY= New Year. When I reread I thought that someone would think New York! I think that Mackinac would be neat on New Year!! All covered in snow, the thud of hooves on the snow-covered streets. I'm sure it will be a LOT less crowded than even the off season.
I have an e-mail in to the Pontiac Lodge. They are open year round. Know anything about them.
Yes, I'm a fellow Detroiter, currently in Waterford (affectionately known as Watertucky

The Island can be beautiful in winter, but not where I would go to spend New Years Eve. Your options would be extremely limited. Island winter photos at http://users.netonecom.net/~lawone/mackinaw.htm

Keith

I'm a former Berkely-ite (as in Berkley, Michigan) and moved up to Petoskey 9 years ago! How you get to Mack Island largely depends on the season....once the water freezes over, it is definately by snowmobile, but until then, ferry up to a certain point and sometimes plane. The Pontiac Lodge is nice, but check out the Lilac Tree Inn and see if it is open then...that one is quite nice. I'm sure there will be festivities on New Years Eve, but there are definately a LOT less people on the island during the winter! It would be awesome to walk down the mainstreet during a twilight snowfall though!

Mission Point Resort is open during the holidays. They mention cross country skiing, down comforters, outdoor hot tub suites and such; sounds real cosy. I can also remember looking at a live webcam that showed a portion of the main street - there were lots of snowmobiles parked outside of the bars.

It is worth noting that every 2 or 3 years they lose someone through the ice who was snowmobiling to and from the Island.

Keith

I believe that Mission Point is the ONLY property open over the winter season. My cousin was a police officer in Mackinac several years ago - the island does virtually shut down - but it WOULD be very quiet and cozy if a quiet escape is what you are looking for.

I've spent a few Christmases on the island (my son-in-law was born there and he and my daughter lived there for a few years before moving to the lower peninsula). It definitely is beautiful, quiet and peaceful with only the locals and quite a contrast from the summer months when the "fudgies" invade the place. Don't know about the other hotels, but Mission Point Resort is open over the holidays and does a pretty good business. I'll bet they have some kind of New Years package.

Just a note regarding Keith's comment above: We lost 5 snowmobilers in one single weekend this past winter, though none were snowmobiling on the great lakes. You have to be careful, people! There are some years that the ice bridge that normally forms between the mainland and the island does not form at all. If it IS present you must stay on the marked trail and resist hotdogging on all of that wide open lake.