Travel Back In Time: Historic Inn is Michigan’s Oldest Hotel

It probably wouldn't surprise many if next to the word 'Historic' in the dictionary was a picture or two of iconic Michigan locations. Being rich in history is just part of who we are in the Great Lakes State, including some pretty legendary places.

Giving us a glimpse into American history is a new list from the website VinePair. They took on the research and created a guide to The Oldest Hotel in Every State, and for history buffs, it's the holy grail.

"Luckily, there are hundreds of historic hotels in the U.S., some of which date all the way back to the 1600s. There’s even a nationally recognized program, Historic Hotels of America, dedicated to recognizing and protecting properties that have persisted through the decades and retained their original sense of place and architectural integrity", VinePair wrote.

When most people think of Michigan's oldest hotel, their minds often wander to the iconic Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. With its sprawling verandas and storied past, the Grand Hotel, which opened in 1887,  is indeed a marvel. However, the true holder of the title of Michigan's oldest hotel might surprise you.

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With a history that stretches back to 1835, the National House Inn in Marshall, Michigan isn’t just a hotel; it’s a time capsule, whispering tales of the early days of Michigan. When it first opened its doors, Michigan wasn’t even a state yet! The inn welcomed weary travelers with its warm hospitality, becoming a beloved stop along the way for pioneers and settlers.

The inn closed in 1878 after its need fell to the wayside with the inventions of dining cars and Pullman sleepers and found itself in transition, change, and decay for a time. VinePair tells the inn's story writing;

"For the last few decades of the 1800s, the property served as a factory producing windmills and farm wagons, though it was converted into eight apartments after it was purchased by a veterinarian in 1902. It fell into disrepair a short time later and sat vacant until the 1970s when it was purchased by Norm and Kathy Kinney and reopened on Thanksgiving in 1976".

Today you can visit the National House Inn Bed & Breakfast and enjoy all the heritage and stories the inn has to 'tell". The rooms are charming and elegant, not to mention relaxing as well. This quaint bed-and-breakfast has seen the world transform around it while maintaining its historic charm.

Whether you're a history buff, a curious traveler, or simply someone looking to escape the modern hustle and bustle, a stay at the National House Inn promises an unforgettable journey into Michigan's storied past.