by Fran Falkin

"Top 10 Getaways for Tiny Travelers" award-winners have demonstrated their commitment to you by offering superior children's programs for babies as well as older kids, gracious service for all ages, luxurious amenities, recreational facilities and a genuine commitment to the environment.  Our parent company, www.FamilyTravelForum.com's staff and contributing editors acknowledged these hotels, resorts, a cruise line and a tour operator in 2003.  Here's a look at Mission Point Resort today.

Mission Point Resort
6633 Main Street
Mackinac Island, Michigan  49757
800/833-7711
Frozen somewhere in time, Mackinac Island, Michigan is a unique family destination that's been cherished by mid-Westerners for more than 150 years. In 1875, it became America's second national park (after Yellowstone), and when the first horseless carriage rolled off a ferry in 1898, stunned residents outlawed the dangerous new invention. The ban on "motorized vehicles" in still in effect, with horse-drawn sanitation carts, steam-powered street sweepers and lots of pedal-power keeping the busy island spotlessly maintained. Today, Mackinac Island State Park's reputation for being "lost in time" is still genuine, attracting families with its pleasures of yesteryear.

Bicycling is the most popular activity and vendors cluster around the ferry piers and at expensive concession stands in each hotel or B&B. Accessories run the gamut and include jogging strollers and Burley trailers to tow little ones. With so much water, you'd think boating is a big activity, but with the strong currents and very cold temperature of Lake Huron, few vendors even offer canoe rentals. Steady breezes and the grand view do make for great kite-flying and impressive kite-watching. Your little ones will love the neon-colored nylon corkscrews, single sneakers, ice cream cones, brown bears and many abstract designs overhead.

In summer, families will find many B&Bs in a range of prices, but the half-century-old Mission Point Resort is the only accommodation with a pool, recreation facilities for your Tiny Travelers, and restaurants catering to families. On check-in, it's impossible not to be impressed with the teepee-like lobby, known as the "Great Hall." The resort's 18 acres of beautiful and fragrant landscaped grounds are immaculate and surround the ca. 1829 Mission Church, often used for local weddings.

Other facilities include the island's only movie theatre, and Mission Point's newest Victorian style, red-roofed building houses a high-ceilinged workout room facing Lake Huron. Well-kept locker rooms are downstairs from the Seventh Heaven Spa where expectant moms can indulge in The Maternity Massage.

Of Mission Point's 50 special two-bedroom, one-bath Family Rooms, 14 are ground floor units with hot tubs. Simple in style, they are brimming with extra features such as strong bedside lighting, two vanity sinks for brushing teeth, and a private porch which families so appreciate. A crib is available free and a fridge costs extra. Outside, a large table, chairs and private Jacuzzi are nestled in the shade of the nearby woods. How romantic for new parents to put infants and toddlers down in an adjoining room while enjoying a nightcap in the private hot tub!

The youngest guests will find Mac the Moose, in his fuzzy brown suit, wondering around throughout the day. He can also be booked for a complimentary good night "tuck-in" and photo op. Families with toddlers are seen bicycling them around in tow trailers, playing together in the pool (there's no shallow depth wading pool), reading in front of the lobby fireplace, or rolling around the resort's velvet-like, lakefront lawn.  Resort guests' children under 12 eat free from the children's menu in either Round Island Bar and Grill or Lakeside Marketplace. (A $1.50 per child service fee applies.)

When you need a break, the Moose Club For Little Ones toddler program (ages 2-4) operates if booked 12 hours in advance and the cost varies with each activity. Weather permitting, the front lawn is the setting for the hour-long, supervised activities such as Circle Time, Balloons and Bubbles, and popular Teddy Bear Picnics so that parents can play golf, get a massage, or enjoy other adult pursuits. For an evening out, or an entire day of in-room care, babysitting can be arranged for a fee. The Mission Point Resort sitters, trained in CPR, are drawn from housekeeping or activities personnel who have been carefully screened as part of the hiring process. 12 hour prior booking is advised, especially in the summer.

The Kids Club for ages 4-10 runs from 9am-3pm and 4-10pm; a 12 hour advanced sign up is a must for staffing (in 2006, $16/child per session or $25 for both sessions). College-age counselors lead a variety of crafts projects and group games inside the clubhouse, then take kids out for ball games and field trips. Tweeners (ages 11-15) enjoy age-appropriate activities and chances to make friends. Mission Point also offers Family Fun activities such as old- fashioned lawn games, kite flying on the Great Front Lawn (kites available for sale or rent), family putting tournaments on the 18-hole putting greens, and more.

Warning: Mackinac Island appeals to many families precisely because of its quiet, non-motorized and non-electric recreational choices, though we have heard it criticized for being too expensive, too pretentious, too isolated, and most of all - too dull!  We loved it. Other island pleasures include exploring the history of the War of 1812 at Fort Mackinac, the many historic homes, and hiking, biking or horseback riding the scenic eight-mile perimeter road. There are also a few paved cross-island paths, so the interior can be reached by bicycle or horse-drawn carriage, which especially delights younger children.

For general information contact the Mackinac Island Tourism Board (800/454-5227).