What's New on Mackinac Island 2026

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Mackinac Island is kicking off its 2026 season with a fresh wave of excitement, upgrades, and historic celebrations across the island! From refreshed hotel spaces and new dining experiences to special programs and events, the island community has been hard at work all winter preparing for another unforgettable year. One of the biggest highlights for 2026 is the kickoff of America250 celebrations, with special programming and activities at Fort Mackinac that honor the island’s rich role in our nation’s history. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to your favorite island traditions, you’ll find plenty of new reasons to fall in love with Mackinac Island all over again. Here’s a look at what’s new and noteworthy on Mackinac Island this season!

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Contents hide

1 2026 Mackinac Island Season Updates

1.1 Annual Highlights

1.2 Accommodations

1.3 Attractions

1.3.1 Bonus Experience: See Mackinac Island from the Sky

1.4 Planning a trip to Mackinac Island?

1.5 Restaurants, Fudge Shops, and Shopping

2 How To Get To Mackinac Island

3 Make sure you check out our YouTube channel for helpful Mackinac Island travel planning tips!

4 Mackinac Island 2026

5 Make sure to check out some of these other Mackinac Island posts to help you plan your ideal vacation:

2026 Mackinac Island Season Updates

If you’re eager to be among the first to experience the magic of the new season, Sneak Peek Week runs from April 24 through April 30, with select shops, restaurants, and attractions beginning to open their doors. The island’s official Opening Weekend kicks off on May 1, marking the start of the 2026 season in full swing! Attractions on the island will continue to open throughout the month of May and into early June.

Click here for a list of season opening dates on the island.

Annual Highlights

May 9th, 2026: Fort2Fort Race
May 26th-29th, 2026: Detroit Chamber Mackinac Policy Conference
June 6th – 15th, 2026: The Lilac Festival
June 6th, 2026: Lilac Festival 10k
June 14th, 2026: Lilac Festival Grand Parade
July 4th, 2026: W.T. Rabe Stone Skipping Competition, Fireworks, & 4th of July Celebrations
July 10th – 14th, 2026: Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac
July 18th – 21st, 2026: Bayview Mackinac Race
July 25th, 2026: Vintage Base Ball Game with Mackinac State Historic Parks
September 12th, 2026: Mackinac Island Eight Mile Run
October 2nd – 3rd, 2026: Mackinac Island Fall Fudge Festival
October 23rd – 25th, 2026: Mackinac Island Halloween Weekend
October 24th, 2026: Great Turtle Trail Run

Accommodations

The Inn at Stonecliffe Summer House Room

Chippewa Hotel will be unveiling spacious lake view rooms and select room remodels, in addition to an expanded Pink Pony gift store and updates to the Pink Pony dining room.
Grand Hotel is celebrating its 140th season and the U.S. Semiquincentennial with a redesigned lobby level curated by Dorothy Draper & Company, featuring an expanded retail corridor and 25 newly renovated guest suites. New experiences include Barn to Bridle where participants can learn the basic care, grooming, and harnessing techniques of a working horse at Grand Hotel Stables, and the Grand American Evening; after 6:30 p.m., guests of all ages can enjoy live entertainment, activities, and shared moments throughout the hotel.
Harbour View Inn will unveil a stunning transformation for the 2026 season with completely reimagined and newly-designed guest rooms, suites, and gorgeous gardens by award-winning landscape architect Jack Barnwell – all capturing the charm and heritage of the historic inn. New to the collection is Pedals Harbour Grille where guests can bike up to the restaurant for a fresh take on al fresco streetside dining.
Island House Hotel will be debuting the “Once Upon an Island” package.
Island House Bike Rental will be introducing new Fuji gravel bikes designed for exploring beyond paved pathways.
The Inn at Stonecliffe is introducing an expanded kitchen and flourishing on-property garden. Other updates include a Mahjong Retreat and the introduction of a bold small-plates menu at Horsey’s. In celebration of America250, Stonecliffe is offering the “Taste of Stonecliffe” package featuring a $250 anniversary dining credit.
Lilac Tree Suites has replaced carpet and made bathroom updates to several rooms, and the guest house can now accommodate up to four guests with the addition of a sleeper sofa.
Mission Point Resort in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the resort is launching patriotic-themed floral displays and limited-time food and beverage specials, including the American Coney Island breakfast skillet at Round Island Kitchen. Other 2026 highlights include expanded seating at Lily’s Lemonade Stand, new state-of-the-art fitness center upgrades, and a diverse schedule of interactive culinary classes ranging from wine and fudge pairings to sushi and pasta-making.
Pine Cottage Bed & Breakfast has implemented updates to common spaces and rooms to better accommodate the needs of all travelers.

Attractions

Arnold Transit Company will be offering a Multi-Day/Multi-Ferry ticket valid for 48 hours after 1st scan. May be used in Mackinaw City or St. Ignace to ride a Fast Ferry or a Classic Ferry.
Chad’s Wonderful Walking Tours provide guests with guided, customizable tours to share the island’s features from a local’s perspective. Ticket purchasers can use the 20% off discount when booking now through April 10, 2026.
Grand Hotel is offering new experiences include Barn to Bridle where participants can learn the basic care, grooming, and harnessing techniques of a working horse at Grand Hotel Stables.
Great Lakes Marine Charters specialize in intimate charters aboard its catamaran “Athina,” from casual cruises to corporate retreats to bachelorette parties. The Athina sets sail this season from mid-May to early October.
Inside Out Tours back for its second season, will offer one-hour children’s treasure hunt tours where explorers go off-path to find hidden treasure while learning about the Island.
Mackinac State Historic Parks As the nation commemorates its semiquincentennial, Mackinac Island serves as a focal point of national pride. Mackinac State Historic Parks will lead the charge with daily programming exploring the American Revolution, including the opening of the Soldiers’ Barracks, fully renovated visitor’s center, and a redesigned historic entrance at Fort Mackinac. New and updated exhibits, such as Mackinac, An Island Famous in These Regions, will provide a comprehensive look at the island’s evolution.
Mission of St. Ignace Chapel, formerly Bark Chapel, has a new name for the 2026 season.
Mission Point Resort 2026 highlights include a diverse schedule of interactive culinary classes ranging from wine and fudge pairings to sushi and pasta-making.
Sip n’ Sail Cruises is excited to offer the brand new afternoon history cruise! Excursions are scheduled based on interest and this is a great fit for groups that are looking to see the island from the water while learning about the history of the area.
Shepler’s Ferry will now be offering Sunset Cruises featuring golden hour glow, Mackinac Bridge views, and live music & bar service. This will replace the Night Sky Cruises they offered previously.

Bonus Experience: See Mackinac Island from the Sky

If you’re looking for something that will blow your mind? This is it.

And if you’re looking to splurge on one unforgettable moment, consider taking a helicopter tour from St. Ignace. I had the chance to experience this myself—and let me tell you, flying over the Mackinac Bridge and getting a bird’s-eye view of the island is something I’ll never forget. You even fly right between the bridge’s towers!

To book your flight and take in the most incredible view of Mackinac Island with MyFlight Tours, click this (affiliate) link HERE!

Tours start at around $50 per person, making it more accessible than you might think for such a bucket-list-worthy adventure. It’s a unique way to kick off or cap off your Mackinac trip—and hands down one of the coolest ways to see the island.

Planning a trip to Mackinac Island?

Whether it’s your first visit or your fifteenth, our Mackinac Island Travel Guide is packed with tips, recommendations, and insider info to help you make the most of your time on the island. From where to stay and what to do to can’t-miss attractions and hidden gems—this guide has you covered!

Restaurants, Fudge Shops, and Shopping

MPR Burger from Round Island Kitchen at Mission Point Resort

1852 Grill Room is introducing a Mother’s Day Brunch and Mother’s Day Package, making for a meaningful way to celebrate loved ones. Brand new this season is the Afternoon Tea experience where guests can relax al fresco while enjoying vintage-inspired refreshments.
Carriage House Restaurant at Hotel Iroquois Guests can enjoy waterfront dining and sip on the Cotton Collection signature Old Fashioned made with Maker’s Mark Private Select Cotton Collection Chapter Two Bourbon while overlooking the hotel’s iconic 250-foot dock.
The Gate House is debuting an outdoor bar that will host live entertainment throughout the season.
Pedals Harbour Grille at Harbour View Inn is where guests can bike up to the restaurant for a fresh take on al fresco street-side dining.??
Ice House BBQ continues to refine its al fresco dining experiences, offering BBQ and brick-oven pizza, yard games, and spacious outdoor seating.
The Inn at Stonecliffe is introducing an expanded kitchen and flourishing on-property garden. Other updates include the introduction of a bold small-plates menu at Horsey’s. In celebration of America250, guests can sip the limited-time “1776” bourbon cocktail crafted with on-property honey and book the “Taste of Stonecliffe” package featuring a $250 anniversary dining credit.
Mary’s Bistro Draught House is debuting its outdoor brick pizza oven and continues to offer seasonally-inspired menus.
May’s Famous Mackinac Fudge (formerly May’s Fudge) has a new name and is planning to expand offerings beyond fudge and candles which also includes the all new Somewhere in Time Cafe.
Mission Point Resort’s is debuting Adirondacks Pizza, a new casual dining concept in the Mission Point Marketplace where guests can enjoy handcrafted slices on the resort’s iconic Great Lawn. In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the resort is also launching patriotic-themed floral displays and limited-time food and beverage specials, including the American Coney Island breakfast skillet at Round Island Kitchen. Other 2026 highlights include expanded seating at Lily’s Lemonade Stand, new state-of-the-art fitness center upgrades, and a diverse schedule of interactive culinary classes ranging from wine and fudge pairings to sushi and pasta-making. More details here.
Pink Pony Store has completed an expansion to accommodate more styles and designs.
Ryba’s Fudge will be releasing limited edition flavors throughout the season. Guests are also encouraged to book fudge making experiences to try their hand at the centuries-old craft!
The Mackinac Social, formerly Verdes Taqueria, has completely renovated its Main Street and waterfront dining rooms and will be debuting reimagined lunch and dinner menus.
Winchester’s Whiskey & Bourbon Room has added a piano bar and a lineup of entertainment throughout the season.

How To Get To Mackinac Island

Shepler’s Under The Mighty Mac Ferry Departure

Shepler’s Ferry and Arnold Transit Company’s 2026 season ferry service will resume April 21, 2026. Be sure to check their websites for the most up today information regarding pricing, schedules, cruise offerings, and more.
Are You Flying in? Travelers can utilize North Country Aviation, Northwoods Aviation, or Fresh Air Aviation for flight options to the Island. The two closest airports that offer connecting flights from other airports are Pellston Airport and Chippewa County Airport.

Make sure you check out our YouTube channel for helpful Mackinac Island travel planning tips!

Mackinac Island 2026

With so many exciting updates, new experiences, and historic celebrations planned, 2026 is going to be such a fun year on Mackinac Island. Whether this is your first visit or your fifteenth, there will be something new waiting for you to discover. And as always, be sure to check back often—we’ll continue sharing updates as they become available, travel tips, and insider info to help you plan the best trip possible!

Make sure to check out some of these other Mackinac Island posts to help you plan your ideal vacation:

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What’s New on Mackinac Island 2026