Island's Iconic Grand Hotel and Enchanting Romance Tale
The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan, has a unique connection to the 1980 romantic time-travel movie "Somewhere in Time." This historic Victorian-style hotel, which opened in 1887, was the primary filming location for this classic film, which was set partially in 1912[1][2][3]. The Grand Hotel's iconic elegance and timeless charm make it a central element of the film’s visual and emotional appeal[1][2][3].
While there is no widely publicized official annual "Somewhere in Time" event, the hotel and island attract dedicated fans who organize informal meet-ups and re-creations inspired by the movie[4][5]. Mackinac Island's well-preserved early 20th-century atmosphere was essential for the film's setting, reflecting a 1912 Edwardian-era story[2].
The theme of the movie "Somewhere in Time" is that love transcends death, a message that resonates with many visitors and fans. During the special "Somewhere in Time" weekend, guests dress in turn-of-the-century clothing and participate in activities reminiscent of the movie[6]. The annual event typically includes a welcome reception, grand cocktail reception, five-course dinners, luncheon buffet, full breakfasts, and discounts on ferry boat tickets[7].
The first "horseless carriage" arrived on Mackinac Island in 1898 but was banned due to traumatizing the local horses. Consequently, Mackinac Island remains car-free, with the exception of a few emergency vehicles[8]. This unique characteristic adds to the romantic and nostalgic atmosphere of the island and the Grand Hotel.
R.D. Musser, the owner of the Grand Hotel, allowed the facility to be used by Universal Studios for free to film "Somewhere in Time." The movie was Christopher Reeve's first one after his "Superman" hit[9]. As a historian, the Grand Hotel's manager, Tagatz, finds the movie "Somewhere in Time" particularly interesting due to its theme of time travel[10].
In recent years, the Grand Hotel seems to have become even more beautiful with the passing years. However, it's not just the physical beauty that attracts visitors. The spirit of the movie "Somewhere in Time" still lingers in the air, making the Grand Hotel a lasting symbol of love and time travel on Mackinac Island.
[1] https://www.grandhotel.org/history [2] https://www.grandhotel.org/somewhere-in-time [3] https://www.mackinacisland.org/things-to-do/somewhere-in-time [4] https://www.grandhotel.org/somewhere-in-time-weekend [5] https://www.mackinacisland.org/things-to-do/somewhere-in-time-weekend [6] https://www.grandhotel.org/somewhere-in-time-weekend [7] https://www.grandhotel.org/somewhere-in-time-weekend [8] https://www.mackinacisland.org/getting-here [9] https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078937/trivia/ [10] https://www.grandhotel.org/blog/somewhere-in-time-and-the-grand-hotel-a-perfect-pairing
Delving into the realms of entertainment, the Grand Hotel's enchanting connection to the 1980 romantic time-travel movie "Somewhere in Time" extends beyond just its role as a filming location. Annual events like the "Somewhere in Time" weekend recreate the movie's ambiance, immersing guests in turn-of-the-century style and pop-culture nostalgia, while the hotel's connection to love, time travel, and 1912-era movies-and-tv makes it a captivating piece of pop-culture lifestyle.
