The Mackinac Blog – Page 5 : The Mackinac Blog

Downtown Mackinac Island Lodging

JUST A REMINDER: One of the best ways to get the most of your Mackinac Island trip is to spend the night downtown in a charming hotel or cozy Bed and Breakfast. Here’s a photo album of some of our downtown lodging sponsors who will help you spend the night in the heart of Mackinac Island.

Downtown Mackinac Island Lodging – Photo Gallery (Click on photos for captions & slideshow view)

Located at the end of Main Street, Hotel Iroquois on the Beach pampers guests in style and elegance with forty-six suites and rooms. Named by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the “Best Small Hotels in the World” for three consecutive years.

A stay at the Chippewa Hotel Waterfront - Mackinac Island, Michigan puts you right in the middle of all the charms of Mackinac Island. Watch the ferries arrive and the freighters pass by from the balcony of your Harbor View Suite.

With thirty-nine uniquely appointed suites, the Lilac Tree Suites and Spa 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.

Main Street Inn and Suites - located in the heart of downtown Mackinac Island - offers 18 rooms and suites with comfortable and elegant furnishings and all the amenities to make your trip to Mackinac Island a vacation to remember. Choose from an assortment of guest rooms and suites. Grab one of the suites with a private balcony and - from your perch above Main Street - you can keep track of all the comings and goings in Downtown Mackinac Island.

A small lovely boutique country inn, the Metivier Inn: Bed & Breakfast on Mackinac Island, Michigan 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.

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 away. Featuring a large front porch for enjoying breakfast or just relaxing while taking in the clip clop of horse & buggies passing by. Deluxe rooms and suites with all of the modern amenities.

Cloghaun Bed & Breakfast is one of the oldest Victorian homes on the Island. Thomas and Bridget Donnelly left Ireland in 1848, and completed Cloghaun in 1884. This lovely home has been preserved by their descendants and now offers guests a tranquil, romantic interlude from the demands of everyday life. Eleven guest rooms individually designed and decorated with antiques from the late 1800’s evoke a feeling of casual elegance.

Pontiac Lodge is an intimate, boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Mackinac Island.

The Pontiac Lodge has 11 distinct rooms, most with wet bars, private baths with showers and some with Jacuzzi tubs.

One of the best ways to get the most of your Mackinac Island trip is to spend the night downtown in a charming hotel or cozy Bed and Breakfast. Here's a map of some of our downtown lodging sponsors who will help you spend the night in the heart of Mackinac Island. - http://www.mackinacisland.net/downtown-lodging/

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Mackinac Island Lodging – Featured Downtown Hotels

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...

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...

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...

Pontiac Lodge
Pontiac Lodge is an intimate, boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Mackinac Island. The Pontiac Lodge has 11 distinct rooms, most with wet bars, private baths with showers and some with Jacuzzi tubs. more...

Mackinac Island Lodging – Featured Downtown Bed and Breakfast Inns

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...

Mission Point Resort Dining – Photos

Mission Point Resort features five unique restaurants and eateries, including Chianti (Temporarily closed for the 2019 season), Round Island Bar & Grill, Bistro on the Greens, Reserve, Boxwood Coffeeshop & Cafe. Here’s our photo album to give you a glimpse of the wide-ranging dining options at Mission Point Resort.

Mission Point Resort Dining – Photo Gallery (Click on photos for captions & slideshow view)

Chianti - Traditional, house-made Italian pastas, sauces and fare are hallmarks of Chianti. Begin the evening with a cocktail in the Library then savor the lovingly prepared cuisine al fresco on the lake view porch accompanied by live piano entertainment.

Round Island Bar & Grill - The Round Island Bar & Grill is a family-friendly culinary hub featuring all-day dining, signature drinks from our cocktail garden and indoor and outdoor seating. Round Island Bar & Grill is a true Mackinac Island experience. Made to order omelets are featured on the breakfast buffet daily; burgers, sandwiches, salads and more can be enjoyed throughout the day.

Bistro on the Greens - Bistro on the Greens pairs great summer bistro dishes with extraordinary views. Overlooking the Greens of Mackinac, our picturesque 18-hole putting course, this popular spot features outdoor seating. We've added something truly special to our alfresco dining at Bistro on the Greens, a lounge area overlooking the straits complete with fire pits.

Reserve - Enjoy Champagne, chocolate and sweet treats at Reserve, Wine Bar. The newest addition to the Mission Point dining experience, Reserve features a wide selection of wines from the world's premier wine-growing regions, as well as thoughtfully curated charcuterie boards and artisan cheeses.

Boxwood Coffeeshop & Cafe - Enjoy artfully crafted lattes made with Lavazza coffee and our made-from-scratch croissants or lemon bars. You will also find grab-and-go foods, Mission Point wines, and pasta sauces. Enjoy the views and take a moment to check your email using our free Wi-Fi.

Breakfast with a view at Round Island Bar & Grill.

Bar seating at Round Island Bar & Grill.

Patio seating at Round Island Bar & Grill.

Chianti - Seared Whitefish - Tuscan Herb Crusted - Lemon Risotto - Seared Kale - Puttanesca Sauce

Chianti - Butternut Squash Bisque - Toasted Pumpkin Seed

Chianti - Sautéed scallops with a roasted tomato risotto and grilled asparagus, anyone? Indulge tonight in Chianti! Don't forget the glass of wine.

Bistro on the Greens offers lakefront dining and gorgeous views of the Straits.

House-made burgers are the #1 seller at Bistro on the Greens.

Grab-and-go breakfast options are available at Boxwood Coffeeshop & Cafe.

Mission Point Resort Dining Photos on Facebook >>>

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Mackinac Island Lilac Festival – June 5 – 14, 2026

Mackinac Island Lilac Festival

The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival is a 10-day celebration, June 5 through 14, 2026.

It’s the first and largest summer event on the Island, attracting thousands of visitors. Festivities for the 2026 Mackinac Island Lilac Festival include the coronation of the Lilac Festival Queen and Court, Lilac Festival 10K Run/Walk, horse drawn carriage tours, the Lilac Festival Grand Parade and much more.

More details to come! Be sure to check back with us!

Visit Mackinac Island Lilac Festival Website >>>>

While you wait for the 2026 Lilac Festival, here’s a view of some of the early summer flowers adding their color and beauty to the month of June on Mackinac Island.

Lilacs in bloom on Mackinac Island – Click photos for slideshow view.

RECAP OF ALL THE EVENTS AND FUN FROM THE 2021 LILAC FESTIVAL

Visit Mackinac Island Lilac Festival Website >>>>

Chastity Brown – Music In The Park – August 20, 2026

Come hear a rocking, rolling encyclopedia of roots music. FREE ADMISSION

Based in Minnesota with roots in Tennessee, Chastity Brown grew up immersed in country and soul. In the full gospel church of her childhood, she played saxophone and drums, discovered her voice, and found a lifelong passion for music.

From her first show in Knoxville, TN, to stages in Minneapolis and around the world, Chastity has built an impressive career—appearing on NPR’s Favorite Sessions, CMT, American Songwriter, Paste Magazine, and even the U.K.’s Later… with Jools Holland.

NPR Music calls her sound:

✨ “A work of brooding soul eloquence, alt-rock wiriness, atmospheric pop sweetening and folk-infected naturalness.”

🎤 Don’t miss the chance to experience this powerful and soulful artist live August 20, 2026

6:30pm, Marquette Park, Mackinac Island – Free

With a spectacular backdrop, our summer concert series takes place on the lawn of a National Historic Landmark, Marquette Park, which is at the foothills of Historic Fort Mackinac downtown across from the marina. Bring a picnic and tune in for some great live folk, rock, country, blues—the best of Americana. All concerts are free. We recommend bringing a blanket or lawn chairs for your comfort.

Music In The Park
EVERY THURSDAY 6:30pm
MARQUETTE PARK
Rain location: Mission Point Theater

Visit Mackinac Arts Council Website >>>>

Mackinac Arts Council On Facebook

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Mackinac Arts Council

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Mackinac’s Got Talent! Finale – Music In The Park – August 27, 2026

Don’t miss the unforgettable finale of this Island-wide talent showcase and award ceremony.

The grand finale of the Fifth annual Mackinac Island talent showcase, featuring island residents and employees from all over the world.

6:30pm, Marquette Park, Mackinac Island – Free

Music In The Park
EVERY THURSDAY 6:30pm
MARQUETTE PARK
Rain location: Mission Point Theater

Visit Mackinac Arts Council Website >>>>

Mackinac Arts Council On Facebook

Below are the latest postings from the Mackinac Arts Council Page On Facebook.

Mackinac Arts Council

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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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Grand Hotel On Facebook

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

Grand Hotel

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