The Mackinac Blog

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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Visit Mackinac Island Stone Skipping Website >>>>

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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.

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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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Visit Mackinac Island Stone Skipping Website >>>>

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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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The Jewel Classic with Golf Pro Grant DeMoss – August 30 – 31, 2026

Grand Hotel - The Jewel Classic with Golf Pro Grant DeMoss

Available Sunday, August 30, 2026, to Monday, August 31, 2026

Come celebrate the 125th anniversary of The Jewel Golf Course at Grand Hotel. Golf Pro Grant DeMoss invites you to enjoy a one-of-a-kind golf experience featuring Michigan PGA Pro Ryan Lenahan. This package will include clinics, seminars, and activities for golfers of all skill levels and ages.

The Jewel Classic with Golf Pro Grant DeMoss invites you to enjoy a one-of-a-kind golf experience set against the breathtaking beauty of The Jewel, one of the most iconic courses in the Midwest.

Spend your days on the fairways with unlimited golf and partake in a spirited Monday morning Golf Scramble led by DeMoss. Tournament will be followed by an awards reception with special prizes for skills challenges and tournament winners.

Between rounds, savor Grand Hotel’s renowned hospitality with breakfast and dinner daily, relax with complimentary lawn games in the Tea Garden, or explore island culture with admission to the Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum. Evenings bring refined Grand Hotel traditions, including nightly entertainment and dancing in the Terrace Room.

This exclusive package blends exceptional golf, gracious dining, and classic Grand Hotel charm, creating the perfect setting for a golf getaway unlike any other.

Package Includes:

  • Grand Hotel accommodations 
  • Breakfast and dinner daily
  • All resort amenities  
  • Monday Short Game Seminar with Grant DeMoss at 9:00 AM
  • Monday 18-Hole Scramble at 11:00 AM
  • Boxed lunch for Monday Scramble
  • Monday Awards reception
  • Unlimited golf, golf carts included, clubs are not included
  • Prizes at The Jewel Pro Shop at the end of the tournament
  • Admission to the Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum

*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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Grand Hotel – Labor Day Weekend Experience – September 4 – 7, 2026

Grand Hotel's Labor Day Weekend

Available Friday, September 4, 2026 – Monday, September 7, 2026

Grand Hotel’s Labor Day Weekend Experience invites you to a dazzling celebration of summer’s final days filled with laughter and cherished family moments. Splash into fun at Saturday’s Pool Party at the iconic Esther Williams Swimming Pool, enjoy live music throughout the weekend at multiple Grand Hotel venues, take in a magical Drive-In Movie under the stars on The Jewel Golf Course, savor exquisite dinners at Grand Hotel’s Main Dining Room, and so many other family-friendly activities!

Package Includes:

  • Grand Hotel accommodations 
  • Breakfast and dinner daily
  • All resort amenities  
  • Friday Welcome Reception
  • Friday Glow Stick Movie Party at the Esther Williams Swimming Pool
  • Jam Sessions in The Parlor on Saturday & Sunday
  • Saturday Day Time Pool Party at the Esther Williams Swimming Pool with Bell’s Beer activations
  • Saturday reception
  • Morning history lectures and evening tours with Resident Historian Bob Tagatz on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday
  • Recreation activities
  • Saturday live music in the Lantern Lounge
  • Saturday Drive-In Movie on Grand Nine at The Jewel Golf Course
  • Sunday afternoon music at the Lantern Lounge
  • Live music at Afternoon Tea, Demitasse, the Cupola Bar, and Terrace Room with dancing
  • Two musical workshops with musicians
  • Admission to the Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum

The Labor Day 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.  

Jazz Up Your Labor Day Weekend

This Labor Day Weekend, Grand Hotel invites you to experience an extraordinary blend of timeless elegance and world-class music during its annual Labor Day Weekend Jazz Concert Series, Friday, September 4 through Sunday, September 6. Set against the stunning backdrop of Mackinac Island, this beloved tradition offers guests an unforgettable holiday escape. Grand Hotel guests and visitors can now purchase the bundle of three weekend performances Friday through Sunday by clicking here.

 

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For Grand Hotel Lodging Packages Click Here!

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Grand Hotel On Facebook

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

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For Grand Hotel Lodging Packages Click Here!

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Mackinac Island Halloween Celebrations – October 27, 2018

Get ready for another epic, fun-filled Halloween celebration this Saturday, October 27, 2018, on Mackinac Island. Enjoy all of the Halloween decorations throughout the island. Dress the kids up in their favorite costumes and take them downtown for trick-or-treating from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm on Saturday. And then put on your favorite costume for some adult Halloween fun Saturday night at the Pink Pony and other bars and restaurants on the island. Here are some photos from this Halloween and Halloweens Past to get you in the mood.

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Mackinac Island Halloween Celebrations – Photo Gallery (Click on photos for captions & slideshow view)

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Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons
That is one big BLACK CAT at the Metivier Inn: Bed &amp; Breakfast on Mackinac Island, Michigan
This Halloween witch dwells in the lobby of the Chippewa Hotel Waterfront - Mackinac Island, Michigan every October.
The guests who never leave.... (Photo via Main Street Inn and Suites)
Downtown Mackinac Island Trick or Treating (Photo via Main Street Inn and Suites)
Downtown Mackinac Island Trick or Treating (Photo via Caddywampus)
Downtown Mackinac Island Trick or Treating (Photo via Poppins)
Downtown Mackinac Island Trick or Treating (Photo via Caddywampus)
Downtown Mackinac Island Trick or Treating (Photo via Joann&#039;s Fudge of Mackinac Island)
Downtown Mackinac Island Trick or Treating (Photo via Joann&#039;s Fudge of Mackinac Island)
Downtown Mackinac Island Trick or Treating (Photo via Poppins)
Halloween decorations at the Cloghaun Bed &amp; Breakfast
Spiders taking over the outside of the Island House Hotel.
Spiders taking over the outside of the Island House Hotel
Three Blind Mice at the Pink Pony
Saturday night at the Pink Pony.
Don&#039;t forget to wear your best costume to the Pink Pony on Saturday night - 10:30PM &ndash; Judging begins for the COSTUME CONTEST. Winners will be announced at approximately 11:30. Cash prizes!!!
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Visit Mackinac Island Halloween Celebrations – Photos on Facebook >>>

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Season Sales

Many island specialty shops are prepping for winter and bringing out the sale racks. Shop local and enjoy great deals throughout the island!

Trick-or-Treating

Children’s Trick-or-Treating down Main Street and Market Street. Businesses will be handing out candy Saturday the 27th, 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm.

Live Entertainment

Nighttime entertainment at downtown bars

Costume Contests

You’re going to want to bring your Halloween costume and hit the town! Costume contests will be held at several establishments, including the Pink Pony and Gate House.

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Pink Pony – Halloween 2015 Photos

Another “Spooktacular” ending to an incredible season on Mackinac Island!

The Pink Pony does Halloween the right way! Photos via Pink Pony Photo Album on Facebook

 

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