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.

Sadly, Tim's life was cut short in a tragic plane crash in Montana's Great Plains on September 17, 2016, which also claimed the lives of his beloved wife and youngest son. He is survived by his eldest son and namesake, who continues to own and manage the resort.

Nestled in the picturesque “Wequetonsing” summer enclave, the Colonial Inn is surrounded by white, turn-of-the-century clapboard homes affectionately referred to as cottages. Town and Country magazine, in its June 1958 issue, described the area as “top drawer,” while its 1985 edition highlighted "Weque" as an exclusive summer retreat—where the Colonial Inn remains the sole provider of accommodations.

Welcome to the Colonial Inn.