The Mackinac Blog

Grand Hotel – Memorial Day Weekend Package – May 22 – 25, 2026

Grand Hotel - Memorial Day Weekend Package

Available Friday, May 22, 2026 -Monday, May 25, 2026

Start your summer with a Memorial Day Weekend getaway to Grand Hotel, where timeless tradition meets a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. As we approach America’s 250th anniversary and Grand Hotel’s 140th season, there’s no better place to immerse yourself in history, heritage, and the spirit of summer on Mackinac Island.

This three-night package includes accommodations, daily dining, and all summer holiday festivities, including a Friday night Family Game Night, a chance to meet the Grand Hotel horses from Grand Hotel’s iconic Front Porch, a Sunday Ice Cream Social, and more! Be one of the first to enjoy a refreshing dip in the Esther Williams Swimming Pool and take time to enjoy Grand Hotel amenities, including access to the Secret Garden, Afternoon Tea in the Parlor, and nightly live musical entertainment.

Memorial Day weekend at Grand Hotel is more than an escape. It’s the perfect start to a once-in-a-lifetime 2026 season, honoring generations, tradition, and the enduring spirit of America.

Package Includes:

  • Grand Hotel accommodations 
  • Breakfast and dinner daily 
  • All resort amenities  
  • Friday afternoon 2026 Esther Williams Swimming Pool Opening Ceremony 
  • Friday night Family Game Night Bingo in the Terrace Room 
  • Saturday morning History Lecture with Resident Historian Bob Tagatz 
  • Saturday Duck Races at the Esther Williams Swimming Pool 
  • Saturday Meet the Horses of Grand Hotel 
  • Sunday afternoon Ice Cream Social
  • Admission to The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum

Memorial Day Weekend reservations are 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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Visit Grand Hotel Website >>>>

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Grand Hotel Lilac Festival Week Package – June 5 – 15, 2026

Grand Hotel Lilac Festival Package

Friday, June 5, 2026 – Monday, June 15, 2026

Experience Mackinac Island at its most magical during the annual Mackinac Island Lilac Festival, a ten-day celebration bursting with color, fragrance, and island charm. Since 1948, this cherished tradition has honored the island’s world-famous lilacs, some dating back more than 200 years, with events that capture the spirit of summer and the beauty of nature in full bloom. Stroll through streets lined with fragrant blossoms, enjoy lively parades and concerts, and take in lilac-themed art exhibits, garden tours, and horse-drawn carriage rides beneath canopies of purple and white. From family-friendly fun to elegant island traditions, the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival is a joyful celebration of history, community, and the timeless beauty that makes Mackinac Island unforgettable.

Package Includes:

  • Grand Hotel accommodations
  • Breakfast and dinner daily
  • All resort amenities
  • Grand Hotel Garden Tours daily, excludes Sundays
  • Morning tour with Resident Historian Bob Tagatz on June 9th
  • Lilac Festival Grand Parade on Sunday, June 14th
  • Admission to the Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum

This Lilac Festival 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 – Old Fashioned Mackinac Fourth of July Celebration – July 2 – 6, 2026

Grand Hotel - Old Fashioned Mackinac Fourth of July Celebration

Available Thursday, July 2, 2026 – Monday, July 6, 2026

In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, we invite you to Grand Hotel for a Fourth of July celebration unlike any other! This year’s celebration promises endless fun for the entire family, from lively poolside parties and kid-friendly movies to festive cookouts and a spectacular fireworks display over the Straits of Mackinac. Special touches like themed receptions and ice cream socials will make this milestone celebration one you’ll treasure for years to come.

This four-night experience includes two adults and one child (ages 6–12) and includes accommodations, dining, and all holiday festivities plus 40% savings on select package nights.

Package Includes:

  • Grand Hotel accommodations
  • Breakfast and dinner daily with a casual family dining option
  • All resort amenities
  • Two-Day Children’s Carnival
  • July 2nd, 3rd, and 5th – Glow sticks and evening family movies at the Esther Williams Swimming Pool
  • July 2nd and 5th – Pool Party with DJ
  • Thursday, July 2nd Evening Reception
  • Friday, July 3rd casual BBQ luncheon
  • Friday, July 3rd Seersucker-themed Evening Reception
  • Saturday, July 4th Ice Cream Social
  • Saturday, July 4th Grand Fireworks Display
  • Complimentary admission to the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum

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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Mackinac Island Stone Skipping Tournament – July 4, 2026

The annual 4th of July tournament on Mackinac Island is sure to be another crowd pleaser.

Everyone is eligible to compete in the tournament. The more the merrier.

The tournament is open to all ages and always occurs at Windermere Pointe Beach (Located next to Hotel Iroquois) every year at 10:00 am on the 4th of July. Professional skippers compete at high noon, often skipping 20+ skips.

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Schedule:

09:30am: Registration & check-in begins

10:00am: Gerplunkers, Pebbles and Open divisions

11:00am: Check-in closes

11:30am: Amateur Award Ceremony

12:00pm: Professional Tournament Begins

1:00pm: Professional Tournament Award Ceremony

All are welcome to participate in some family fun. No one is too young or too old to compete.

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50th Annual Stone Skipping was great fun

The weather was perfect on Mackinac Island for the 5oth annual tournament open to all. Check out the final results on the 2018 Scorecard to see this years winners.

The Pro division was quite exciting with a tie for first place. Traditionally when there is a tie the win goes to the to skippers second best stone. This year Bugsy and Lefty tied for 19 as their best skip and tied again with 17 for their second best skip. After deliberating with the judges Acting High Commissioner Paul H. Toepp, III announced that the winner would be determined by a sudden death 1 stone skip off. The crowd audibly signed when Bugsy threw a 5 and wonder if Left would go for the easy win. Lefty wound up and through for a 20+ but ended up with a 10 to take this years pro title.

Read More

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Skips Stones For Fudge [OFFICIAL TRAILER] from Highway Goat Productions on Vimeo.

Photos and Video from the 2010 Stone Skipping Tournament

Former Guinness Book Record holder Russ “Rock Bottom” Byars won the 2010 Mackinac Island Stone Skipping Tournament with a throw of 30 skips. Second place went to Todd “Mussels” Callewaert with 26 skips & rounding out 3rd was Glenn “Hard Luck” Loy with a 22 skips. (Note: Video is the third round throw and is not the tournament winning 30 skip throw.)

Photos from the Mackinac Island Stone Skipping Tournament – July 4, 2010

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Grand Hotel – Summer Wine Appreciation Weekend – August 14 – 16, 2026

Available Friday, August 14, 2026 – Sunday, August 16, 2026

Join Grand Hotel’s Master Sommelier, Elizabeth Schweitzer and Oregon-based Et Fille Wines for an unforgettable weekend dedicated to the art of wine. Celebrate summer at America’s Summer Place with expertly curated wine tastings, exceptional cuisine, and immersive experiences designed for wine enthusiasts and curious learners alike.

From elegant receptions to wine-paired dinners, each moment is an invitation to deepen your appreciation of wine and enjoy the unmatched charm of Mackinac Island.

About Et Fille Wines

Et Fille Winery is a family-driven winery rooted in heritage, craftsmanship, and connection. Founded in 2003 by a father and daughter winemaking team, the name Et Fille meaning “and daughter” reflects both its origins and its enduring legacy. Today, the winery is led by second-generation winemaker Jessica, who creates elegantly complex wines inspired by her late father’s vision and the promise of future generations.

Et Fille crafts its wines from sustainably farmed vineyards in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, with a commitment to thoughtful winemaking that honors both the land and the people behind it. The winery is dedicated to sustainability, community engagement, and advancing diversity and equity within the wine industry.

About Elizabeth Schweitzer, Master Sommelier at Grand HotelThe eighth woman Sommelier in the world, Elizabeth enjoys sharing her vast knowledge every season with our guests during this special themed weekend. You can also find her in our Main Dining Room helping you choose the perfect wine with your meal.

Grand Hotel’s Salle à Manger was recently awarded an Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator for the third consecutive year. It recognizes Grand Hotel’s well-chosen assortment of quality wines that will satisfy discerning wine lovers. Learn More about Elizabeth Schweitzer.

Package Includes:

  • Grand Hotel accommodations
  • Breakfast and dinner daily
  • All resort amenities
  • Special Welcome Amenities from the participating winery and Grand Hotel
  • Friday Welcome Reception
  • Saturday afternoon Wine Tasting Lunch-a-Round
  • Special Saturday winery-sponsored reception
  • Saturday dinner with wine pairings
  • Admission to the Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum

The Summer Wine Appreciation 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.

*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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Visit Grand Hotel Website >>>>

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Visit Grand Hotel Website >>>>

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Grand Hotel – Distiller’s Weekend – August 28 – 30, 2026

Grand Hotel - Grand Prohibition & Distillers Weekend

Available Friday, August 28, 2026 – Sunday, August 30, 2026

Join us this fall at Grand Hotel for a memorable celebration of craft spirits. The Grand Distillers Weekend features Richard Anderson of Iron Fish Distillery, bringing his signature, regionally inspired spirits to Mackinac Island for an experience filled with flavor and tradition, and Dr. Blake Mayfield, Master Distiller from Maker’s Mark, a premium American bourbon whisky rooted in tradition and craftsmanship founded by Bill Samuels Sr.

The weekend begins with a Friday Welcome Reception on the iconic Front Porch, featuring themed cocktails. On Saturday afternoon, guests enjoy an interactive Lunch-a-Round, sampling spirits paired with curated tasting stations. Saturday evening continues with a four-course dinner, paired with a unique themed spirit or cocktail for a cohesive journey of flavor and craftsmanship.

The weekend concludes on Sunday with the option to attend the fourth-annual Spirits of Mackinac, a handcrafted cocktail and bartender celebration from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM at participating island venues. Join in the celebration of island mixology showcasing inventive cocktails from Mackinac Island’s finest bartenders. It’s the perfect finale to a weekend of rich flavors, warm company, and timeless Grand Hotel charm.

Package Includes:

  • Grand Hotel accommodations
  • Breakfast and dinner daily
  • All resort amenities
  • Welcome amenity
  • Friday evening Welcome Reception
  • Saturday afternoon Interactive Tasting Journey Lunch-a-Round
  • Saturday evening journey through four unique cocktails paired with a four-course dinner
  • Sunday Spirits of Mackinac event included from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

About Iron Fish Distilleries

Iron Fish Distillery is Michigan’s first farm distillery to grow its own grain, distill estate spirits, and barrel finish carefully sourced whiskey. Located within the Betsie River watershed, home of the Steelhead, the distillery sits on a restored 120 acre farm in rural Springdale Township in Manistee County that was once abandoned and is now reborn as a thriving agricultural destination.

As a MAEAP certified working farm and distillery, Iron Fish Distillery welcomes more than 100,000 guests each year. Every step of the soil to spirit process takes place on site, beginning in the fields where grain is grown and harvested, followed by milling, mashing, fermenting, distilling, and barrel aging. In addition to estate whiskies made from grain grown on the farm and nearby farms, Iron Fish Distillery sources select bourbons from around the world for barrel finishing. Today, the barrel library includes more than 2,400 barrels, representing a diverse collection of estate distilled and farm finished whiskies shaped by the land, water, and time.

About Maker’s Mark

Established in 1953, Maker’s Mark is a premium American bourbon whisky rooted in tradition and craftsmanship. Founded by Bill Samuels Sr., the brand was designed to stand apart through its smooth character and meticulous production process. Each bottle reflects a dedication to time-honored techniques, quality ingredients, and a philosophy that values flavor over volume.

The Grand Distillers 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.

*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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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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