about us
Proud to be with you
Who we are
Book Your Summer Vacation today with Colonial Inn
For over 130 years, the Colonial Inn has welcomed guests like family. This award-winning retreat, tucked in the historic Wequetonsing neighborhood of Harbor Springs, is just steps from Lake Michigan. This season, we introduce “1894”, named in honor of the year the Colonial Inn was founded and where guests can select from a menu of classic, old-fashioned cocktails. With 42 restored rooms, in-room fireplaces, an outdoor pool, jacuzzi, gym, and peaceful grounds rich with history, the Colonial Inn offers a refreshing escape where charm meets modern comfort
Close to what you need
Lake Michigan
Our exclusive Colonial Inn property invites you into the heart of Harbor Springs. Our sprawling grounds are situated just one block from beautiful Lake Michigan and we have a private dock ideal for sunsets or stargazing. How you spend your days or nights is up to you! Take a short stroll through picturesque waterfront paths to quaint downtown for local shopping and dining, lounge at the pool or soak in the hot tub at the end of a busy day, enjoy fresh baked cookies in the Main House with loved ones, or simply nest in front of the in-room fireplaces and enjoy a somber moment. No matter what your mood, we have you covered.
Our History
What took us here
The Colonial Inn, established in 1894, owes its origins to Colonel Eaton of the Michigan Wolverines Cavalry Division, shortly after the American Civil War. According to lore, his wealth stemmed from the capture of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Following Colonel Eaton's passing in 1904, his widow defied societal norms of her time, running the hotel during an era when women did not yet have the right to vote. After her death in the 1920s, the Inn found a new proprietor in "Papa Tam," a former German World War I Colonel.
In 1955, the Colonial Inn was acquired by John R. Davis, Vice President of Ford Motor Company, and Fred Renker, a prominent figure in Harbor Springs. The duo expanded the property, adding the East and West Plazas, which still stand today. Their renovations transformed the Colonial Inn into a premier destination, celebrated for its refined ambiance and old-world charm. Renker remained at the helm until 1968, when Ray Brown, originally from North Carolina's Appalachian Mountains, became the owner.
Ray operated the hotel from 1968 to 1986, a period marked by change as the Inn transitioned from hosting long-term summer guests to welcoming a more transient clientele. As recounted in the memoir Hotelman, Ray's son Tim took over the property with great determination, modernizing its facilities while preserving its historical essence. Tim believed each generation of proprietors contributed to a sacred tradition, building upon the legacy of their predecessors—a belief reflected in the unique amenities the Inn offers today.
