The Mackinac Blog

Welcome To Mackinac Island!

A trip to Mackinac Island is a journey to the best part of the past. Step off the ferry and you are immersed in a new world: horse carriages wait for passengers instead of taxis and families ride bicycles – yes, mom, dad and the kids, all together – through the streets downtown.

Some visitors to Mackinac Island come for the elegant places to stay, such as Grand Hotel or the Hotel Iroquois. Others for the rich history of Fort Mackinac. Still others come to shop and to hear the clip clop of the horses and take a scenic carriage tour or ride bicycles to the interior and around the shoreline of the island. And almost everyone, of course, wanders into one of the many sweet-smelling candy shops downtown for a taste (or more) of creamy Mackinac Island Fudge

One of the best ways to visit Mackinac Island is to find a place to stay on the island and experience the entire day – from sunrise to sunset – and watch the lights come on in the evening. Our Interactive Lodging Map will help you find your favorite resort, hotel or historic inn, or bed & breakfast on Mackinac Island.
 
Mackinac Island News And Special Events

 

Mackinac Island Fudge Festival – October 2 – 4, 2025
[ October 2, 2025 to October 4, 2025. ] Calling all Fudgies!!! Experience the magic of autumn at the newly re-imagined Fall Fudge Festival on Mackinac Island, taking place October 2-4. This year's festival blends the island’s iconic fudge with fall-themed festivities sure to delight the biggest fall and fudge fanatics. Wander the charming streets lined with fall decor, enjoy scenic bike rides through vibrant foliage, [...] more...

Grand Hotel – Somewhere in Time Weekend – October 3 – 5, 2025
[ October 3, 2025 to October 5, 2025. ] Join us Friday, October 3 to Sunday, October 5, as we celebrate a trio of milestones: The 35th anniversary of our iconic Somewhere in Time Weekend, the 45th anniversary of the movie “Somewhere in Time” that was filmed at Grand Hotel, and the 50th anniversary of the novel the movie was based on, “Bid Time [...] more...

Mackinac Island Wedding Show – Mission Point Resort – October 5, 2025
[ October 5, 2025; 10:00 am to 11:00 am. ] Join us on Sunday, October 5 for the 2025 Mackinac Island Wedding Show at Mission Point Resort to discover what your dream wedding looks like! This popular wedding event is the perfect time to find everything you need to plan your special day at Mission Point! At the Mackinac Island Wedding Show, you, your fiancé and your [...] more...

Grand Hotel – Cork & Fork: A Celebration of Female Culinary Talent – October 10 -12, 2025
[ October 10, 2025 to October 13, 2025. ] Take a culinary adventure by experiencing Cork & Fork: A Celebration of Female Culinary Talent. A variety of guest chefs and our own Master Sommelier, Elizabeth Schweitzer, come together for a weekend of fine wine and dining, including an eight-course wine-paired tasting dinner. This year we will create a Love Letter to the Midwest, inviting chefs from [...] more...

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Mackinac Island Photo Albums

Mackinac Island Lilacs – Photos
The 2021 Mackinac Island Lilac Festival kicks off on Friday, June 4, 2021 and continues through Sunday (June 13, 2021)… To celebrate the lovely lilacs of Mackinac Island here is a collection of our favorite photos from previous years. Mackinac Island Lilacs – Photo Gallery (Click on photos for captions & slideshow view)   Comments Box SVG iconsUsed [...] more...

Chicago Yacht Club – Race to Mackinac – Photos
With 240 entrants, the Chicago Yacht Club’s Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust (CYCRTM) promises once again to be a spectacle worth taking in, as it returns to Lake Michigan and Lake Huron this week. Cruising and Performance Racing Divisions start the race at Chicago’s Navy Pier on Friday (July 16) and Saturday (July 17), [...] more...

TOP FIVE Reasons to Visit The Pink Pony – Photos
The Fourth of July is this coming weekend. And to help kick off the mid-summer vibe on Mackinac Island here’s our photo album of the TOP FIVE REASONS to visit the Pink Pony. If you’ve been to Mackinac Island, there is a very good chance you’ve stopped by the Pink Pony. Perhaps someone said, “Meet me [...] more...

Grand Hotel – Photos
Grand Hotel officially opens tomorrow (Friday, May 3, 2019) for its 133rd season! To celebrate the 2019 spring and summer season on Mackinac Island, here are some of our favorite photos of Grand Hotel from previous years. (Feel free to post your own favorite Grand Hotel photo in the comments below.) Grand Hotel – Photo Gallery [...] more...

Hotel Iroquois – Photos
Summer has officially arrived on Mackinac Island and the Hotel Iroquois is now open and welcoming guests for the 2019 season. The winner of Condé Nast Traveler’s “Best Small Hotel in the World” for three consecutive years, the Hotel Iroquois is known for its beautiful guest rooms and suites with stunning views of the Straits [...] more...

Mission Point Resort – Photos
Over the winter Mission Point Resort completed renovations of 133 guest rooms in the Straits Lodge – all part of a multi-year $10 million update of the resort. (Rooms and suites in the Main Lodge were renovated in 2018.) Here’s a photo album of some of the lodging renovations during the last couple of years [...] more...

Chippewa Hotel – Photos
The month of June is a day away. To help you plan your Mackinac Island summer vacation, here is our latest photo album containing some of our favorite photos of the Chippewa Hotel and Pink Pony Bar & Grill, located at the eastern end of downtown Mackinac Island. Chippewa Hotel – Photo Gallery (Click on photos [...] more...

Lilac Tree Suites – Photos
Our latest lodging photo album features Lilac Tree Suites, located in the heart of downtown Mackinac Island. The Lilac Tree offers the quintessential Mackinac Island experience, with street-side suites with cozy bedrooms, spacious living rooms and breezy balconies overlooking all of the charms of downtown Mackinac Island. Lilac Tree Suites – Photo Gallery (Click on photos [...] more...

 
Mackinac Island Featured Lodging
 

Grand Hotel
Grand Hotel is situated on the southwestern bluff of Mackinac Island overlooking the Straits of Mackinac and – in the distance – the Mackinac Bridge. From the front porch – the world’s largest at 660 feet – guests can look down at the well-kept gardens and relax and enjoy the ambiance of “somewhere in [...] more...

Hotel Iroquois
Located on the waterfront at the western edge of town, the Hotel Iroquois is convenient to all the main-street attractions of Mackinac Island, yet far enough away to offer guests a bit of privacy from the downtown bustle. Stunning views of the Straits of Mackinac and the Mackinac Bridge are the hallmark of a stay [...] more...

Mission Point Resort
Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island transcends time. The moment you step off the ferry, there’s an instant sense of nostalgia – where no cars or worries are allowed. Just as you notice the glistening waters steadfast to the horizon, you’re warmly greeted by staff who welcome all to experience the tranquility of Mackinac Island. For [...] more...

Chippewa Hotel Waterfront
A stay at the Chippewa Hotel puts you right in the middle of all the charms of Mackinac Island. Choose a main street room and wake up to the clip-clop of the horse carriages passing along the street below. Stay in a Harbor View waterfront room or suite and enjoy the views of the harbor [...] more...

Lilac Tree Suites
With thirty-nine uniquely appointed suites, Lilac Tree Suites reflects the French, English and American heritage of Mackinac Island. Each spacious suite has a living room and a separate sleeping room. No two suites are alike. The unique decor is accented with variations of wood, wicker and iron. Traditional antiques and modern fixtures combine to create an [...] more...

Main Street Inn and Suites
Step back in time with an overnight stay on beautiful and historic Mackinac Island. Our well-appointed 18 rooms and suites provide comfortable elegance, perfect for honeymoon couples to large families. We offer affordable accommodations with many outstanding amenities, including a communal sitting room with pool table, cable television, and games. Our nightly turndown service includes a fudge [...] more...

The Inn at Stonecliffe
Renovations started in late 2021 and go through the 2022 season The Inn at Stonecliffe is undergoing exciting renovations. We will provide limited services during the 2022 season such as bicycle rentals etc. We are not taking hotel room or private event reservations currently. We would like to thank you for being a part of our [...] more...

Harbour View Inn
Immerse yourself in the ​historic​ charm that has made Mackinac Island famous when you stay at the Harbour View Inn – a hotel with a fascinating history of its own. Located only a short walk from the best attractions on Michigan’s Mackinac Island, yet away from the bustling traffic of downtown, this relaxing hotel complex offers the perfect romantic retreat. more...

Island House Hotel
Guests choose Island House Hotel for the gorgeous waterfront views & ideal location to downtown. Long-time family stewards continue to add contemporary conveniences while preserving the historic ambiance of this award-winning state landmark. Amenities include casual and fine dining, a heated indoor pool, indoor/outdoor hot tubs, bicycle rental, and freshly decorated air-conditioned guest rooms with [...] more...

Lake View Hotel
A lot of people will mention the wide white porch while others will tell you first about the swimming pool in the center of the hotel that is enclosed within a four-story atrium. We like that this hotel is directly across from the ferry docks, and in the midst of the bustling activity of Main [...] more...

Metivier Inn
A small lovely boutique country inn, the Metivier Inn offers 22 charming guest rooms for your stay on Mackinac Island, each including air conditioning and private baths. The rooms are uniquely and tastefully decorated in a blend of English and French country style. Most of our rooms are ideal for couples or solo travelers, as [...] more...

Cottage Inn of Mackinac Island
Winter Lodging: Current Availability for December 2-3, December 8-10, December 15-17 and December 26-29, 2023 (Check website for latest winter availability.) Located on quiet Market Street, the Cottage Inn is just one block from the downtown area. Ferry Docks, Mackinac Island State Parks, historic Fort Mackinac and the Mackinac Island Marina are only a short stroll [...] more...

The Mackinac House
Mackinac Island has been charming visitors for decades with its beautiful landscape, history, shopping and sightseeing. The Mackinac House encompasses all the charm the island offers and is located steps away from it all. Mackinac House room types include: Deluxe Queen, Balcony Rooms, Tower Suite, Fort Suite and Lower Level Suite. Rates starting at $165 Our rooms [...] more...

Pine Cottage Bed & Breakfast
Pine Cottage Bed and Breakfast is one of Mackinac Island’s treasured hideaways, quietly tucked along Bogan Lane just steps away from Main Street, Lake Huron, nature trails, downtown shopping, dining, attractions, and nightlife. The unique Victorian farmhouse décor and design of each room with rustic hardwood floors lend itself to the quaint cottage’s much-beloved country character. [...] more...

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Grand Hotel – August Grand Princess and Superhero Package – August 15 – 17, 2023

August Grand Princess and Superhero Package

Arrive Tuesday, August 15 • Depart Thursday, August 17, 2023

Description

For the fun of it, for the escape of it: Join the magic of the Annual Grand Princess and Superhero Package at America’s Summer Place. Your own princess or superhero will have a Grand time dressing up as their favorite princess or superhero for two days filled with fun activities and entertainment.

Featured characters may include: Anna, Elsa, Rapunzel, Belle, Ariel, Tiana, Black Widow, Wonder Woman, Spider-Man, and Batman

Package Includes:

  • Grand Hotel Accommodations
  • Breakfast and dinner daily
  • All resort amenities
  • Royal Welcome Reception with Princesses and Superhero’s
  • Sing-a-long and bedtime stories in the Theatre
  • Superhero Training in the Tea Garden
  • Afternoon Tea with the Princesses
  • Not-So-Quite-Midnight Ball
  • Grand Princess and Superhero Graduation
  • Complimentary admission to the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum
  • Special discount on ferry tickets

This special Michigan family vacation package can also be booked by calling Grand Hotel Reservations at 1-800-334-7263.

This event is perfect for all ages but recommended for children 3 – 10. Children are encouraged to attend all the events, as there will be surprise character appearances at the events and around the hotel; however, please know activities and dressing up is optional. Parent supervision is required at all events, and refreshments are provided for parents at Afternoon Tea and the other events to make your time just as enjoyable!

Princess and Superhero programs are provided by The Princess Party Company and The Superhero Experience.

Watch Grand Princess & Superhero Video Highlights

Read how “Tiny princesses, superheroes get royal treatment at Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel”

View Grand Hotel Policies and Information >>

*Subject to Michigan 6% sales tax, 3% Mackinac Island assessment, and a $12.00 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. A 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 – Explore Mackinac – August 18 – 20, 2023

Grand Hotel - Explore Mackinac

Arrive Friday, August 18 • Depart Sunday, August 20, 2023

Description

This summer, escape from same-old normal life and explore Michigan’s jewel, Mackinac Island. Experience the over 70 miles of natural and paved trails on one of our Grand Hotel bikes. Top off your weekend with a walk into our local history with complimentary admission to Fort Mackinac.

Package Includes:

  • Grand Hotel Accommodations
  • Breakfast and dinner daily
  • Island hiking and biking maps
  • $40 credit to Grand Coffee & Provisions (credit is per room, per stay)
  • Saturday Grand Hotel Garden and Greenhouse Tour
  • Saturday Horse Culture of Mackinac Tour with Hotel Historian Bob Tagatz*
  • Sunday morning hike to Arch Rock
  • Complimentary Admission to Fort Mackinac
  • Complimentary Admission to the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum
  • Special discount on ferry tickets

The Explore Mackinac weekend can also be booked by calling Grand Hotel Reservations at 1-800-334-7263.

This one-of-a-kind package is perfect for the avid explorer or anyone looking to embrace the beauty of Mackinac Island.

View Grand Hotel Policies and Information >>

*Subject to Michigan 6% sales tax, 3% Mackinac Island assessment, and a $12.00 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. A 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 – Wellness Weekend Retreat – September 8 -10, 2023

Wellness Weekend Retreat

Arrive Friday, September 8 • Depart Sunday, September 10, 20223

Description

Experience something new by slowing down. This Wellness Weekend Retreat at Grand Hotel will help you recharge, be present and learn how to experience a more meaningful life. There is no better place to disconnect to reconnect than Mackinac Island.

Friday

Opening Circle + Laughter Yoga

Gentle Yoga + Sound Bath

Saturday
Morning Yoga + Meditation

Koshas + The Higher Self

Art Therapy

Ayurvedic Massage + Restorative Yoga

Yoga Nidra + Sound Bath

Sunday
Morning Yoga

Closing Circle

Package Includes:

  • Grand Hotel Accommodations
  • Breakfast and dinner daily
  • Special welcome amenity
  • Wellness activities throughout the weekend including yoga sessions, art therapy and more
  • Complimentary admission to the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum
  • Special discount on ferry tickets

This Wellness Retreat Weekend can also be booked by calling Grand Hotel Reservations at 1-800-334-7263.

View Grand Hotel Policies and Information >>

Ego Vs. Love (Higher Self) Lecture – includes self-affirmations to use for when the ego feels triggered. Handouts attached.

Self-Care with Ayurveda – Ayurveda is the sister science to yoga. It is the oldest medical system on the planet. This lecture includes a quiz for students to understand their Ayurvedic dosha and information on keeping their dosic constitution balanced. I include the practice of Abhyanga, a self-massage technique using herbal oils that are specific to the participant’s dosha. This can be followed by restorative yoga, which is very slow, meditative, and nourishing.

Laughter Yoga – the practice of pure joy and playfulness. This is great for group bonding at an opening circle. It opens hearts, minds, and lifts spirits. Awesome ice breaker.

Koshas – the five layers of the human experience and how to practice self-care for every part of your being. I believe that this is information every person should have to understand themselves better. Ancient wisdom for our modern lives.

Yoga Nidra – Also known as yogic sleep this is a guided meditation designed specifically to calm the nervous system and create deep nourishing rest. Good for the last part of the day, can be combined with sound healing.

Sound Bath – Euphoric and transformational just begin to describe this opportunity to release that which no longer serves our highest and greatest good. Participants enjoy the sounds of antique Tibetan singing bowls, alchemy quartz crystal singing bowls, koshi chimes and symphonic gongs. These healing vibrations will touch every cell of the physical body while balancing our energetic, spiritual, and emotional selves.

Art Therapy – Using the right side of our brain is important. It’s the part of the brain that remembers we are connected to everyone and everything. It’s often a place where people feel challenged and have little breakthroughs. We tend to lose touch with our creative side as we age.

*Subject to Michigan 6% sales tax, 3% Mackinac Island assessment, and a $12.00 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. A 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 – Welcome Fall Package – September 15 -17, 2023

Grand Hotel - Welcome Fall Package

Arrive Friday, September 15 • Depart Sunday, September 17, 2023

Description

Kids, bring your parents to Grand Hotel this fall for a weekend full of activities for young-at-age and young-at-heart. Enjoy breakfast and dinner daily and a tour of the Grand Hotel Stables. Be sure to take advantage of our bike rental discounts to explore the beautiful fall foliage of Mackinac Island!

Package Includes:

  • Accommodations
  • Breakfast and dinner daily
  • Saturday Stable Tour
  • Discount on Bike Rentals (based on availability)
  • Saturday History Lecture with Bob Tagatz
  • Complimentary Lawn Games and Recreation Courts
  • Complimentary admission to the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum
  • Special discount on ferry tickets

The Welcome Fall package can also be booked by calling Grand Hotel Reservations at 1-800-334-7263.

View Grand Hotel Policies and Information >>

*Subject to Michigan 6% sales tax, 3% Mackinac Island assessment, and a $12.00 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. A 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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Mackinac Island’s Halloween Weekend – October 27 – 29, 2023

Mackinac Island’s Halloween Weekend

Halloween comes earlier on Mackinac Island – the weekend of October 27-29! This weekend typically marks the last big weekend before most island businesses close for the season. Celebrate Halloween with the Great Turtle Trail Run, trick-or-treating for kids through downtown shops, and Halloween costume parties for adults throughout island establishments in the evening.

Friday, October 27th

6:30 – 10:00 pm: Haunted Trail and Maze at Grand Hotel, starts at Woodlands Nature Center. $5 for non-hotel guests, proceeds go to Give Kids the World.

Saturday, October 28th

10:30 am: Great Turtle Trail Run – 5.7 mile Run/Walk begins

10:45 am: Great Turtle Trail Run – Half Marathon begins

3:00 – 4:30 pm: Trick-or-treating through downtown shops

6:30 – 10:00 pm: Haunted Trail and Maze at Grand Hotel, starts at Woodlands Nature Center. $5 for non-hotel guests, proceeds go to Give Kids the World.

9:00 pm: Costume Parties throughout downtown establishments (21 & older)

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Visit Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau Website >>>>

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