The Mackinac Blog

Grand Hotel – Cork & Fork Culinary Weekend – October 16 -18, 2026

Grand Hotel - Cork and Fork

Available Friday, October 16, 2026 – Sunday, October 18, 2026

We invite you to experience the 2026 Cork & Fork Culinary Weekend. This year will bring an extraordinary culinary journey celebrating The Flavors That Built America in honor of our nation’s 250th anniversary.

This celebrated weekend shines a spotlight on the creativity and talent of exceptional female chefs from across the country. Guided by this year’s theme, The Flavors That Built America, our chefs will craft a menu that spans the nation’s diverse culinary landscape from coastal to heartland, from humble beginnings to haute cuisine. Each course will honor the ingredients, stories, and pioneering spirit that have shaped 250 years of American independence, innovation, and community.

Complementing these inspired creations, guests will explore exceptional global wines thoughtfully paired with each course, along with curated cheese tastings that highlight the art of pairing and balance. Together, these experiences tell a story of connection and how food and wine have brought people together in America across generations, cultures, and continents to share in the enduring joy of the table.

Package Includes:

  • Grand Hotel accommodations
  • Breakfast and dinner daily
  • All resort amenities
  • Friday welcome reception
  • Custom welcome amenity
  • Saturday cooking event
  • Saturday afternoon wine tasting
  • Special Saturday reception and dinner with wine pairings
  • Sunday morning brunch and panel discussion
  • Admission to the Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum

The Cork & Fork Culinary Weekend package can also be booked by calling Grand Hotel Reservations at 1-800-334-7263.

View Grand Hotel Policies and Information >> to learn more about our evening dress code, luggage process, and more.

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Grand Hotel On Facebook

Below are the latest postings from the Grand Hotel Page On Facebook.

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Grand Hotel – Fall Murder Mystery Weekend – October 23 – 25, 2026

Grand Hotel - Fall Murder Mystery Weekend

Available Friday, October 23, 2026 to Sunday, October 25, 2026

As autumn settles over Mackinac Island, Grand Hotel becomes the setting for an immersive mystery. Fall Murder Mystery Weekend invites guests to step into an unfolding story, beginning with a welcome reception and continuing through a weekend of hidden clues, intriguing encounters, and collaborative investigation. Every detail matters as the experience builds toward a dramatic reveal on Sunday morning.

This season, Murder at Midnight unfolds over three days, set against the shadowed elegance of the late Victorian era. When a death interrupts the evening, private indiscretions and long-simmering tensions surface, whispered conversations reveal guarded secrets, and rumors blur the line between suspicion and truth. Can you piece together the truth before the final strike of midnight? Come and help solve the mystery and dress the part in attire from the Late Victorian Era!

Package Includes:

  • Grand Hotel accommodations
  • Breakfast and dinner daily
  • All resort amenities
  • Friday after dinner event
  • Saturday morning and afternoon investigation sessions
  • Sunday morning “Who Done It” closing session

This Murder Mystery Weekend package is also available to book by calling Grand Hotel Reservations at 1-800-334-7263.

View Grand Hotel Policies and Information >> to learn more about our evening dress code, luggage process, and more.  

*Subject to 6% Michigan sales tax, 4% Mackinac Island assessment, 19.5% resort fee, and a $16.00 per person, per stay, baggage-handling charge. Regular children’s rates apply. Extra charges apply for additional adults over double occupancy rates. Dates are subject to availability, 30-day cancellation policy applies.

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Grand Hotel On Facebook

Below are the latest postings from the Grand Hotel Page On Facebook.

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Grand Hotel – Close the Grand for the Season – October 25 – 26, 2026

Available Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026 – Monday, Oct. 26, 2026

Something delightfully different and time-honored, this special experience invites you to join us as Grand Hotel closes its doors for the winter season.

The package includes a casual dinner on Sunday evening and breakfast on Monday morning. Enjoy a relaxed, informal atmosphere with casual attire from Sunday to Monday as we clear our pantries and wine cellar in preparation for the months ahead.

Resident Historian Bob Tagatz will share insights into the hotel’s closing traditions, along with stories and memorable moments from the 2025 season. On Monday morning, guests will take part in cherished traditions, including the ringing of the bell, bringing in the Front Porch rockers, and the Grand Legend Celebration honoring exemplary service. Guests will be invited to take home a piece of Grand Hotel with a geranium from the Front Porch.

Package Includes:

  • Grand Hotel accommodations 
  • Casual dinner on Sunday evening  
  • Breakfast on Monday
  • Final History Lecture of the season with Resident Historian Bob Tagatz 
  • Monday morning Closing Ceremony with ringing of the bell at 9:30 AM
  • Clearing of the Front Porch rocking chairs 
  • Geranium giveaway
  • 10:00 AM check out on Monday morning

The Close the Grand offer is also available by calling Grand Hotel Reservations at 1-800-334-7263.

View Grand Hotel Policies and Information >> to learn more about our evening dress code, luggage process, and more. 

*Subject to 6% Michigan sales tax, 4% Mackinac Island assessment, 19.5% resort fee, and a $16.00 per person, per stay, baggage-handling charge. Regular children’s rates apply. Extra charges apply for additional adults over double occupancy rates. Dates are subject to availability, 30-day cancellation policy applies.

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Grand Hotel – Close the Grand for the Season Photos on Facebook >>>

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Grand Hotel On Facebook

Below are the latest postings from the Grand Hotel Page On Facebook.

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Visit Grand Hotel Website >>>>

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Grand Hotel – Prepare The Grand – April 25 – May 1, 2025

Grand Hotel - Early Opening

Prepare the Grand, a First Look with Dorothy Draper & Company

We invite guests to experience Grand Hotel as it prepares to open for the 2025 season. The pre-opening rate offers guests a chance to enjoy the tranquility of Mackinac Island and a casual stay as the staff gets ready to officially open Grand Hotel for our 139th season. This year, be among the first to explore the stunning restorations of the Parlor, Main Dining Room, and Gate House. Enjoy exclusive guided tours, meet the designers from Dorothy Draper & Company, Sebastian Varney and Rudy Saunders to experience a sneak peek of the incredible transformations.

Prepare the Grand guests also have exclusive access to explore a variety of guest rooms as they are prepared for the upcoming season, each showcasing its own unique design. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness the unveiling of our beautiful restorations and everything that makes springtime on Mackinac Island so magical!

Please note: This unique Grand Hotel package provides accommodations only. We will have limited services and amenities during this time, as the staff finishes preparation for the 2025 season. Casual attire is permitted at all times. Grand Coffee & Provisions will be open daily, and a Continental Breakfast Buffet will be available in the Main Dining Room for purchase. The restored Gate House a short walk from Grand Hotel will also be open for Lunch and Dinner. 

Please call Grand Hotel Reservations at 1-800-334-7263 for specifics regarding the limited services available during this time.

Package Includes:

  • Grand Hotel accommodations (up to 4 people per room)
  • Casual attire is permitted at all times

Prepare the Grand reservations can also be booked by calling Grand Hotel Reservations at 1-800-334-7263.

View Grand Hotel Policies and Information >>  to learn more about our luggage process, and more.

View the Tentative Agenda below. Please note that the events, times and locations listed in the Tentative Agenda are subject to change.

*Subject to 6% Michigan sales tax, 3% Mackinac Island assessment, 19.5% resort fee, and a $15.00 per person, per stay, baggage-handling charge. Regular children’s rates apply. Extra charges apply for additional adults over double occupancy rates. Dates are subject to availability, 30-day cancellation policy applies.

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Grand Hotel On Facebook

Below are the latest postings from the Grand Hotel Page On Facebook.

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Visit Grand Hotel Website >>>>

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Grand Hotel Opening Weekend – May 2 – 4, 2025

Grand Hotel Opening Weekend

Grand Hotel Opening Weekend, a First Look with Dorothy Draper & Company

For familiar traditions and something all new, join us in the festivities of Grand Hotel Opening Weekend.  Be the first to experience our exciting restorations of the Parlor, Main Dining Room and an update on the Facade! Take exclusive guided tours, meet the designers Sebastian Varney and Rudy Sauders from Dorothy Draper & Company, and get an insider’s look at the latest transformations. Don’t miss this rare chance to experience the reveal of our exciting restorations and all that beautifully unfolds in the springtime on Mackinac Island!

Enjoy elegant meals in our Main Dining Room, explore over 70 miles of bike trails, play lawn games in our Tea Garden (and find our Secret Garden as it begins to bloom), listen to our Resident Historian’s first lecture of the year, and experience all we have to offer as we kick off our 139th season! Highlights include:

Friday, May 2, 2025

Opening Ceremony and Champagne Toast

Saturday, May 3, 2025

Grand Opening with Toast

Front Porch Restoration Project Tour with Dorthy Draper & Company designers and architects from HopkinsBurns

Opening of The Jockey Club & Kentucky Derby Celebration – Champagne Toast for winner

Evening Cocktail Reception

Package Includes:

  • Grand Hotel accommodations
  • Breakfast and dinner daily
  • All resort amenities
  • Afternoon History Lecture
  • Friday Opening Ceremony with champagne toast
  • Friday evening Season Opening reception and celebration
  • Saturday Evening Cocktail Reception
  • Annual Kentucky Derby Party in the Terrace Room

The Grand Hotel Opening Weekend package can also be booked by calling Grand Hotel reservations at 1-800-334-7263.

View Grand Hotel Policies and Information >> to learn more about our evening dress code, luggage process, and more.  

View the Tentative Agenda below. Please note that the events, times and locations listed in the Tentative Agenda are subject to change.

*Subject to 6% Michigan sales tax, 3% Mackinac Island assessment, 19.5% resort fee, and a $15.00 per person, per stay, baggage-handling charge. Regular children’s rates apply. Extra charges apply for additional adults over double occupancy rates. Dates are subject to availability, 30-day cancellation policy applies.

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Visit Grand Hotel Website >>>>

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Grand Hotel On Facebook

Below are the latest postings from the Grand Hotel Page On Facebook.

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Visit Grand Hotel Website >>>>

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Grand Hotel – Spring Murder Mystery Weekend – May 2 – 4, 2025

Spring Murder Mystery Weekend

Consider yourself warned: Not everything is how it seems at Grand Hotel during the Spring Murder Mystery Weekend. Immerse yourself in a mystery at Grand Hotel that can only be solved by you and your team.

It’s springtime in the 1960s, and you’re part of an exclusive, underground betting ring gathering for the Kentucky Derby. It’s a gas, until a murder threatens to bring an end to the festivities – and the riches. You and your team will need to put your heads together to find the killer and get this event back on track, or you’ll get zilch! In the high-stakes world of illegal gambling, deceit and betrayal are around every turn. Hang tough and track down this conniving suspect to take your place in the Winner’s Circle!

Package Includes:

  • Grand Hotel accommodations
  • Breakfast and dinner daily
  • All resort amenities
  • Friday Welcome Reception
  • Friday after dinner event
  • Saturday morning and afternoon investigation sessions
  • Sunday morning “Who Done It” closing session

This Murder Mystery Weekend package is also available to book by calling Grand Hotel Reservations at 1-800-334-7263.

View Grand Hotel Policies and Information >> to learn more about our evening dress code, luggage process, and more. 

View the Tentative Agenda below. Please note that the events, times and locations listed in the Tentative Agenda are subject to change.

About the Murder Mystery Weekend

This invite comes from somebody with murder on their mind. Your invitation promises plenty of excitement and intrigue. However, beyond the glitz and glamor of this event lies something more sinister.

You and your party play the detective in this interactive game of mystery and murder behind the closed doors of Grand Hotel. Investigate the scene of the crime, interrogate suspects, and solve a murder. This one-of-a-kind event promises to be nothing short of a “Grand” ol’ time.

Upon check-in, receive your first packet of information and clues. Friday is the kick-off performance, which sets the tone of events and when the first murder takes place. On Saturday, there is a brief gathering with the Detective, who explains the hunt for clues. (This also allows you some time on your own to enjoy the beauty of Mackinac Island and Grand Hotel.)

Come back on Saturday afternoon, when Act II is performed and another murder takes place. The evening concludes with three interactive mysteries, where guests in different groups will be rotated into the mystery experiences. Sunday morning the mystery is solved!

Watch “Grand Hotel Presents The Murder Mystery Company” Video

*Subject to 6% Michigan sales tax, 3% Mackinac Island assessment, 19.5% resort fee, and a $15.00 per person, per stay, baggage-handling charge. Regular children’s rates apply. Extra charges apply for additional adults over double occupancy rates. Dates are subject to availability, 30-day cancellation policy applies.

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Visit Grand Hotel Website >>>>

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Visit Grand Hotel Website >>>>

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