Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel has huge list of 2022 package deals, special events

MACKINAC ISLAND, MI – Looking at the season ahead for Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel, you might be hard pressed to find a pocket of time that doesn’t have a new or much-anticipated event penciled onto the calendar.

It’s easy to see why 2022 has been labeled the “Season of Discovery” for the island’s historic grande dame.

More than 30 specially-designed event packages or themed deals are being offered for the upcoming season, which runs from the pre-opening festivities that kick off April 29 to the closing ceremonies on Oct. 31.

Some focus on family time and outdoor fun, while other events cater to golf lovers, history buffs, foodies and wine lovers. Traditional summer and fall holiday specials are also woven into the offerings.

“In addition to robust property amenities, Grand Hotel prides itself on creating unique, new experiences each season for our guests to enjoy,” said David Jurcak, president of Operations at Grand Hotel. “The 2022 season will be framed around a theme of ‘discovery’ with a host of new experiences to suit every traveler’s interests. Guests can enjoy immersive new programming related to cuisine, wellness and the destination itself, in addition to the traditional Grand Hotel favorites, such as our annual Jazz Weekend, 4th of July celebration, and Somewhere in Time weekend.”

Here’s a list of the specials and packages by month, with links to each experience and a short description provided by Grand Hotel:

APRIL

Grand Hotel Pre-Opening Rate. Available Friday, April 29 – Thursday, May 5, 2022. “Be one of Grand Hotel’s first guests as we prepare to open for our 136th season!”

MAY

Grand Hotel Opening Weekend. Arrive Friday, May 6 • Depart Sunday, May 8, 2022 “Enjoy elegant meals in our Main Dining Room for breakfast and dinner as one of our first guests for the 2022 season. Listen to our Resident Historian Bob Tagatz on Saturday afternoon for his first history lecture of 2022! Bike around Mackinac Island on over 70 miles of bike trails, play lawn games in our Tea Garden, and find our Secret Garden as it begins to bloom!”

Ballroom Dance Package. Arrive Friday, May 6 • Depart Sunday, May 8, 2022. “This is the perfect event for the experienced fox trotter or those looking to learn some new steps. Dance the night away in both the Theatre and Terrace Room to The Grand Hotel Orchestra led by Dr. Alex Graham, Grand Hotel Music Director.”

Mother’s Day Weekend. Arrive Friday, May 6 • Depart Sunday, May 8, 2022. “Unwind as you relax while our staff handles all the details. Take a bicycle ride or hike around Mackinac Island. Enjoy the beauty of the Straits of Mackinac and the Mackinac Bridge in a rocking chair on the World’s Longest Porch. Then send mom to rejuvenate at Astor’s Salon and Spa, a full service Aveda Salon, enjoy the tradition of Afternoon Tea in the Parlor, a play a round of 18 holes of golf on The Jewel. On Saturday, May 7th overnight guests will have a special opportunity to attend a history lecture by Bob Tagatz, Grand Hotel Historian. This package also includes breakfast and dinner daily, and a special Mother’s Day Grand Luncheon Buffet on Sunday with a complimentary Champagne Toast.”

Grand Distillers Weekend. Arrive Friday, May 13 • Depart Sunday, May 15, 2021 “Arrive Friday evening to a welcome reception featuring a specialty cocktail hand-crafted with a Grand Hotel. On Saturday guests will have the special opportunity to hear an interactive presentation by Grand Hotel Resident Historian Bob Tagatz. You may even learn a few prohibition secrets from Grand Hotel and Northern Michigan. Saturday evening, get dressed in your finest and enjoy a journey through a series of unique spirits from Iron Fish Distillery, paired with a specialty and delectable tasting dinner in the Main Dining Room designed by Grand Hotel Executive Chef, while learning the providence of each.”

Memorial Day Weekend. Available beginning Friday, May 27, 2021. “Enjoy the holiday weekend on Mackinac Island and at America’s Summer Place. You will have the chance to sit back and relax in a rocking chair on the World’s Longest Porch, or take a bike ride around Mackinac Island and explore the beauty and historic landmarks around the island. You may also enjoy the tradition of Afternoon Tea in the Parlor, or be one of the first guests to dive into the Esther Williams Swimming Pool in 2022!”

JUNE

Spring Food & Wine Weekend. Arrive Friday, June 3 • Depart Sunday, June 5, 2022. “Join us for Grand Hotel’s first ever Food & Wine Weekend! Experience incredible meals throughout the weekend and discover your love for food, wine, and travel. Enjoy a cooking class with Grand Hotel’s Chefs accompanied with a wine tasting lead by Grand Hotel’s Master Sommelier, Elizabeth Schweitzer. Then take a tour of Grand Hotel’s Kitchen, the place that prepares as many as 4,000 meals per day.”

Early Summer Michigan Golf Live Package. Arrive Friday, June 3 • Depart Sunday, June 5, 2021. “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 golf event — complete with three days of unlimited golf on The Jewel, prize giveaways, private evening receptions, Saturday morning golf scramble, and box lunches.”

Lilac Festival Weekend. Arrive Friday, June 10 • Depart Sunday, June 12, 2022. “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 come and join the celebration and experience the splendor of the lilac, while they are in bloom throughout the Island.”

Summer Wine Appreciation Weekend. Arrive Friday, June 24 • Depart Sunday, June 26, 2022. “Join Grand Hotel’s Master Sommelier, Elizabeth Schweitzer, and a celebrated winery for this special wine tasting and hotel package: the Summer Wine Appreciation Weekend at Grand Hotel. The weekend will begin with a Welcome Reception, followed by dinner in the Main Dining Room. On Saturday, enjoy breakfast in the Main Dining Room followed by morning and early afternoon themed wine seminars. Later that evening, enjoy a special private dinner followed by musical entertainment in the Terrace Room, or gather with friends in the Cupola Bar.”

JULY

Old Fashioned Mackinac Fourth of July Celebration. Arrive Saturday, July 2 • Depart Tuesday, July 5, 2022. “Join us for a Mackinac Island tradition, and come celebrate the July Fourth holiday at Grand Hotel. Start off your weekend with a family movie on Friday and Saturday night the Esther Williams Swimming Pool. Experience two days of an exciting children’s carnival full of games and prizes, small rides, face painting, blow up bounce houses, and much more! On Sunday enjoy a BBQ luncheon in the Tea Garden and on Monday cool off with our annual 4th of July Ice Cream Social. Complimentary golf for ages 17 and younger and 50% off for accompanying adults on The Jewel, beer and wine receptions, and breakfast and dinner daily will also be included. Celebrate the Fourth of July, with an evening American Picnic and Grand Fourth of July Fireworks Display, best seen from The World’s Longest Front Porch.”

AUGUST

Grand Princess and Superhero Package. Arrive Monday, August 15 • Depart Wednesday, August 17, 2022. “Your 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. The enchantment begins with a Royal Welcome Reception on the Front Porch. After dinner, everyone will enjoy a sing-a-long and goodnight stories read by some of their favorite princesses. Rest up for the next day of Superhero Training, Afternoon Tea, and a “Not-So-Quite-Midnight Ball”. The festivities continue through Thursday morning, when all of our guest princesses and superheroes are recognized at Graduation.”

Explore Mackinac. Arrive Friday, August 19 • Depart Sunday, August 21, 2022. “Take advantage of your summer and explore Michigan’s jewel, Mackinac Island. Explore the over 70 miles of natural and paved trails on one of our brand new Grand Hotel Bikes with a picnic lunch from Grand Coffee & Provisions. Join an early morning hike to a must see Mackinac Island natural formation, Arch Rock. Top off your vacation with a step into Mackinac Island’s history with complimentary admission to Fort Mackinac! This one of a kind package is perfect for the avid explorer or anyone looking to embrace the beauty of Mackinac Island. Enjoy an evening reception on Saturday, Grand Hotel Garden and Greenhouse Tour, and finish each day with extraordinary meals in our Main Dining Room.”

Summer Culinary Experience Weekend. Arrive Friday, August 26 • Depart Sunday, August 28, 2022. “Combine your love for travel with a dining experience you’ll never forget on Mackinac Island! Enjoy elegant meals in our Main dining room prepared by our Grand Hotel Executive Chefs each paired with perfectly selected beverages. On Saturday afternoon be sure to attend a cooking demonstration planned just for the Summer Culinary Experience Weekend guests. Follow this demo with a tour through the Grand Hotels Kitchen, the place that prepares as many as 4000 meals per day! On Saturday evening take part 10 Course Silver Service Dinner with a menu curated by our Grand Hotel Executive Chef.”

Grand Garden Show Presented by Proven Winners®. Arrive Sunday, August 28 • Depart Tuesday, August 30, 2022. “Celebrate the beauty of flowers while you surround yourself with the rich history of Mackinac Island and Grand Hotel. This is a multi-day event with hands-on demonstrations and presentations from some of the nation’s foremost garden design experts. Spend your morning in inspirational garden sessions followed by exclusive private home garden tours around Mackinac Island in the afternoon. Wind down the day with evening receptions on the Front Porch and Tea Garden followed by dinner in the Main Dining Room.”

SEPTEMBER

Labor Day Jazz Weekend. Arrive Friday, September 2 • Depart Sunday, September 5, 2022. “Escape to America’s Summer Place for Labor Day Weekend and immerse yourself in the melody of beautiful jazz music, played by some of the country’s top performers. The package includes receptions, a cookout luncheon in the Tea Garden Saturday and Sunday afternoons, breakfast and dinner daily, and all entertainment — plus a Sunday morning gospel performance on the Front Porch. Interact with the artists during Q&A sessions hosted by Jazz Artists on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Then sit back and relax with late-night performances at the Cupola Bar and The Jockey Club at the Grand Stand all weekend long.”

Wellness Weekend Retreat. Arrive Friday, September 9 • Depart Sunday, September 11, 2022. “A weekend to recharge, be present and learn how to experience a more meaningful life with guided workshops, mediations and yoga and astrology sessions led spiritual and personal development leaders. There is no better place to disconnect and reconnect than Mackinac Island.”

Late Summer Michigan Golf Live Package. Arrive Thursday, September 15 • Depart Saturday, September 17, 2022. “Tee up the vacation of a lifetime during our Late Summer Michigan Golf Live Package. Named for the state’s leading golf program, Michigan Golf Live, show host Bill Hobson coordinates this golf event — complete with three days of unlimited golf on The Jewel, prize giveaways, private evening receptions, Monday morning golf scramble, and box lunch.”

Welcome Fall Package. Arrive Friday, September 16 • Depart Sunday, September 18, 2022. “Kick off your fall at Michigan’s jewel, Mackinac Island. Enjoy breakfast and dinner daily with breathtaking views from our Main Dining Room. On Saturday enjoy a classic hayride and a tour of the Grand Hotel Stables by our Stables Master, Ben Mosley. Accompany this with a fall favorite, cider and donuts. Be sure to take notes as you take part in a Mackinac Island Fudge making demonstration on Saturday. Don’t forget to take advantage of a discount on our bike rentals for you to explore Mackinac Island and get a firsthand look at all of the beautiful colors of fall.”

Fall Wine Appreciation Weekend. Arrive Friday, September 23 • Depart Sunday, September 25 2022. “Raise a glass for Fall Wine Appreciation Weekend. Join Grand Hotel Master Sommelier, Elizabeth Schweitzer, on Mackinac Island for this special weekend. The weekend will begin with a Welcome Reception, followed by dinner in the Main Dining Room. On Saturday, enjoy breakfast in the Main Dining Room followed by morning and early afternoon themed wine seminars. Later that evening, enjoy featured wines at a special private dinner. Afterward sip demitasse, enjoy musical entertainment in the Terrace Room or gather with friends in the Cupola Bar.”

Fall Culinary Experience Weekend. Arrive Friday, September 30 • Depart Sunday, October 2, 2022. “Come experience Mackinac Island during it’s most beautiful time of the year! Enjoy elegant meals in our Main dining room prepared by our Grand Hotel Executive chefs each paired with perfectly selected beverages. On Saturday afternoon be sure to attend a cooking demonstration planned just for the Fall Culinary Experience Weekend guests. Follow this demo with a tour through the Grand Hotels Kitchen, the place that prepares as many as 4000 meals per day! On Saturday evening take part in an incredible pairing dinner with a menu curated by our Grand Hotel Executive Chef.”

OCTOBER

Somewhere in Time Weekend. Arrive Friday, October 7 • Depart Sunday, October 9, 2022. “Each year, our Somewhere in Time Weekend is one of the most popular and special events during the Grand Hotel season. It’s the perfect time for movie lovers who want to know the cinematic secrets of the timeless romantic classic, and a chance to visit with many people who played a role in the movie. This special weekend includes a screening of the film, discussions of the movie’s production process, and appearances by returning cast and crew. Guests are invited to make a cameo appearance in costume at the cocktail receptions, and costume promenade. Breakfast and dinner are also included daily where guests may enjoy dining in elegant costumes in Grand Hotel’s Main Dining Room.”

Fall Michigan Golf Live Package. Arrive Sunday, October 9 – Depart Tuesday, October 12, 2022. “Tee up the vacation of a lifetime during our Fall Michigan Golf Live Package. Named for the state’s leading golf program, Michigan Golf Live, show host Bill Hobson coordinates this golf event — complete with three days of unlimited golf on The Jewel, prize giveaways, private evening receptions, Monday morning golf scramble, and box lunch.”

Murder Mystery Weekend. Arrive Friday, October 21• Depart Sunday, October 23, 2022. “Consider yourself warned: Not everything is how it seems at Grand Hotel during Murder Mystery Weekend. Join us in October for an interactive Murder Mystery Weekend brought to you by The Murder Mystery Company, founded in Michigan. The intrigue begins Friday night and the crime is solved Sunday morning.”

History Weekend. Arrive Friday, October 14 • Depart Sunday, October 16, 2022. “You’re invited to Grand Hotel’s 13th Annual History Weekend with a unique look into the story behind the wood structure built in 1887. Saturday morning begins with a fascinating journey through the history of Mackinac Island and Grand Hotel with Bob Tagatz, Grand Hotel’s Resident Historian. Then, take part in a special history presentation later in the afternoon. Plus, enjoy a welcome reception and breakfast and dinner daily.”

Halloween Weekend. Arrive Friday, October 28 • Depart Sunday, October 31, 2022. “We are excited to announce Halloween Weekend at Grand Hotel! The ghoulish excitement begins Friday evening with dinner in the Main Dining Room. After dinner, dance the night away in the Terrace Room or sit back and watch spooky movies with a Halloween family movie night. Saturday morning wake up to breakfast in the Main Dining Room and Bloody Mary Bar; followed by fun activities all day, including a pumpkin carving contest and Haunted Afternoon Tea. Finish the evening in your costume with dinner in the Main Dining Room, then it’s on to the Haunted Hotel Ball!”

Close the Grand. Arrive Sunday, October 30 • Depart Monday, October 31, 2022. “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 2022 season. Monday morning we continue the tradition of ringing the bell to signify the end of our season, and honor exemplary service by selecting an Employee of the Year Recognition Ceremony.”

AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE SEASON

Grand Romance Package. Available throughout the 2022 season. “Celebrate your special occasion at Grand Hotel, the perfect location to get away from it all for your anniversary or honeymoon. During a romantic 3-night stay, take time for yourselves to sit back, relax, and indulge, while we take care of all the details with flowers and champagne, a private horse-drawn carriage ride, Afternoon Tea, and fine dining. This is a special 3-night stay package — and if you come stay with us again, you will be treated to a 10% discount on any future Grand Romance Package stays.”

Grand Best Available Rate. Available throughout the 2022 season. “Come enjoy Mackinac Island and the beautiful changing seasons in Michigan. This package is designed to provide greater flexibility for our guests and includes accommodations only. If you want to dine with us during your stay, you will have the option to add-on meals during the reservation process.”

Plan Now – Relax Later. Available throughout the season. “Book now for next season and take advantage of our new non-refundable rate option. Come enjoy Mackinac Island and the beautiful changing seasons in Michigan. Plan early to guarantee your next trip to Grand Hotel with one of Grand Hotel’s best rates available. The grand benefit of booking ahead allows you to secure the best rate and date ahead of time.”

Simply Grand Getaway. Daily Resort Credit Offered. “One of our newest packages at Grand Hotel – The Simply Grand Getaway is designed to help you with flexibility that will fit your vacation preferences during this time. Take in the views of Mackinac Island and relax on the World’s Longest Front Porch! It includes accommodations and a resort credit per room, per night . The resort credit can be used at any of our Grand Hotel restaurants, or one of many resort activities- including Astor’s Salon and Spa, rental bikes, Afternoon Tea, The Jewel golf course, or in any of our retail shops.”

AARP Discounts. “AARP members receive a special discount on accommodations at Grand Hotel throughout the 2022 season. Come enjoy Mackinac Island and the beautiful changing seasons in Michigan. This package is designed to provide greater flexibility for our guests and includes accommodations only. If you want to dine with us during your stay, you will have the option to add-on meals during the reservation process.”

AAA Travel Members Discount. “AAA members receive a special discount on accommodations at Grand Hotel throughout the 2022 season. Come enjoy Mackinac Island and the beautiful changing seasons in Michigan. This package is designed to provide greater flexibility for our guests and includes accommodations only. If you want to dine with us during your stay, you will have the option to add-on meals during the reservation process.”

Heading to Grand Hotel this season? Here’s a peek at some of its history:

How Grand Hotel’s cupola lookout spot became a bar with Mackinac Island’s best view

How a Mackinac Island mansion’s playhouse became Grand Hotel’s fine dining showpiece

How Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel pool got a $10M makeover, but kept its Old Hollywood style