My sister and I want to plan a party for my Mother's 70th birthday and my parents 50th Anniversary and invite her family who mostly live in Michigan. We think Mackinaw Island would be a great 3 day weekend for this. It will be in May 2005.

I'm thinking that maybe a nice B&B would be good. There will be families with kids 10 - 18 year olds - not babies. But just means we prefer not to stay at the Grand as it may feel too stuffy for that age group.

Can anyone give me some suggestions?

How early in May are you planning to do this? The Island doesn't start to gear up for tourists until mid-May. Also the weather is going to be iffy that far north especially in early May.

3rd week in May would do.

You might consider Mission Point on Mackinaw. My family stayed there last summer for a long weekend and thought it was great. They have nice grounds, a huge grassy area on the lakeshore for frisbee, croquet, a nice (but not large) pool area, tennis courts and a couple of very nice restaurants. In the evening at one of the restaurants they have karaoke especially for the kids at the resort.

A must do for those who can, is a bike ride around the island. There is a nicely paved trail that cirles the island....no big hills!!

My 11 year old niece especially enjoyed the butterfly house and the fort.

topping

As much as I love Machinaw Island, the chances of good weather in May may not be good. The weather could be 70 degrees or it could be 40!
Not sure what other interests you may have, but another suggestion would be the Double JJ ranch in Rothbury. I know the kids would love it. You can find their website on www.doublejj.com
We stayed there many times and our kids love it there. There is golfing and horseback riding. If you aren't active, there is always shows at night that the ranch puts on for guests.

Just a tip for your further research: The Island is Mackinac Island, and the city (not on the island, but at the tip of the lower peninsula) is Mackinaw City. If you spell the names wrong, you may not find what you're looking for!

everything above the lower peninsula is spelled mackinac, below, mackinaw. but they are both pronounced the same. one of our ancient mysteries.

mission point is very nice. you will love mackinac, rain or shine.