- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Mackinac Island Today
By the People, for the People
Mackinac Island's Grand Hotel Prepares for 140th Season Opening in 2026
The historic luxury resort will celebrate the nation's 250th birthday with a special opening weekend May 1-3.
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Mackinac Island's iconic Grand Hotel is gearing up to open its doors for the 2026 season, marking the hotel's 140th year in operation. The opening weekend festivities from May 1-3 will coincide with the nation's semiquincentennial celebration, offering guests a chance to experience the hotel's timeless tradition and gracious hospitality.
Why it matters
The Grand Hotel's opening is a highly anticipated event for Mackinac Island, as it signals the start of the peak tourism season on the island. As one of the most famous and historic hotels in the region, the Grand Hotel's continued operation is a testament to the island's enduring appeal and the hotel's ability to adapt to changing times while preserving its unique character.
The details
The Grand Hotel's 2026 opening weekend will feature a variety of events, including an opening ceremony and champagne toast, historic lectures, the opening of the Jockey Club, a Kentucky Derby celebration, and live music and dancing. Guests can also enjoy the hotel's amenities, such as golf, horse stables, an antique carriage museum, and a swimming pool.
- The Grand Hotel will open for the 2026 season on May 1-3.
- The hotel's opening coincides with the start of peak tourism season on Mackinac Island, which typically begins in late April.
The players
Grand Hotel
A historic, high-end resort on Mackinac Island in northern Michigan, known for its wraparound porch with lakefront views and offering guests comfortable accommodations, golf, live music, horse stables and antique carriage museum, shopping, a swimming pool, gardens and more.
Bob Tagatz
The Grand Hotel's resident historian, who will be giving a morning history lecture during the opening weekend.
Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau
The organization that provides information about the island's attractions, hotels, and events, including the timing of the Grand Hotel's opening.
What’s next
The Grand Hotel's opening weekend will feature a variety of events and activities, including an opening ceremony, historic lectures, the opening of the Jockey Club, a Kentucky Derby celebration, and live music and dancing. Guests can also enjoy the hotel's amenities and explore the rest of Mackinac Island during the peak tourism season.
The takeaway
The Grand Hotel's 2026 opening marks a significant milestone for both the hotel and Mackinac Island, as the historic resort celebrates its 140th season and the nation commemorates its 250th birthday. The opening weekend festivities and the hotel's continued operation demonstrate the enduring appeal of Mackinac Island and the Grand Hotel's ability to preserve its unique character while adapting to changing times.
