Crystal Clear waters of Walloon Lake, Michigan are at your doorstep at the luxurious Hotel Walloon.
Walloon Lake, just south of Petoskey and an hour north of Traverse City is an unspoiled, naturally-beautiful, peaceful, family-friendly place to come play or recharge your batteries! This newly constructed, luxurious boutique hotel and its sister properties, the Walloon Lake Inn and Restaurant, and Barrel Back Restaurant next door come together to create a marvelous destination sure to please the most seasoned travelers and diners.
Walloon Lake, originally called Bear Lake, has been a favorite getaway for a century and a half. In the late 1870’s, as the logging era in northern Michigan was coming to a close, the railroads began expanding their transportation offerings to a different commodity: tourists. This pristine part of the world, also known as Northern Michigan, was being dubbed “vacationland” through an elaborate publicity campaign. Railroad companies built hotels to create a destination for city folk to escape the heat of urban summer in places like Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Chicago, and Grand Rapids. These resort hotels publicized “beautiful views, great fishing, and boating, along with socializing with other resorters.” As a result, hundreds of hotels were built in northern Michigan.
In 1891, the Walloon Lake Village was made accessible to resort guests by a spur from the main trunk line of the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad. Guests came from as far away as St. Louis, Chicago, and Kansas City to enjoy the crystal clear waters and tranquility of Walloon Lake. Families from many midwest towns and cities put stock in tradition and were taken by the beauty of this glacier-carved paradise. These new “Wallooners” continued to bring their children and grandchildren to the resorts and camps that dotted every shore of the lake and in time, many families merely visiting for a week or so would fall in love and purchase their own cottage or plot of land on which to build.
The original Hotel Walloon was across the road from the lake shore and was opened in the 1890s by Mrs. James Hass. In 1900, the New Walloon was built by Alfred Hass near the steamer dock. By 1905 the Walloon Lake Village had a boat livery, three stores, a post office, and two churches, making the village a hub of activity. Cottages began to pop up more readily in those days, with land being less expensive and northern retreats likened to today’s more common tropical beach vacations.
The Magic of Walloon Lake: Beauty was readily beheld on the lake with the early 1900’s displaying the most eloquent of architectural styles attributed to the many details in each hotel’s design. Vast wrap- around porches and embellished woodwork could be seen at many of Walloon Lake’s resort hotels. Equal in beauty, one could see the care that went into interior design for each and every place of lodging. Guest rooms as well as parlors and dining areas were all decked with the finest wallpapers, rich wooden furnishings, and floral patterned textiles. Hotel Walloon, now the crown jewel of this lakeside retreat has spared no expense in honoring this rich heritage by incorporating the very best treatments and comforts, as well as white glove, hands-on service to match the amenities and the location’s natural beauty. The result is one of Michigan’s best kept secrets, until now!
Today, once again as in years past, summer guests arrive here to stay in the lap of luxury, while setting course for rugged trails, rushing waters, and starry skies.
Among many local spots written about by Ernest Hemingway, Walloon Lake in its early days was even more rustic a vacation spot than it is today. The surroundings and organic beauty stretching far beyond what the eye could see lent to a deeper connection, that many, if not most, travelers felt upon arrival.
Guests of yesteryear and today enjoy long hikes and horse rides, sailing and paddle boating, playing in the natural streams, and watching the sunsets… vacations were never quite long enough for those who could feel the magic of the lake.
Fast forward to 2016: The ultra luxurious boutique hotel with just 30 rooms, Hotel Walloon was built last year to honor this timeless destination in style and cater to sophisticated guests looking to enjoy this beautiful location! Just 15 minutes by car to Petoskey, and an hour north of Traverse City, Walloon Lake is an idyllic paradise, and is now home to one of the top luxury boutique hotels in the Midwest!
Enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine listening to the waves gently kiss the shoreline of the lake.
Hotel Walloon from the dock.
The comfortable, sophisticated, stylish bar area, features a full-service bar, top-shelf wines via wine tap system, continental breakfast daily, fireplace, and comfy seating. Restaurants are next door on either side at sister properties, Barrel Back (breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a casual, family-friendly setting over a surf shop, overlooking the lake), or at Walloon Lake Inn, featuring more elegant fare in the formal dining room with piano player, or al fresco overlooking the beautiful lake!
The rooms at the Hotel Walloon are extremely comfortable- exceptionally well-appointed, beautifully finished with calming hues of light blues and grays, marble bathrooms, heated floors, luxurious bedding, flat panel televisions, and refrigerators, this is the ultimate luxury boutique hotel!
Today, the village that once welcomed vacationers to its many illustrious hotels, is at last in a turnaround. The charming row of boutiques and eateries is now graced by the Hotel Walloon, which in its design transports guests back in time to the era of vintage elegance, with the addition of modern amenities and comforts. The dawn of the 20th century can be seen in the hotel’s porches, the wainscotting, and each gilded light.
One hundred years of fluctuating popularity has seen a few less-significant eras of resort patronage, though it seems the many families of Walloon are still strong in dedication to the lake and its village. And now, as Hotel Walloon opens many minds to the past, “Wallooners” can feel new life being breathed into the village. New restaurants and social settings continue to help enliven the lake, as well as promote a surge in support of other locales, such as Boyne City and Petoskey.
With Walloon Lake’s ever-enchanting history and the Hotel Walloon open for all to enjoy, it can be hoped that we continue to see the days of busy streets and starry-eyed vacationers.
Unlike any restaurant in Northern Michigan, Barrel Back on Walloon Lake offers guests a unique “open air” dining experience. The restaurant is named after “Barrel Back” boats common on inland lakes in the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s. The outside of the restaurant is completely surrounded by glass garage doors, which can be opened up on a beautiful Northern Michigan day. The atmosphere inside the restaurant is modern and tasteful. Offering an expansive bar that features over 23 beers on tap and a patio for guests wishing to dine outdoors.
Similar to the atmosphere, the food at Barrel Back is unmatched by other restaurants in the area. The wood fired rotisserie smoker, oven and grill creates an intoxicating aroma of smoked chicken, brisket and wood fired pizzas throughout the Village and gives the food a one of a kind flavor.
Panko Crusted Lake Whitefish was excellent!
Barrel Back is located next to Hotel Walloon and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Barrel Back seats on a first come, first served basis and does not accept reservations. Contact our in-house Concierge desk to request a table at Barrel Back.
Exquisite World-Class cuisine with local influences and fresh locally-sourced products, excellent service, and an acclaimed chef specializing in “molecular gastronomy,” elevating quality ingredients to the next level!
Built in 1891, the Walloon Lake Inn is a historic landmark known for exquisite food, extensive wine lists and waterfront dining. Guests at the Inn can enjoy a casual fine dining experience either inside the main dining room or outside on our patio overlooking picturesque Walloon Lake. The unique half circle bar offers craft cocktails made with a wide selection of Single Malt Scotch, Single Barrel Bourbon and Rye Whiskies.
The Walloon Lake Inn chef’s offer guests a creative and uncommon culinary experience, featuring fresh local ingredients and an inventive rotating menu.
The Walloon Lake Inn is located adjacent from Hotel Walloon and is open year-round for dinner. Dining reservations are not required, but highly recommended.
Hotel Walloon’s backyard is the lake, with a large, lovely deck for sunning, reading, relaxing, or sipping a cocktail, docks (rent boats or water sports equipment next door and enjoy the lake), and a jacuzzi tub. Hotel Walloon also has a 24-hour fitness center.
Hotel Walloon, Walloon Lake Inn, and Barrel Back Restaurant have all been awarded the Fred Bollaci Enterprises Golden Palate® Certificate of Excellence, and together are a fantastic destination for luxurious, family-friendly fun in close communion with natural beauty on the lake in Northern Michigan!
4127 M-75
Walloon Lake, MI 49796
231.535.5000
4178 West St.
Walloon Lake, MI 49796
231.535.2999
04069 Michigan 75
Walloon Lake, MI 49796
231.535.6000
