MACKINC ISLAND, MI – The Chateau Laframboise is celebrating a milestone birthday in
2020.
Located at the Harbour View Inn on Mackinac Island, it is one of four buildings and the
centerpiece at the property. It was originally built as the retirement home for Magdelaine
Laframboise in 1820 and today houses the lobby and parlor for the hotel. In celebration of the
bicentennial of the house, the inn will host “birthday parties” and have added some different
packages for its visitors.
Laframboise, who was of Native American and French descent, became one of the most
successfully fur traders of her time. She retired to Mackinac Island where she started a school for
the Native American children and was very involved with Ste. Anne’s Church, where she was
buried upon her death.
Harbour View Inn is excited to celebrate the house’s 200 years of memories on the island with
monthly parties and two new overnight packages. The parties are scheduled for Monday, July 6th,
Sunday, August 2nd, Sunday, September 6th and Sunday, October 4th from 4:00pm – 6:00pm. As with any good party, cake and champagne will be provided and a short presentation from a Mackinac State Historic Parks historian will touch on the history of the house and Laframboise.
The parties are open to both hotel guests and island visitors and residents.
The inn also partnered with local artesian Kate Dupre of the Watercolor Café to offer a water
color painting classes throughout the season. Participants will create their own watercolor
keepsake of the chateau during the class which are scheduled for July 2 th , August 17th ,
September 21st and October 19th.
“We are excited to be able to celebrate this historic house and Magdelaine Laframboise’s legacy
this season and offer some new experiences for our guests,” said Michelle Dean, general
manager at the inn. “While the current situation has sidetracked some of our plans for the season,
we are still optimistic about being able to offer these celebrations in some capacity.”
The Harbour View Inn is located on Main Street, Mackinac Island next to Ste. Anne’s Church.
The inn has 83 guestrooms between its four buildings and offers a complimentary breakfast,
onsite bike rentals, and lunch dining at Bill’s Grill. The inn also hosts wedding ceremonies in its
Garden Gazebo, Front Lawn or second story Veranda and receptions in the Dining Room and
Terrace Patio.