Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel unveils 2024 special vacation packages

MACKINAC ISLAND, MI – Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel is already deep in preparation for its 138th season of pampering guests who make their way up Cadotte Avenue to this iconic resort. And just like each year, there are a few extra options for those who want to make this landmark part of their Mackinac vacation experience.

This week, the resort rolled out details of its 2024 vacation packages and special celebration stays. They range from unique stays revolving around the days the island’s grande dame resort is officially opened and closed, to luxurious food and wine weekends, and events aimed at girlfriend getaways or multi-generational family fun.

“For those looking for something unique to Grand Hotel and Mackinac Island, explore our package experiences including Lilac Festival, Murder Mystery, Cork & Fork, Michigan Golf Live and more,” resort staff said. “There’s something unique happening every month, for families, couples, solo travelers and more, with focuses on culinary, history, adventure and children-centric (princesses and super heroes!).”

For a full list of vacation packages and specials, check Grand Hotel’s website.

Here are some of this season’s highlights, with descriptions provided by the resort:

Prepare The Grand, Friday, April 26 – Thursday, May 2, 2024 Details: “We invite guests to experience Grand Hotel as it prepares to open for the 2024 season. The pre-opening rate offers guests a chance to enjoy the tranquility of Mackinac Island and a casual stay as the staff gets ready to officially open Grand Hotel for our 138th season. Rudy Saunders, interior designer at Dorothy Draper & Company will be present on April 29, 30 and May 1 to meet with guests and discuss design at Grand Hotel. Guests can look into the many different guest rooms and their unique designs during Prepare the Grand if the room is unoccupied.” For more details on this package, see the resort’s website here.

Grand Hotel Opening Weekend: Friday, May 3 – Sunday, May 5, 2024 Details: “For familiar traditions and something all-new, join us in the festivities of Grand Hotel Opening Weekend. Enjoy elegant meals in our Main Dining Room, explore over 70 miles of bike trails, play lawn games in our Tea Garden (and find our Secret Garden as it begins to bloom), listen to our Resident Historian’s first lecture of the year, and experience all we have to offer as we kick off our 138th season.” For more information, check the resort website here.

Spring Murder Mystery Weekend, Friday, May 3 – Sunday, May 5, 2024 Details: “Consider yourself warned: Not everything is how it seems at Grand Hotel during Murder Mystery Weekend. Join us in May for an interactive weekend brought to you by The Murder Mystery Company, founded in Michigan. The intrigue begins Friday night and the crime is solved Sunday morning.” Find more details here.

Omnibus at Mackinac Island's Grand Hotel — An Omnibus driver wearing the hotel’s signature top hat, vest and boots.

Titanic at Grand: Friday, May 10 – Sunday, May 12, 2024 Details: “The Year is 1912 and you have a First-Class Ticket on the Titanic. Experience a weekend of glamour and decadence, in a way that only Grand Hotel could offer. Be whisked away each night with live bands, dancing, and authentic cuisine in the ballroom. Learn what it was really like to be on the “Unsinkable Ship” with our professional Historians or simply watch the magic of the Oscar-winning movie. Our Immersive Actors and authentic costumes will transport you aboard the Titanic for a weekend you’ll never forget.” Find more information here.

Grand Favorites These are the best value dates of the 2024 season. “Grand Hotel welcomes guests of all ages to experience something new and something known throughout the 2024 season. For guests with value in mind and flexible dates, we have highlighted our favorite packages and times to visit.” For more details, check the resort’s website here.

May 5, 6, 7, 8, 27
June 16, 17, 30
July 1, 7, 8, 21, 24
August 18, 19
September 2, 3, 4, 15, 16
October 13, 14, 24

Mackinac Island's Grand Hotel — The iconic front porch on Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel is known for its row of flags and deep-red geraniums. Photo provided by Grand Hotel.

Spring on Mackinac, Available May 9 – 12 and May 16 – 18 Details: “Journey to an idyllic time and place. Enjoy springtime on Mackinac Island as flowers bloom and adventure awaits, especially at Woodlands Activity Center and throughout Grand Hotel.” Check the resort’s website here for more details.

Early Summer Michigan Golf Live Package, Friday, May 31 – Sunday, June 2, 2024 Details: “For the experience of it, for the fun of it, tee up the vacation of a lifetime with our Early Summer Michigan Golf Live Package. Named for the state’s leading golf program, Michigan Golf Live, show host Bill Hobson coordinates this special event — complete with three days of unlimited golf on The Jewel, prize giveaways, private evening receptions, a golf scramble, and more. Find more details here.

Lilac Festival Weekend, Friday, June 14 – Sunday, June 16, 2024 Details: “Something different, something traditional: Join us for Mackinac Island’s 76th annual Lilac Festival Weekend! Since its inaugural event in 1948, the Annual Lilac Festival on Mackinac Island has grown into a 10-day festival held in honor of the flower for which the Island is renowned. The lilac is a spectacular variety with a distinct history. In fact, some are more than 200 years old. We invite you to celebrate and experience the splendor of the lilac, while they are in bloom throughout the Island.” Find more details on this package here.

Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island — Come experience the annual Lilac Festival. Photo provided by Grand Hotel.

Old Fashioned Mackinac Fourth of July Celebration, Arrive Tuesday, July 2 • Depart Friday, July 5, 2024 Details: “Celebrate the 4th of July with family and friends, while exploring the best that a Mackinac Island summer has to offer. July is the perfect time to soak up the sun at the Esther Williams Swimming Pool, play lawn games in the Tea Garden, or take a bike ride and explore Travel + Leisure’s #1 Island in the Continental U.S.” Find more information here.

Grand Princess and Superhero Package, Arrive Sunday, August 11 • Depart Tuesday, August 13, 2024 Details: “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.” For more information, check the website here.

Labor Day Weekend: Friday, Aug. 30 – Monday, Sept. 2, 2024 Details: “The Labor Day weekend experience promises an unforgettable retreat filled with family-friendly entertainment and relaxation. Guests can bask in the sun and cool off with refreshing dips at a Saturday pool party, where the atmosphere will be alive with laughter and fun. The package ensures that you won’t have to worry about meals, as it includes nightly receptions, plus breakfast and dinner daily, allowing you to savor delicious cuisine without the hassle. And for a unique, magical experience, the Glow Stick Movie Party at the pool and a drive-in movie night at the Grand Nine offers a delightful twist on traditional cinema nights.” Find more details here about this package, and upgrading it to include the resort’s Jazz Weekend concert bundle.

Wellness Weekend Retreat, Friday, September 6 – Sunday, September 8, 2024 Details: “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.” Find more details on the resort’s website here.

Late Summer Michigan Golf Live Package, Sunday, September 8 – Tuesday, September 10, 2024 Details: “For something different, something fun, tee up the vacation of a lifetime with our Late Summer Michigan Golf Live Package. Named for the state’s leading golf program, Michigan Golf Live, show host Bill Hobson coordinates this special event — complete with three days of unlimited golf on The Jewel, prize giveaways, private evening receptions, a golf scramble, and more.” Find more information here.

Fall Wine Appreciation Weekend, Friday, September 13 – Sunday, September 15, 2024 Details: “This September, raise a glass to Michigan food & wines, at our Fall Wine Appreciation Weekend. Join Grand Hotel Master Sommelier, Elizabeth Schweitzer, for an array of themed events including a Welcome Reception, morning and early afternoon wine seminars, and a special private wine dinner.” For more details, check the resort’s website here.

Cork & Fork: A Celebration of Female Culinary Talent, Thursday, September 26 – Sunday, September 29, 2024 Details: “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 & dining including an eight-course wine-paired tasting dinner.” Find more details here.

October Welcome Fall Package, Friday, October 4 • Depart Sunday, October 6, 2024 Details: “Enjoy more of the fall season at Grand Hotel with a weekend full of activities for those who love crisp air and leave-changing beauty. 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.” For more information, see the website here.

Close the Grand, Sunday, October 27 – Depart Monday, October 28, 2024 Details: “Something different, something time-honored: You’re invited to join in the unique experience as we close Grand Hotel’s doors for the winter months. This package includes a casual dinner buffet on Sunday evening and a continental breakfast Monday morning. Enjoy an informal atmosphere as we clean out our pantries and wine cellar. Bob Tagatz, Resident Historian, will host a presentation explaining the process we go through to close the hotel, as well as fun facts and interesting information from the 2023 season. Monday morning we continue the tradition of ringing the bell to signify the end of our season, bringing in the rockers, and honor exemplary service with our Grand Legend Celebration. Take home a piece of Grand Hotel with a geranium from the Front Porch.” Find more details here.