The Washington Street Inn welcomes guests to a beautiful, historic 1902 home in Grand Haven, one of Lake Michigan’s most popular resort towns.
With gleaming hardwood floors, oak woodwork, and beveled and leaded glass windows, the inn offers five guest rooms in a post-Victorian, craftsman-style home.
Three of the guest rooms have private baths. The other two share a Jack ‘n Jill bath, ideal for couples or friends traveling together or for small families who need some additional space. Each room is classically decorated and includes a queen bed, writing desk and upholstered chair.
Our main floor has four common rooms and a front porch that guests may use for gathering and relaxing. All of the main floor common areas are connected by archways, which provides a spacious open concept. Feel free to gather as a group, or enjoy as private sitting area. During your stay, let the seasoned innkeepers (we have entertained thousands of guests since 1987!) take especially good care of you; the way a bed and breakfast should!
Unique Experiences at Washington Street Inn
History Refreshed
Our inn was built in 1902 by H. J. Dornbos. He was a prominent local resident who owned a widely known smoked fish business in Grand Haven from 1889 until 1963. Dornbos had immigrated from the Netherlands and first began working in the lumber industry. However, following an eye injury, he began selling smoked fish door-to-door. His company, H. J. Dornbos Brothers, became the employer of 75 people. The company's smoked fish -- over a million pounds of white chubs per year -- served over 800 retail outlets around the country. Dornbos also was instrumental in starting the People Savings Bank.
Foodie
The innkeepers' German and Italian heritage plays an important role in the foods we enjoy preparing and sharing with our guests. Breakfast is a special time at the inn and we hope you come ready to eat. Start your day with a homemade, three-course breakfast with beautiful china, silverware and linen napkins. Our breakfast is made from scratch and includes farm fresh eggs, home-prepared pastries, locally baked breads, and homegrown herbs. Our comfortable dining room is stocked with coffee, a wonderful assortment of teas, and filtered water. We also offer several snacks that are available throughout your stay.
Our inn is within walking distance to a variety of unique Grand Haven eateries. Whether you are looking for something formal, upscale, casual or ethnic, you will find something for your palate. If you are not sure where to go, we are happy to help you find the perfect spot for your night out.
JW’s Food & Spirits is “where the locals go.” They serve a variety of offerings, including their award-winning White Chicken Chili. Another favorite is Paisley Pig Gastropub, which offers unique farm-to-table dishes using local farm ingredients. We have personally dined at both establishments and highly recommend.
Cool City
There are many reasons Coastal Living magazine named Grand Haven the “Happiest Seaside Town in America.” Lake Michigan has been a perennial vacation favorite for over a hundred years as travelers from Chicago and St. Louis enjoyed visiting the lakeshore. This tradition continued and expanded as visitors come to our pristine beaches and many parkland trails, which are ideal for hiking and exploring.
For many travelers, our inn is a stopping destination when traveling to Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp or Interlochen Center for the Arts.
Due to the plethora of summer activities, Grand Haven’s location also lends itself for an extended stay. For those looking to explore some additional towns that Western Michigan has to offer, consider Muskegon’s revitalization to the slight north (15-20 minutes), Holland to the south (20 minutes), or Grand Rapids (40 minutes) to the east. These towns offer great shopping and delicious food and are perfect spots for a quick day trip.
To give you an idea, Grand Rapids is home to the Fredrick Meijer Gardens, Sculpture Park, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Meyer May House home tour, in addition to restaurants, seasonal concerts, and local breweries.
Adventure
Our acclaimed beaches, with a wide and clean shoreline, are a must-see when visiting Grand Haven. Don’t forget to catch at least one of our spectacular sunsets during your stay. Our county parks are a fantastic local secret. You can bike to and/or hike Rosy Mound, Kirk Park, Hemlock Crossing, Olive Shores and North Beach, to name a few.
One of Grand Haven’s favorites is Duncan Woods, 40 acres located in the center of town that boasts unspoiled natural forest and dune land. A local secret: many trails at these parks guide you to secluded Lake Michigan beaches.
Kayak is a fun and active way to enjoy the many beautiful waterways in our area (as well as a great way to work off our outstanding breakfast!). Plan your trip on our web site--enhancement page-- or see Lakeshore Kayak Rental for a variety of paddling adventures!
For the food-loving adventurer, we have a couple of great choices. Chocolates by Grimaldi just around the corner from our inn. Grimaldi’s offers tours and classes in which you will have the opportunity to make some of their delicious chocolate using all-natural ingredients. Another fun opportunity is at Artisan of Grand Haven. Close to the Inn, and a variety of experiences. Dinner, dinner & demo, dinner & a chef or full hands-on classes. Check out their web site for a complete schedule of offerings!
For those looking for a more artistic adventure, try attending a workshop in fine jewelry making or metalsmithing at Studio JSD-Jewelry, Makerspace and Gallery. They have an outstanding selection of jewelry workshops with well-known instructors/ artists as well as numerous items for purchase.
Craft Beer
West Michigan is quickly becoming a major beer destination where “beercations” are a frequent draw for travelers. The Grand Armory Brewing Company and Odd Side Ales, in their newly expanded and renovated tap room, offer a great selection of brews. If you love coffee, check out Side Bar located In Odd Side Ales, for an artisan cup of joe. For those who prefer wine, there are two local tasting rooms, Twelve Corner and Lemon Creek. Take a short drive to Spring Lake, where you can visit the Vander Mill, which serves hard cider, original cider and doughnuts as well as a variety of other menu options. Or stop at Old Boys’ Brewhouse, which has a full service restaurant.
