Cozy up by the fireplace in the parlor, play pool in the game room, sip wine on the covered porch, or relax in the hot tub at this historic Victorian Inn. Enjoy old-fashioned home cooking with legacy “farmer’s” breakfasts and inviting hospitality.
A standout in a community defined by historic homes, our magnificently restored Victorian Himelhoch Bed and Breakfast is situated in the heart of Michigan’s Thumb. A mere 20-minute drive from the Bavarian “Christmas” town of Frankenmuth—Michigan’s number-one tourist destination—it is a haven of tranquility surrounded by some noted wonders of #PureMichigan.
Rated five stars in reviews, our B&B is the perfect place to start and end your daily adventures. Himelhoch (pronounced HIM-ul-hoe) features two spacious suites and a guestroom. The Myer & Rosa Suite and the Golda Mae Suite each feature fireplaces — one electric and the other gas. The Coral Room features 19th-century furnishings that include a majestic hand-carved double bed. Its affordability and the koi pond’s waterfall whispering just below the window make the Coral Room an extravagant destination for the senses. Each of the guest rooms has a private ensuite bath.
We’ve equipped each guest room with all the luxuries you’d expect of a five-star B&B experience. They include flat-screen TVs with a choice of 120 channels, including premium movies, free high-speed WiFi, and air conditioning in summer. Plush robes await you to snuggle in; the mattresses are all new. They are dressed with fresh, crisp linens, promising a great night’s sleep.
Beyond your private sleeping area, share the period parlor with its cozy gas fireplace. Enjoy the game room, which is complete with a pool table. The landscaped outdoor patio has plenty of relaxing rooms and a year-round hot tub. In summer, we serve breakfast on our large, covered wrap-around porch — a perfect place to chill out with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of wine, watching a quieter, more gentle world wander by. Another luxury we love to share is our complimentary treats, from cookies and cupcakes to water, pop, and coffee throughout the day.
Regarding treats, breakfasts at Himelhoch are legacy “farmer’s” breakfasts that reflect our region’s good, old-fashioned home cooking culture. They include eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, French toast, waffles, and pancakes. The best part is that you don’t just get fed what we feel like cooking that morning; you choose your favorites from a menu we presented the night before.
Caro, a hidden gem in the Upper Thumb Region nestled in the heart of Tuscola County, is a delightful city combining small-town charm with natural beauty. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an outdoor adventurer, or simply seeking a peaceful getaway, Caro has something to offer. Let’s dive into what makes this place special.
Caro’s history dates back to the mid-19th century. It was founded near the site of the Chippewa Village, known as “Pe-See-Kop-To-Qua-Yone.” The Caro Dam now stands where the village once thrived. The logging industry played a significant role in Caro’s early development; remnants of this past can still be seen today.
The area is filled with Outdoor Adventures, including the Caro Dam Recreation Area, where the Cass River provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy fishing, birdwatching, or a leisurely stroll along the riverbank. You’ll find nature trails galore in their area so lace up your hiking boots and explore the nearby Thumb Nature Trails. These trails wind through forests, wetlands, and open fields, offering a serene escape into nature.
Lumbering launched Caro, but its claim to fame since the early 1900s has been sugar. Caro is home to the largest of four regionally located Michigan Sugar Company processing facilities, known to every housewife, cook, and baker in Michigan and beyond for its Pioneer Sugar brand—locally sourced from sugar beets grown at farms across the region.
Not just one, but three…
You must see the Petroglyphs of Sanilac. Imagine reading the ancient version of today’s message board left behind by Native Americans who thrived 1500 years ago, just 30 minutes from Himelhoch B&B. According to scientists who measure the deterioration of the site at the Albert Sleeper State Park, you have only about 50 years left to experience the petroglyphs. These ancient carvings cover the face of 5000 square feet of Marshall sandstone – a mix of sand, mud, and lime formed millions of years ago, later shaped by glacial melt. They were uncovered after a devasting fire wiped out a vast part of Michigan and its wind-prone Thumb in 1881, exposing the ancient carvings. Hurry: there’s not much time left.
You can also visit the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum, which is housed in the USS Edson, a retired Navy destroyer docked in Bay City.
View “Mail on the Farm ” at the post office,” a vintage 1941 mural decorating the historic Caro Post Office main lobby. Part of the Great Depression’s Federal Art Project, the mural was designed to depict an everyday event in Tuscola County life. The mural’s creator, David Fredenthal, is a nationally recognized watercolor artist and illustrator whose works are housed in numerous museums, universities, and private art collections.
Bike all of Caro starting at the trailhead just minutes from the Himelhoch. For the even more adventurous, connect with the 10.2-mile Southern Links Trailway touching Tuscola, Lapeer, and Genesee counties. Its surface ranges from asphalt to woodchips and accommodates inline skating, horseback riding, walking, and cross-country skiing.
Visit Turnip Rock in Lake Huron at the mouth of Saginaw Bay by kayak or canoe. You can’t see it from the land. Lodging is scarce in the area, so many enthusiasts take a day trip from the Himelhoch to paddle out from Port Austin, just an hour’s drive due east.
Rates
Rates are quoted per night for single or double occupancy, including a full breakfast for each guest. All rates are subject to a 6% state tax. Our rates are subject to change without notice. Our rates are based on single or double occupancy. Some of our suites can accommodate extra guests, and we can prepare these suites with extra bedding with advance notice. For each additional guest, there is a $15 /person charge each night of your stay to cover the cost of breakfast and additional housekeeping.
Deposit & Payment
A full deposit is required to secure a reservation.
Cancellation
Due to our accommodations’ exclusive nature, cancellations significantly affect our business. Therefore, we adhere to a strict cancellation policy, regardless of the reason. Cancellations given at least 14 days before the scheduled arrival date will be subject to a $30 cancellation fee. No-shows or cancellations given less than 14 days before the scheduled arrival date will be subject to a 100% cancellation fee unless we successfully rebook your reserved dates. If we successfully rebook your reserved dates, we will issue a refund, subject to a $50 cancellation fee.
There are no refunds for early departures. Date changes are considered cancellations, so our cancellation policies will apply. We recommend that you consider purchasing trip insurance from a third party. You are not obligated to purchase this coverage but may wish to do so in case of unforeseen circumstances that may affect your travel plans. Insurance policies are neither administered nor guaranteed by Himelhoch Bed & Breakfast.
Check-In & Check-Out
Our preferred check-in time is from 3 PM – 8 PM. If you know you will be arriving after 8 PM, please call us in advance to arrange a late check-in. Check-out time is at 11 AM.
Early check-in & late check-out may be available for an additional fee if our guest & housekeeping schedules permit. This service is available only if we can accommodate it. Please make arrangements in advance.
Accessibility
All guest rooms are only accessible by stairs.
Technology
Wireless internet access is complimentary throughout our bed and breakfast. As a courtesy to your fellow guests and the business function of the bed and breakfast, we request that you refrain from large downloads and streaming. We are not responsible for service outages, including provider maintenance, weather conditions, or incompatibility with your electronic devices. Please do not use cell phones or other devices in areas that might disturb other guests.
Registered Guests
At check-in, you will be asked to provide a photo ID for the guest named on the reservation. Guest rooms cannot be transferred to another party without advance notification. To assure privacy and a relaxing atmosphere for our guests, the bed and breakfast is closed to people who do not have reservations. The bed and breakfast and its property are for registered guests only. Depending upon the total usage of the bed and breakfast, arrangements may be available for visitors with advance notice.
No Smoking
Smoking and vaping are permitted only in designated outdoor areas. Smoking or vaping is not permitted inside anywhere in our bed and breakfast, including common areas, guest rooms, porches, and balconies. This policy is strictly enforced, and a $200 cleaning fee will be charged. Any damages caused by a cigarette, cigar, pipe, or other device will be charged at the full value of the damaged item.
Candles and incense are not to be used in the bed and breakfast, with no exceptions.
Alcohol & Drug Use
Alcohol consumption in moderation is permitted, however for the privacy and enjoyment of other registered guests, excessive consumption and abusive behavior will not be tolerated and will result in you being asked to leave and forfeit all payments.
Illegal substances are not permitted in bed and breakfasts. Violation of this policy will result in notifying the proper authorities, asking the guest to leave the property, and forfeiting all monies due for the reservation.
Children
Since we cater primarily to couples, individuals on business, and others looking for a respite from the hectic pace of today’s world, limited rooms and dates are available for those traveling with children. Rooms may not be available to accommodate children at certain times, depending on the total usage of the bed and breakfast. Availability to accommodate children at any time is at the innkeepers’ discretion and is the responsibility of all guests. Please inquire when booking your reservation if you are traveling with children.
Children must behave in a way that does not disturb the other guests, residents, or business functions at the bed and breakfast. Children behaving inappropriately will be required to be removed from their rooms. Injuries to children and damages to the bed and breakfast or other guests are the complete responsibility of the parent or adult. The bed and breakfast does not have high chairs, portable cribs, or children’s menus.
Pets
Although the innkeepers love animals, Himelhoch Bed & Breakfast unfortunately does not allow guest pets. We will be happy to assist you in finding an appropriate “Bed & Bone” nearby for your four-legged traveling companion. Please note that the innkeepers have a small cat and dog, but they are kept in their private living quarters and out of all common guest areas when guests are present.
Quiet Hours
We observe quiet hours at the Inn from 10 PM – 8 AM. If you are coming in late or rising early, please be considerate of your fellow guests.
Breakfast
Our innkeepers take great pride in serving our guests a full breakfast each morning. Please inform us of any special dietary restrictions or requirements prior to your arrival. We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate your dietary requests. We are not responsible for allergic reactions to foods or products used at the bed and breakfast. Please let us know in advance if you are sensitive to any foods so that our innkeepers can customize your meals to fit your needs.
Michigan Bed and Breakfast Association
6757 Cascade Road SE, Ste 241
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
