GRAND
Welcome to the 140th season of Grand Hotel—and the 250th anniversary of the United States of America!
In this year unlike any other in history, we invite you to join us in the theme A Season to Celebrate.
There is no better way to commemorate our nation’s anniversary than by coming together at America’s Summer Place. Our storied grounds, World’s Longest Front Porch, and stylish accommodations have been uniting families and friends in timeless, unforgettable experiences for generations.
As stewards of this National Historical Landmark, we are dedicated to ensuring that our beloved traditions and structures honor their heritage while being meticulously maintained and updated for future visitors.
Our multi-year renewal project made tremendous strides in 2025, including significant restoration of the Grand Hotel façade. Through our partnership with Dorothy Draper & Company, new hotspot Baroque launched to great success, as did our renovated Parlor and Main Dining Room. The 2026 season brings a fully reimagined Garden Terrace level, including new shopping areas.
Finally, it’s my pleasure to welcome back our team members. If you’ve ever wondered how Grand Hotel provides every guest with a world-class experience, look no further than our staff. Year after year, they bring their incredible talent from around the world to Grand Hotel, enhancing every stay with a vibrant global spirit.
David Jurcak President Grand Hotel
A Season to Celebrate
After years of anticipation, the moment has arrived. In 2026, the United States marks its 250th anniversary—a once-in-a-generation milestone that invites reflection, gratitude, and celebration. This historic occasion sets the stage for an extraordinary season at Grand Hotel, where we proudly unveil our theme, A Season to Celebrate.
More than a tribute to our nation’s rich and enduring legacy, this season begins a meaningful countdown toward Grand Hotel’s own 150th anniversary. It also honors more than 140 seasons of welcoming guests to Mackinac Island, each defined by gracious hospitality, cherished traditions, and moments that linger long after summer fades. Together, these milestones intertwine America’s story with our own, creating a powerful tribute to heritage, perseverance, and the bonds that bring people together.
Throughout the season, guests are invited to experience the spirit of celebration woven into every detail, from the iconic Front Porch to thoughtfully curated events that reflect the pride, optimism, and joy of this remarkable anniversary year. These moments go beyond commemorating history; they celebrate the generations of guests, staff, and families who have shaped Grand Hotel into America’s Summer Place and
of tradition.
In 2026, Grand Hotel and Mackinac Island set the stage for unforgettable experiences, heartfelt gatherings, and new traditions in the making. Join us for a season defined by joy, connection, and a true sense of belonging, A Season
, where history is honored and memories are made.
2026 Grand Hotel Experiences
Grand Hotel Opening Weekend
Available May 1 - May 3
Spring Murder Mystery Weekend
Available May 1 - May 3
Spring on Mackinac
Available May 2 - June 11
Mother’s Day Weekend
Available May 8 - May 10
Memorial Day Weekend
Available May 22 - May 25
Titanic Weekend
Available May 29 - May 31
Lilac Festival Week
Available June 5 - June 15
Start of Summer Celebration & National Seersucker Day
Available June 11 - June 14
Lilac Festival Weekend
Available June 13 - June 15
Old Fashioned Mackinac Island
Fourth of July Celebration
Available July 2 - July 5
Princess & Superhero Package
Available July 19 - July 21
Summer Wine
Appreciation Weekend
Available August 14 - August 16
Distillers Weekend
Available August 28 - August 30
Endless Summer Celebration
Available August 28 - September 3
The Jewel Classic with Golf Pro Grant DeMoss
Available August 30 - Auguest 31
Labor Day Weekend
Available September 4 - September 7
Fall Wine Appreciation Weekend
Available September 18- September 20
Dorothy Draper Design Weekend
Available September 25 - September 27
Welcome Fall Weekends
Available Friday, September 25Sunday, September 27.
Available select Fridays and Saturdays throughout October
Somewhere in Time Weekend
Available October 2 - October 4
Grand Hotel History Weekend
Available October 9 - October 11
Legacy Five Concert
Available October 11 - October 13
Cork & Fork
Available October 16 - October 18
Fall Murder Mystery Weekend
Available October 23 - October 25
Close the Grand
Available October 25 - October 26
For the experience of it, for the fun of it. Take advantage of our 2026 offers and packages at Grand Hotel, where you just need to be.
LEARN
or call Grand Hotel reservations at 1-800-33-GRAND to book your next adventure on Mackinac Island.
Where You Just Need to Be
Lilac Festival Week
Experience the magic of spring at the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival with a stay at the iconic Grand Hotel, where blooming lilacs perfume the air and timeless traditions come to life. During the festival, the island comes alive with a parade, live music, garden tours, and celebrations honoring Mackinac’s historic lilac heritage, all set against the charm of horse-drawn carriages and Lake Huron views. The Lilac Festival package includes Grand Hotel accommodations, breakfast and dinner daily, full access to all resort amenities, and admission to the Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum. Guests also enjoy daily Grand Hotel Garden Tours (excluding Sundays), a special morning tour with Resident Historian Bob Tagatz on June 9, and a viewing of the Lilac Festival Grand Parade on Sunday, June 14.
Labor Day
The Labor Day Weekend Experience at Grand Hotel, available Friday, September 4 through Monday, September 7, 2026, is a festive sendoff to summer filled with music, family fun, and timeless traditions. Guests are invited to enjoy live jazz and musical performances all weekend long, from intimate jam sessions in The Parlor to performances at the Lantern Lounge, Terrace Room, Cupola Bar, and beyond, creating a lively soundtrack across the hotel. Highlights also include a Friday welcome reception, a glow-stick movie party at the iconic Esther Williams Swimming Pool, a Saturday daytime pool party, and a nostalgic drive-in movie under the stars on The Jewel Golf Course.
Cork & Fork
In this milestone year, Cork & Fork returns as A Celebration of Female Culinary Talent, inspired by The Flavors That Built America in honor of our nation’s 250th anniversary. From Friday, October 16 to Sunday, October 18, 2026, guests will experience an extraordinary culinary journey led by exceptional female chefs from across the country, each crafting dishes that reflect the rich, diverse flavors and stories that have shaped America. The weekend’s highlight is an eight-course, wine-paired tasting dinner, thoughtfully curated alongside Grand Hotel’s Master Sommelier, Elizabeth Schweitzer. Together, these immersive experiences celebrate connection, creativity, and the enduring joy of gathering around the table. For more information, visit grandhotel.com.
Labor Day Jazz Concert Series at Grand Hotel
Cork & Fork: A Celebration of Female Culinary Talent
Lilac Festival Week
Suite Design With
Step inside Grand Hotel today and you are not simply entering a space, you are stepping into a living, breathing masterpiece of American design. This is the unmistakable world of Dorothy Draper & Company, where bold color, fearless pattern, and unapologetic glamour converge to create an experience unlike anywhere else.
That legacy was forever transformed in the late 1970s when Carleton Varney brought his visionary brilliance to Mackinac Island. With a flair that refused to whisper and instead chose to dazzle, Varney reimagined Grand Hotel as a vibrant celebration of joy, elegance, and theatrical sophistication. His philosophy was clear: design should make you feel something and at Grand Hotel, it should make you feel extraordinary.
Today, that iconic vision is not only preserved; it is alive, evolving, and more exhilarating than ever. Through the continued leadership of Sebastian Varney and lead designer Rudy Saunders, Dorothy Draper & Company remains deeply committed to honoring Carleton’s signature style while infusing it with fresh energy. Guests can expect the unmistakable “Carleton look” now reimagined with updated colors, luxurious new fabrics, intricate carpeting, and striking artwork that together create a renewed sense of wonder.
This past winter marked an exciting new chapter in that story. In partnership with Dorothy Draper & Company, Grand Hotel completed a series of transformative renovations, beginning with 20 guest rooms and five extraordinary signature suites. These newly designed guest rooms will serve as the inspiration and model for an ambitious six-year plan to thoughtfully refresh all 388 guest rooms across the property, ensuring that every stay feels both timeless and newly discovered.
And then, there are the suites, each one a world unto itself, with thoughtful renovations of The Presidential Suite, The Governor’s Suite, The Laura Bush Suite, The Jane Seymour Suite, and Somewhere in Time Suite. Each refreshed space honors its distinct story and legacy while elevating comfort, craftsmanship, and design.
Rudy Saunders, Director of Design Sebastian Varney, President of Dorothy Draper & Co.
The Presidential Suite has been reimagined with an extraordinary level of historical sensitivity and grandeur. Working alongside the White House Historical Association, the design evokes the spirit of the White House without imitation. The parlor now features custom carpeting designed in Ireland by Ulster Carpets with the Eisenhower Seal, an exquisite chandelier set against a hand-sculpted plaster ceiling medallion, and rich, layered fabrics worthy of global dignitaries. Within its guest rooms, inspiration is drawn from presidential history elements of the White House China of James K. Polk, our 11th President, and Abraham Lincoln, our 16th President, and are thoughtfully woven into the design alongside references to Monticello silk. An unexpected palette of peaches and reds pays tribute to President Thomas Jefferson, whom Carleton Varney once called the first great American decorator.
The Governor’s Suite celebrates Michigan in a way that is nothing short of spectacular. At its heart lies a showstopping parlor carpet, an intricately woven, larger-than-life map of the state of Michigan and the surrounding Great Lakes. This is not simply design; it is storytelling underfoot. Every contour of the lakes, every curve of the shoreline is rendered in vivid detail, inviting guests to quite literally walk across one of America’s most beloved regions. And then comes the moment of discovery: a single red dot woven into the design. Find it, and you’ve found Mackinac Island, the very place you are standing. It is whimsical, it is unexpected, and it is unmistakably Draper. Surrounding this centerpiece, Venetian marbleized upholstered walls shimmer with a watery effect inspired by the Straits of Mackinac, while the adjoining guest rooms retain their distinctive Asian-inspired aesthetic, elevated with sumptuous fabrics, upholstered walls, and finely tailored bed canopies.
The Laura Bush Suite enters a new era as it relocates to the West End, joining the Nancy Reagan and Barbara Bush Suites. Originally designed in collaboration with Laura Bush, its beloved palette of soft peach, ivory, yellow, and green remains intact, refreshed with thoughtful updates that preserve its gracious, welcoming spirit.
The Jane Seymour Suite offers a deeply personal and artistic retreat. Inspired by her own artwork and design sensibility, the suite now embraces a softer palette of blues, pearls, and whites, an homage to the tranquil beauty of her Malibu home. Original artwork and curated tributes to her celebrated career create an intimate, star-worthy escape for guests who appreciate refined elegance and cinematic history.
And for those who believe in romance and nostalgia, the Somewhere in Time Suite is pure magic. Inspired by the beloved film Somewhere in Time, the space features rose- colored damask walls, rich velvets, and intricate bullion fringe that transports guests into a Victorian dreamscape. Carefully curated memorabilia and design details allow visitors to fully immerse themselves in the timeless allure of this cinematic classic.
Behind the scenes, the craftsmanship is just as remarkable as the finished product. Dorothy Draper & Company continues its partnership with G&G Upholstery, a family-owned team dedicated to exceptional quality. In an unprecedented move, Grand Hotel transformed a meeting room into a working upholstery studio for the winter of 2025. The team traveled to Mackinac Island multiple times, meticulously restoring and reupholstering furniture across the property.
The fabrics themselves tell a global story of luxury and artistry. Specially designed by Dorothy Draper & Company, many exclusively for Grand Hotel, these textiles are sourced from around the world, from fine Italian wools to Indian silks and Austrian linens. Drawing from centuries of archival designs, the firm continues to reinterpret and reinvent patterns specifically for Grand Hotel, ensuring every detail feels both rooted in history and refreshingly new.
This is not simply renovation. This is reinvention with reverence.
At Grand Hotel, design is not static; it is a living expression of legacy, imagination, and bold creativity. Thanks to the enduring influence of Carleton Varney and the continued brilliance of Dorothy Draper & Company, every corner of the hotel invites guests to experience something unforgettable: a place where history is honored, beauty is celebrated, and every detail is designed to delight.
Reimagined Garden Terrace Level of Grand Hotel
This season introduces a thoughtfully refreshed arrival experience through our continued partnership with Dorothy Draper & Co. The redesign marks the most comprehensive update to the Garden Terrace Level since its relocation to the ground floor in 1976, with a special focus on the Front Desk—the true heart of every guest’s arrival.
From the moment guests step inside, new carpeting in the entrance, extended black-and-white tile, and a signature red carpet featuring Grand Hotel logo set the tone for a refined and welcoming experience. At the center of it all, the Front Desk has been reimagined as both a focal point and a moment of anticipation, where each stay begins.
Now more inviting than ever, the desk showcases a signature green front adorned with the Grand Hotel crest, complemented by yellow-and-green lattice detailing and the warm glow of red lamps—creating a sense of arrival that is both iconic and unmistakably Grand.
Year Four of Grand Restoration
Since 1887, Grand Hotel has stood as a beacon of elegance, history, and timeless hospitality on Mackinac Island. As a proud National Historic Landmark, we embrace a profound responsibility: to preserve and protect this iconic property while thoughtfully preparing it for the next century and beyond. Every restoration effort reflects our commitment to honoring the past while ensuring future generations experience the same sense of wonder that has defined Grand Hotel for nearly 140 years.
In recent years, the hotel has undergone a comprehensive restoration marked by a series of exciting and meaningful milestones. Central to this effort has been the trusted guidance of Hopkins Burns Design Studio, true guardians of Grand Hotel’s architectural integrity for more than 30 years. The firm’s Historic Preservation Practice has contributed to hundreds of preservation projects since 1984, including many National Historic Landmarks and properties listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places. Their team includes Federally Qualified Historical Architects, with each project led by a registered architect specializing in preservation. Their role at Grand Hotel goes far beyond design, they serve as stewards of authenticity, ensuring that every restoration decision honors the building’s history while meeting the highest standards of craftsmanship and longevity.
Among the most striking achievements over the past few years is the return of the original roofline, an architectural feature that had been altered in the 1920s to accommodate additional guest rooms and later removed in the 1950s due to deterioration. In
historic preservation, the thoughtful reconstruction of lost or missing character-defining features is essential to restoring the true architectural identity of a building. Today, that historic roofline has been beautifully reintroduced, complete with periodinspired shingles that echo the charm and craftsmanship of the early 20th century.
Equally transformative has been the meticulous restoration of the worldfamous Front Porch. Over the past four years, our trusted partners at Spence Brothers Construction have carefully restored each section with extraordinary precision. All 44 columns have been individually removed, their bases repaired, their full 26-foot structures restored, and their capitals returned to their original detail. Remarkably, more than 90% of the original Michigan White Pine remains intact, allowing guests today to experience the very same craftsmanship that defined the porch nearly 140 years ago.
This restoration extends beyond structure to artistry. Through harsh Michigan winters, Murray Painting Company has worked tirelessly to preserve and refresh the hotel’s façade by scraping decades of paint, repairing intricate wood details, addressing areas of wear, and ultimately restoring the Grand Hotel’s signature brilliance. The result is a renewed exterior, highlighted by its iconic white finish and Carleton blue ceilings, that feels both historic and vibrantly alive.
One of the most exciting chapters of this project is the return of the uncovered wood slat flooring on the Front Porch, something not seen since the early 1930s. After nearly a
century, this defining feature is being thoughtfully reintroduced, blending authenticity with modern durability. Selecting the right material required several years of research to ensure it could withstand the island’s dramatic seasonal extremes, from intense summer heat to subzero winter temperatures, while also accommodating the significant foot traffic through the season.
After extensive evaluation, we partnered with Thermory USA, whose advanced thermal modification process enhances the wood’s strength and longevity using heat and steam. This innovative approach creates a sustainable, high-performance material ideally suited for both the environmental demands and historical integrity of the Front Porch. In 2025, guests experienced a preview of this transformation, walking across a 70-foot section of newly installed flooring on the West Front Porch. The response and performance exceeded our expectations. Building on that success, this year we added an additional 242 feet of Thermory wood flooring— bringing the total to 312 feet of the Front Porch’s 660-foot expanse. In total, more than 7,000 square feet of Thermory wood has now been installed, including the red carpet front steps and lower landing areas. The durability and beauty of the material have also led to its use across other outdoor spaces, including the West End First Lady balconies and the Huron and Mackinac Suite balconies.
Looking ahead, we are excited to complete the final phase of the Front Porch restoration next winter, marking the fifth and culminating year of this extraordinary project. With each step forward, we remain guided by a simple but powerful principle: to be exceptional stewards of Grand Hotel’s legacy, preserving its history, celebrating its craftsmanship, and ensuring its grandeur endures for generations to come.
Shopping
This season introduces an exciting new chapter in our retail experience with the unveiling of two newly named signature shops. Our women’s boutique, formerly Grand Women’s, debuts as Revel, Women’s Clothing Boutique, while Grand Men’s is now W. Stewart Woodfill, A Gentlemen’s Clothier—each bringing a distinct point of view to style at Grand Hotel.
Formerly Grand Men’s, W. Stewart Woodfill, A Gentlemen’s Clothier, carries forward a tradition of refined menswear, inspired by a former Grand Hotel owner known for his impeccable style. The shop features a curated selection of suiting, activewear, swimwear, and accessories, including Haspel seersucker—an
Formerly Grand Women’s, Revel is a celebration of personal style and the joy of discovery. The boutique features a curated collection of effortless, resort-inspired pieces designed to transition seamlessly from day on the island to evening on the porch. Blending timeless silhouettes with modern resort style, each piece feels both classic and current—perfect for Mackinac Island and beyond. Located near the Front Desk, Revel offers selections from Frances Valentine and Jane Seymour Designs, along with elegant accessories to complete every look.
Mackinac Market
Now relocated within the retail corridor among our collection of shops, our main Mackinac Market location welcomes visitors with bright geraniums and red painted doors. The expanded shopping experience is inspired by key elements of Grand Hotel and Mackinac Island, with floral wallpaper and yellow-and-white awnings highlighting home, bath and body products, apparel, and irresistible souvenirs.
Experience the newly opened Mackinac Market on Main Street, where you can also find our second Sadie’s location.
Last year, Grand Hotel unveiled Distinctly Grand, an online store that lets shoppers accent their homes and wardrobes with keepsakes and reminders of cherished moments at America’s Summer Place. The new shop has also become a favorite way to share Grand Hotel experiences with loved ones through the purchase of Grand Hotel gifts and gift certificates.
At Distinctly Grand, you’ll find items curated to capture the timeless charm of our legendary Mackinac Island retreat, including bath and body products, home items, holiday collections,
golf accessories, apparel, and more. While you’re there, we invite you to sign up for exclusive promotions, holiday sales, and insider alerts on new arrivals to the shop.
Whether you’re experiencing Grand Hotel as a first-time visitor or returning to carry on a generations-long tradition, the selections are sure to conjure warm memories of your getaway. Bring some of your most distinctive joys home by purchasing signature pieces such as the Camellia Rose China Set used in the Grand Hotel Main Dining Room, our signature geranium bath and body products, the Somewhere in Time Music Box, and Frontera Rocking Chairs identical to those where you may have whiled away relaxing afternoons on the World’s Longest Front Porch.
Shop Distinctly Grand online at shop.grandhotel.com
Grand Hotel 1970s
Grand Hotel 1880s
Grand Hotel 2025
Adventure Awaits as the Celebrations Continue
Grand Hotel Daily Rituals Celebrate Your Way
Grand American Evenings is a new nightly summer tradition at Grand Hotel, celebrating America’s 250th birthday and the hotel’s 140th season through the timeless rituals of American hospitality. Beginning after dinner, the hotel gently shifts into celebration mode as warm lighting glows, live music fills the air, and guests gather across the porch, lawn, Lantern Lounge and beyond to relax, connect, and linger.
Rather than a single event, each evening unfolds at an easy, welcoming pace. Families stroll the porch and lawn, children play, friends linger over conversation, and guests dress in the classic Americana style The Grand is known for. Live music invites dancing in the Terrace Room, while celebratory cocktails are enjoyed at beloved gathering spots like the Cupola Bar and Baroque. Nostalgic treats and thoughtfully curated commemorative items add sweet, memorable moments throughout the night. Subtle, shared moments of music and light conversation gently bring everyone together, marking the evening as special without interrupting its natural flow.
As the summer season evolves, so does the experience, from refined early summer evenings to lively mid-summer nights filled with outdoor energy and multi-generational celebrations. A new tradition, an expression of American hospitality, legacy, and togetherness, celebrated night after night in a place that has welcomed generations for 140 seasons.
Every day, these shared timeless moments honor the history and charm of this special place.
12:00 PM
Siren Salute
Locations: The Jockey Club, Esther Williams Swimming Pool, Fort Mackinac Tea Room
When the noon Siren on Mackinac Island sounds in celebration of the island’s history, we invite guests at The Jockey Club and Fort Mackinac Tea Room to join in a toast, and encourage children at Esther Williams Swimming Pool to find the secret gems in the pool.
2:00 PM
Daily Duck Races
Location: Esther Williams Swimming Pool
What began as a lighthearted staff activity at a creek has grown into an exciting tradition of guests racing rubber ducks down the fast-flowing waterslide at the Esther Williams Swimming Pool.
3:30 PM
Afternoon Tea
Location: The Parlor
The ritual of afternoon tea, dating to mid1800s Britain, is a favorite social event at Grand Hotel in partnership with Steven Smith Teamaker. The fashionable gathering features premium teas, tea sandwiches, sweets, sherry, champagne, and live classical music.
5:30 PM
Summer Place Social Hour
Location: The Parlor and Front Porch
Enjoy pre-dinner cocktails, music, and socializing in homage to the long history and significance of live music at Grand Hotel. Our talented full-time musicians are led by Grand Hotel’s Music Director Dr. Alex Graham.
6:30 PM
Evening Attire
Location: Grand Hotel
When Grand Hotel opened its doors in 1887, guests adorned like Victorian royalty were the picture of elegance in the Salle à Manger. Today’s flexible, yet dignified, dress code continues to make dining a special occasion, complete with dancing under chandeliers. After 6:30 PM, guests are required to wear dresses, skirts, blouses, dress slacks, suits, sport coats, neckties, and dress pants.
Sunset
Respectful Retreat
Location: Front Porch
The American flag has always been proudly flown at Grand Hotel, initially from the cupola and now from numerous high locations. A half hour before sunset, bellmen wearing white gloves lower and respectfully fold each flag, upholding traditional protocols that honor the service of American veterans and this enduring symbol of liberty and freedom.
9:30 PM
First Dance
Location: Terrace Room
Each evening after dinner demitasse, the harpist plays God Bless America and guests make their way to the Terrace Room. The doors open onto Grand Hotel Orchestra playing to commence an evening of dancing.
125 Years of Golf
For 125 years, the fairways of The Jewel at Grand Hotel have welcomed generations of golfers to experience one of the game’s most storied settings. Since its earliest days, golf at Grand Hotel has been defined by tradition, sportsmanship, and the unmistakable beauty that surrounds every tee and green. This milestone anniversary honors a legacy shaped by iconic moments, timeless design, and a deep connection to the rich heritage of Mackinac Island, where every round is part of something greater than the game itself.
To commemorate this remarkable chapter, guests are invited to enjoy a season filled with exclusive anniversary merchandise and thoughtfully designed golf specials that make it easier than ever to experience The Jewel. We are proud to introduce limited-edition 125th Anniversary hats and shirts, featuring a newly designed commemorative logo created especially for this historic year. Available for a limited time at The Jewel Pro Shop and online through Distinctly Grand at shop.grandhotel.com, these collectible pieces celebrate 125 years of unforgettable golf at Grand Hotel.
The celebration continues on the course with special anniversary value offers, perfect for twilight play and summer evenings. Available all season, the Twilight Golf Special invites golfers to enjoy exceptional value during the most scenic hours of the day:
• Two twilight rounds on the Grand Nine for $125, including cart and club rental
• Four twilight rounds on the Grand Nine for $250, including cart and club rental
From Memorial Day through Labor Day, guests can also take advantage of a commemorative nine-hole experience designed especially for the anniversary season.
The 125th Anniversary Grand Nine Special includes:
• 9 holes of golf on the Grand Nine with Cart
• A sleeve of logo golf balls
• A commemorative ball marker
All for $125, making it a memorable way to enjoy the course and take home a piece of the celebration.
A centerpiece of the anniversary season is The Jewel Classic with Golf Pro Grant DeMoss, available Sunday, August 30 through Monday, August 31, 2026. This exclusive 125th Anniversary package delivers a one-of-a-kind golf getaway featuring unlimited play on The Jewel, personalized clinics and a short-game seminar with Grant DeMoss, and a spirited 18-hole Monday Scramble, followed by an awards reception celebrating the weekend’s achievements.
With limited-edition merchandise, special anniversary pricing, and exclusive events available throughout the season, the 125th anniversary of golf at Grand Hotel offers a rare opportunity to be part of a lasting tradition. For details and reservations, visit grandhotel.com
The Jewel Golf Course
Grand Hotel Partnerships
At Grand Hotel, our restaurants proudly partner with Carmela Foods, a trusted Midwest foodservice distributor known for its commitment to exceptional quality, strong relationships, and flavor-first sourcing. This collaboration brings thoughtfully curated ingredients to our kitchens, supporting the elevated dining experiences our guests enjoy across the resort.
Founded in Michigan in 1992 and inspired by the culinary passion of Carmela Tocco, Carmela Foods has grown from a small family operation into one of the Midwest’s leading specialty and premium food distributors. More than a distributor, Carmela Foods is a direct source purveyor, connecting chefs to standout products from artisan makers, local farms, and respected producers around the world. With over 30 years of experience, Carmela Foods is built on personalized service, deep product expertise, and a dedication to culinary innovation. Together, Grand Hotel and Carmela Foods share a passion for craftsmanship, community, and unforgettable dining experiences.
A Sweet Tribute 250 Years in the Making
Long before the first scoop was served, there was an idea, simple, hopeful, and bold. The American Dream.
To celebrate 250 years of that spirit, Guernsey Farms Dairy introduces a one-of-akind creation: American Dream Ice Cream.
It begins with a vibrant Old Glory blue, rich, creamy, and unmistakably eyecatching. Swirled throughout are ribbons of red valor fudge, symbolizing courage and resilience. And folded in with care, the pure sweetness of white chocolate chips, representing unity, simplicity, and the enduring promise of something better.
But this isn’t just ice cream. It’s a moment.
A child’s first bite on a summer afternoon.
A family laughing on the porch overlooking the Straits.
A tradition started, remembered, and passed on.
Created in partnership with Guernsey Farms Dairy, this custom flavor celebrates not just where we’ve been, but the joy of where we are, right here, right now.
Because the American Dream isn’t just something you chase. Sometimes… you can taste it.
Give Kids the World
Each year Grand Hotel hosts a variety of events to raise funds for this important cause, including the annual Give Kids the World Golf Tournament held at The Jewel Golf Course. Last year’s tournament generated outstanding contributions, demonstrating the power of our community. Thanks to the support of participants and the Mackinac Island community, Grand Hotel will be able to make a generous donation to Give Kids the World. Grand Hotel is proud to support Give Kids the World Village, in partnership with Davidson Hospitality Company. The 89-acre, nonprofit resort in Central Florida provides week-long, cost-free vacations to children with critical illnesses, and their families.
In 2025, we hosted several fundraising events in support of Give Kids the World. Among the highlights was a golf fundraiser on the Jewel Golf Course for community members to participate in a golf scramble. At our annual Halloween Maze and Trail, guests were asked to donate $5 to participate. Created by our talented Grounds Team, this eerie event is a favorite tradition open to all guests, visitors, and the Mackinac Island community. In 2025, the spooky fun included a winding trail through the trees of Woodlands Activity Center and a haunting maze with moving walls, raising money for Give Kids the World.
Grand Hotel & Iron Fish Distillery
Grand Hotel proudly partners with Iron Fish Distillery of Thompsonville, Michigan to bring locally crafted spirits to our historic bars and dining venues through the exclusive 1887 Grand Rye and 1887 Grand Bourbon. First introduced in June 2023, these distinctive spirits have quickly become guest favorites, featured in more than 45,000 handcrafted cocktails served across the property since their debut.
The 1887 Grand Rye Whiskey, finished in Islay Scotch barrels, exemplifies refined complexity and craftsmanship. Awarded a Gold Medal at the 2023 World Whiskies Awards for Best American Blended Limited Release, the rye offers layered notes of leather, ripe fruit, vanilla, and rye bread, followed by a balanced palate of pepper, baking spice, orange peel, and a lingering finish of brown sugar, grapefruit, and vanilla.
Complementing the rye is the 1887 Grand Bourbon, a Michigan-made expression blending Iron Fish’s wheated bourbon distilled from Michigan-grown grain, with carefully selected high-rye bourbon aged a minimum of four years. Smooth yet expressive; it delivers aromas of vanilla, caramel, and oak, with a warm, slightly spicy finish that reflects Michigan’s rugged landscape and collaborative spirit.
Together, Grand Hotel and Iron Fish Distillery celebrate craftsmanship, terroir, and tradition, raising a glass to timeless hospitality with unmistakable Michigan character.
Bells Beer
Grand Hotel is pleased to continue its partnership with Bell’s Brewery through the refreshing Big Porch Ale, a beer crafted to complement laid-back island days and classic Grand Hotel moments. Now available in cans, Big Porch Ale is offered at all of our restaurants and bars, making it even easier for guests to enjoy this Michigan favorite while taking in sweeping views and relaxed gatherings. This collaboration celebrates shared Midwestern roots and a commitment to quality, bringing a crisp, approachable ale to some of Grand Hotel’s most beloved settings.
Grand Hotel Gin by Journeyman
Grand Hotel proudly presents Grand Summer Gin, a light, floral expression inspired by the natural beauty of Mackinac Island and crafted exclusively for Grand Hotel by Journeyman Distillery in Three Oaks, Michigan. Infused with botanicals native to the island, geranium, lilac, and lavender, this gin captures the essence of long summer days, blooming gardens, and the timeless charm that defines Grand Hotel.
Delicate and aromatic, Grand Summer Gin is bright and refreshing, with gentle floral notes that unfold gracefully in classic cocktails or simple serves, ideally enjoyed on the porch as the Straits shimmer in the evening light. The vision behind this spirit looks to the future: one day sourcing these very botanicals directly from Grand Hotel grounds, grown on the island and infused into each batch, creating a true taste of place from garden to glass. Thoughtfully made and unmistakably Grand, this gin is a celebration of summer, craftsmanship, and enduring elegance.
Dining at Grand Hotel
This season arrives on the heels of a memorable 2025 culinary line-up. Creative craft cocktails were invented to honor the history of Grand Hotel and Dorothy Draper & Co. Relaxed revelers enjoyed a shimmering nightclub vibe at the new Gate House After Dark experience. And guests learned the ins and outs of all things culinary at Grand Hotel.
It was a season to remember—and this year is poised to top it as exciting drinks, menus, and tours unfold in A Season to Celebrate. Come gather at America’s Summer Place where dining, both casually and elegantly, is at the center of it all.
Every restaurant will feature new menus and a celebratory America’s 250th Anniversary cocktail. The season’s tour experiences include an adventurous Cocktail Safari, a variety of stimulating tastings, and the storied Grand Hotel Kitchen Tour.
A guest favorite, the Grand Hotel Kitchen Tour begins with a wine-and-cheese tasting experience with Grand Hotel’s Master Sommelier Elizabeth Schweitzer. Then it’s time to learn the fun facts behind the art of preparing exquisite menu offerings daily—over 1.4 million meals each season in the Main Dining Room alone! Tour Grand Hotel’s main kitchen, meat cutting room, main dining room hot line, and learn about the hotel’s unique food and beverage delivery system. Conclude with sparkling wine and a demonstration about Grand Hotel’s Pecan Ball, the iconic dessert that made its debut in 1947. To this day, it is the hotel’s most popular menu item, with a staggering average of 60,000 served every season.
Savor an Old Fashioned mixology class at Grand Hotel’s elegant bar, Baroque. Our expert bartender Ramon demonstrates the steps of making an Old Fashioned cocktail in single-glass and batched formats. Sample each variation and take home recipes for each one.
Each of our unique experiences are bookable in advance online or through our concierge.
Gate House
Main Dining Room
Baroque
There’s a bright new way for kids to get a taste of summer. Purchase a reusable cup with a fun design and straw at Gate House, Esther Williams Pool Bar, The Jockey Club, Woods, Fort Mackinac Tea Room, or Mackinac Island Pizza Company, and enjoy free refills for kids at these outlets and Grand Hotel throughout your stay.
New to Grand Hotel and the Woodlands Activity Center in 2026, this inviting respite offers refreshments and snacks for guests of all ages.
Nestled among the white pine woodlands in the shadow of Grand Hotel, Caskey’s draws inspiration from the classic metropolitan park concession stands that sprung up in cities across America during the early 1900s. Long before modern fast food, these refreshment stands served affordable and accessible noshes in convenient locations to locals and visitors alike.
Named for Charles Caskey, the builder of Grand Hotel, this welcoming stop invites you to slow down and savor the moment while exploring the island and beautiful grounds of Grand Hotel. Guests may enjoy all-beef hot dogs, hot buttered popcorn, ice-cold beverages, and timeless snacks—each served with a beautiful view of The Grand and the surrounding landscape. Convenient luncheon bundles add value as well.
Caskey’s is anticipated to be open Memorial Day to Labor Day, adding yet another fantastic dining option for Mackinac Island visitors.
The Jockey Club Brunch has proven to be a favorite mid-day alternative to dining indoors. Also offered between Memorial Day and Labor Day, The Jockey Club Brunch is available on Saturdays and Sundays featuring a fantastic array of wood-fired plated entrees, blending traditional breakfast fare with creative luncheon favorites, and accentuated by one of our most popular shared appetizers, the seafood tower. The slow smoked prime rib continues to be offered nightly until we run out!
Open for lunch, dinner, and late-night entertainment, Gate House is one of Mackinac Island’s favorite gathering places, offering great food, a lively atmosphere, and something happening from day into night every day of the week. Guests can enjoy relaxed outdoor dining on our patio, featuring classic umbrellas that provide the perfect setting for sunny afternoons and warm island evenings. Gate House will also be the ideal spot for World Cup Soccer this summer, with special programming and featured offerings available during each round of this international thriller, making it the go-to destination to watch, cheer, and connect.
When the sun goes down, Gate House After Dark takes center stage as Mackinac Island’s premier nightlife destination. The summer of 2026 brings an expanded Summer Concert Series, featuring live bands across the music spectrum and delivering high- energy performances all season long.
All of our most popular parties return, along with a fan favorite, Silent Disco Nights, back by popular demand. New this summer, the fun continues to grow with Game Night, a weekly event featuring individual and tableoriented competitions inspired by your favorite television game shows. Family Game Night will be offered on select evenings, making Gate House After Dark a destination for guests of all ages. These exciting additions enhance a full lineup of weekly favorites, including Karaoke, Trivia Nights, and featured sporting events, ensuring there’s always something to look forward to. Also returning is our After 10 Menu, featuring select menu items for $10 after 10 p.m.
From casual daytime dining and matchday excitement to electric nights filled with music, games, and entertainment, Gate House and Gate House After Dark deliver unforgettable Mackinac Island energy, day and night.
Gate House is your go-to spot for relaxed lunches, dinners, and entertainment—now enhanced by the newly launched Gate House Patio Bar. Unwind outdoors in a comfortable, shaded setting where you can catch your favorite games on TV or enjoy live music and DJ sets, all in a fun, easygoing atmosphere.
Sip on refreshing frozen drinks, explore creative cocktails, and choose from an excellent selection of wine and beer, perfect for game days, music-filled evenings, or simply kicking back with friends.
2025 Grand Legend Awards
What makes Grand Hotel special isn’t only the beautiful grounds and renowned architecture, it’s also the extraordinary people. That’s why, every year, we honor those who have made significant contributions to the legacy of Grand Hotel and the Mackinac Island community. We’re pleased to announce the 2025 Grand Legend Award Winners, each representing a unique aspect of our story: past, present, and community.
Chef Hans Burtscher
Representing
Grand Hotel’s Past
Executive Chef & Vice President of Food and Beverage, Grand Hotel
For more than three decades, Austrianborn Chef Hans Burtscher shaped the culinary excellence and traditions of Grand Hotel, ultimately serving as Executive Chef and Vice President of Food and Beverage. He transformed the hotel’s dining program, helped create nine dining venues, represented Grand Hotel at the James Beard House, and mentored generations of staff. His legacy lives on in the hotel’s celebrated cuisine and in every elegant meal served in the Main Dining Room.
Phil Porter Representing the Mackinac Island Community
Director Emeritus Mackinac
State Historic Parks
Phil Porter grew up next door to Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island and began his career there as a Fort Mackinac tour guide in 1972. A longtime leader of Mackinac State Historic Parks and author of twelve books on the island’s history, he received the History Hero Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Historical Society of Michigan in 2023. He and his wife, Valerie, spend summers on Mackinac Island and winters in Cheboygan, enjoying time with their five children and thirteen grandchildren.
John Hulett III Representing Present Day at Grand Hotel
Vice President of Community Relations, Grand Hotel
Celebrating 60 years of service in 2025, John Hulett has embodied the spirit of Grand Hotel, beginning his career in 1965 and rising through roles from bellman and restaurant manager to Vice President of Operations and now Vice President of Community Relations. Known for his gracious demeanor, genuine warmth, and steadfast commitment to service, he has worked closely with three generations of ownership and become a trusted advisor, respected colleague, and legendary presence on Mackinac Island. As Grand Hotel looks ahead to its 150th season, Mr. Hulett has no plans to slow down, continuing to welcome guests with the same grace and enthusiasm that have defined his remarkable career.
Pictured left to right, Vice President John Hulett III, President David Jurcak, Director Emeritus Mackinac State Historic Parks Phil Porter
Awards & Recognition
Grand Hotel is ranked #1 Best Hotel in Michigan U.S. News & World Report
Grand Hotel is ranked #1 Best Hotel on Mackinac Island U.S. News & World Report
Grand Hotel is ranked #1 Best Resort on Mackinac Island U.S. News & World Report
Grand Hotel is recognized as the #1 Best Resort in the Midwest Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards for 2024
Grand Hotel has been voted #7 in the top 10 ‘Best Destination Resort USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards
Grand Hotel awarded #2 Best Resort in the Midwest Travel + Leisure Worlds Best Awards
The Gem Miniature Golf Course ranked #6 Best Miniature Golf Course in the US Newsweek
Mackinac Island awarded #1 Best Summer Travel Destination 2025 USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards
Mackinac Island awarded #1 Best Place to Visit for Fall 2025 USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards
Mackinac Island awarded Best Summer Family Getaway Modern Luxury Best of Luxury Travel
Grand Hotel, Salle a Manger wins 2024 Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence
