The Mackinac Blog

Mackinac Island Fort2Fort Five Mile Challenge – May 9, 2026

Mackinac Island Fort2Fort Five Mile Challenge
The 2026 Fort2Fort Five Mile Challenge will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, beginning with the sound of the musket at 9:00 am. Runners and walkers will start inside Fort Mackinac, then through the Sally Port gate to the racecourse ahead. All proceeds help support the Mackinac Historic State Parks!

There will also be a Virtual Race, which can be run or walked anytime at participant’s convenience. All virtual times can be logged by the participant in a separate Virtual Race category (no awards).

The Fort2Fort Five Mile is part of the Mackinac Island Trio Series! Register and complete either the Fort2Fort Five Mile Challenge or the Lilac Festival 10K, plus both the Mackinac Island Eight Mile and Great Turtle Trail Run, and you will receive a special Mackinac Island Trio Series medal. This will be a separate medal from the other finisher’s medal and will be awarded following the Great Turtle Half Marathon. (Note, Virtual events count as participation in the Trio).

STARTING TIME

The start of both the 5 Mile Run and Walk will begin inside Fort Mackinac at 9:00 am with the sound of the musket firing. Runners and walkers will go through the Sally Port gates to the course ahead on Huron Road

Fort doors will be open and rest rooms available inside. Restrooms are also available outside at the Huron Road Pavilion.

LOCATION

The race will finish on the lawn behind and east of Fort Mackinac (next to start line).

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Zoo-de-Mackinac – May 16, 17 & 18, 2025

The Zoo-de-Mackinac is a weekend of huge parties with great bands, one of the most scenic bicycle rides in the country, a lot of sunshine, views of the mighty Mackinac Bridge, and one magical island.

This is Not a Race!

The Zoo-de-Mackinac is a collection of outdoor enthusiasts (2,500-4,000) who want to enjoy a little physical exercise together in one of the most beautiful areas in the state of Michigan. The bike ride starts Saturday morning at Boyne Highlands Resort and spans 51 miles along Lake Michigan on a paved road with very little automobile traffic. Riders pedal through rolling countryside and trillium covered forests, along sandy beaches, and are surrounded by breathtaking views of Lake Michigan from 400′ high bluffs. We stop approximately half way, at a unique place called the Legs Inn for a leisurely lunch and to swap stories. The ride continues on to Mackinaw City, where Star Line Ferry boats have been chartered for the ride over to Mackinac Island. Once on the magical island, check into your hotel and stroll into town to forget the aches and pains from the day’s ride. As the evening wears on, the island comes alive with The Gatehouse, Pink Pony, and Horns hosting post ride parties with incredible live bands!

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Zoo-De-Mackinac On Facebook

Below are the latest postings from the Zoo-De-Mackinac Page On Facebook.

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Zoo-De-Mackinac

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Visit the Zoo-De-Mackinac Facebook Page >>>

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Visit the Zoo-De-Mackinac Website >>>>

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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 – Spring Food & Wine Weekend – May 31 – June 2, 2024

For the fun and fancy of it, join us for Grand Hotel’s Spring Food & Wine Weekend! Experience incredible meals throughout the weekend and discover your love for food, wine, and travel with this special wine tasting and hotel package. On Saturday evening prepare yourself for an incredible pairing dinner, with a menu curated by our Grand Hotel Executive Chef. Each course is paired perfectly with a wine selection chosen by Elizabeth Schweitzer, Grand Hotel’s Master Sommelier.

Package Includes:

  • Grand Hotel accommodations
  • Welcome amenity
  • Breakfast and dinner daily
  • Friday evening welcome reception
  • Saturday wine tasting & cooking demonstration event
  • Saturday evening wine pairing dinner
  • Complimentary admission to the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum

Spring Food & Wine Weekend can also be booked by calling Grand Hotel Reservations at 1-800-334-7263.

Combine your love for travel with a dining experience you’ll never forget at America’s Summer Place.

View Grand Hotel Policies and Information >>

*Subject to Michigan 6% sales tax, 3% Mackinac Island assessment, 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. A 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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Lilac Festival Run & Walk – June 6, 2026

Lilac 10K Run & Walk

Join us on Saturday, June 6, 2026, to kick off the 78th Mackinac Island Lilac Festival with a great morning race to enjoy the early season beauty on the Island. The course will provide you with the tree-covered paved roads through the center of the Island, and tremendous lake views with the Mackinac Bridge on the horizon. This is certainly a race you don’t want to miss!

Lil’ Lilac Kid’s Race!

There will be a special event for young children starting at 11:45, at the school. Children will run on the lawn outside the school (either 150 or 300 yards, depending on age and ability), and receive a medal at the finish. Race registration includes a shirt.

Race Start and Distance!

Location

The Lilac Festival Run & Walk will start in front of Wyndamere Park on Main Street and finish in the Mackinac Island School yard. (The start is 5 Minutes from the school, so please allow enough time).

The Lil’ Lilac Kids Run will begin and end at the Mackinac Island Public School. Children will run either 150 or 300 yards on the lawn outside the school.

Starting Times

10K race start is 9:30 a.m.

Lil’ Lilac Kids Run start is 11:45 a.m.

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Grand Hotel – On the Case with Jane Seymour – June 10 – 13, 2024

Grand Hotel - On the Case with Jane Seymour

Embark on a Hollywood-style adventure with Jane Seymour at Grand Hotel where mystery, excitement, and intrigue await as you immerse yourself in the captivating world of her hit Acorn TV detective series, “Harry Wild” (watch the series trailer). The third season of the fan-favorite Irish mystery series will debut on Monday, May 13 on Acorn TV, with a co-premiere on AMC Networks’ linear platform, BBC America.

Package Includes:

  • Daily Breakfast and Dinner
  • Special Screenings of the hit Acorn TV series Harry Wild
  • Harry Wild Q & A sessions
  • Meet & Greet with Jane Seymour and surprises from Harry Wild cast & crew members
  • Autograph Session with Jane Seymour herself, take home a cherished memento and learn more about the Open Hearts Foundation
  • Harry Wild Mystery themed 1920’s Cocktail Reception
  • “Movies on Mackinac” lecture with Resident Historian Bob Tagatz

Join us at Grand Hotel for an unforgettable experience getting up close and personal with Jane Seymour. Get ready to walk the red carpet and uncover the mysteries that lie ahead, guided by the streamer that is home to an abundance of brilliant international detective series, dramas and thrillers, Acorn TV.

Learn more about the Open Hearts Foundation:

Co-Founded by Jane Seymour, the Open Hearts Foundation has been shoulder to shoulder with those experiencing adversity, providing many forms of support and inspiration. At the heart of the Foundation’s mission is the Open Hearts Philosophy that in times of great challenge, one must accept it and reach out to do what they can to help others. In doing this, they can find purpose and live with an open heart. The Foundation fulfills its mission and has a deep commitment to serve through its two programs: a grant making program and the Young Hearts Volunteerism program. The Foundation has provided more than $1.4 million to emerging charities throughout the United States in its grantmaking history and has engaged thousands of volunteers across the globe to do what they can to help and find their unique purpose. The Foundation is a small, public, 501(c)(3) foundation with an enormous mission, supported by creative, like-minded people working together for the greater good. Everyone is invited to join the Open Hearts movement! www.OpenHeartsFoundation.org

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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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