OUR HISTORY
Ever since the days when buggies visited the Clifford Lake Hotel, bringing resorters to enjoy the charm of the area, the Hotel has been in continuous operation.
The Inn has weathered many storms and has been in operation through many major events that have shaped our wonderful country over the past century. It was welcoming travelers when cars and televisions were introduced. Guests were sitting around the Hotel discussing the World Wars, presidents assassinations, and men walking on the moon. It has survived the Great Depression, a huge fire, and years of neglect. But no matter what cards have been dealt, the Inn has continued to open its doors to welcome guests and bring warm smiles to their faces. We hope you enjoy your visit to the Inn, and that you feel the warmth and love that has kept this old building running for almost 140 years.
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1881
Clifford Lake Inn is built in Richard’s Point (which later becomes known as Clifford Lake).
1925
Mac and Maude McConnville purchase the Inn.
1930
The Inn catches fire, destroying 80 percent of the building.
1945
Doc and Lilian Bruder purchase the Inn.
1955
Ed and Edie Welch purchase the Inn.
1963
The Inn changes ownership multiple times, switching from an inn to a restaurant to a rock ’n’ roll bar.
1975
The Inn is condemned.
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1976
Norm and Dyanne Eipper purchase the condemned building and restore it.
1981
The Inn celebrates its 100th birthday.
1986
The state of Michigan designates the hotel a historic site.
1994
Steve and Tammie Eipper join as second-generation owners of the Inn.
2010
Larry and Connie McKeown purchase the Inn.
2013
The Inn closes.
2014
The Inn is purchased by Tom, Mary and Katie Stuit. Katie Stuit is the executive chef
2022
CLI is purchased by Shane & Kelly Philipsen who have been operating since 2019
