Grand Hotel's 135th Birthday Celebration

Grand Hotel's 135th Birthday

Grand Hotel's 135th Birthday Celebration 3

Let’s gather together to celebrate Grand Hotel’s 135th birthday throughout July, and especially on July 10th (our actual birthday)! Celebrate with family and friends while exploring the best that a Mackinac Island summer has to offer.

Experience special events, packages, activities and more – both on-property and at home.

From 1887 to 2022

The Michigan Central Railroad, Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad, and Detroit and Cleveland Steamship Navigation Company form the Mackinac Island Hotel Company to build Grand Hotel. The hotel was built in just 93 days and officially opened on July 10, 1887 as a summer retreat for vacationers who arrive by lake steamer from Chicago, Erie, Montreal, Detroit, and by rail from across the continent. The hotel’s season was two months long during July & August.

135th Birthday Celebration – July 10th

We invite those staying with us to celebrate our 135th birthday with a party on the Front Porch. Enjoy cake, a toast, live music, speeches and more on Sunday, July 10th at 10:00 AM.

Grand Hotel's 135th Anniversary

Grand Hotel 135th Birthday Spa Package

$135.00

Celebrate Grand Hotel’s 135th Birthday throughout July with our special package featuring a shampoo, blowout, Grand manicure and Grand pedicure.

135th Birthday Package

Stay at Grand Hotel this July and enjoy our Birthday Package which includes:

Grand Hotel accommodations
Breakfast and dinner daily
$135.00 Food and Beverage credit per stay
10% discount in Grand Hotel retail shops
Complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability)
Special discount on ferry tickets

Book Today

Summer Sundays

Spend Sundays at Grand Hotel this summer and enjoy special savings of $135.00 Sunday rates! Explore the new Woodlands Activity Center, our classic Afternoon Tea, fun in the sun at the Esther Williams Swimming Pool and more during your stay.

Book Today

Celebrate At Home

We know not everyone can join us at Grand Hotel this month so we have a few ways for you to celebrate with us at home!

75th Anniversary of the Grand Pecan Ball

Make our beloved dessert at home - a taste of Grand Hotel!

Download Recipe
1887 Grand Rye

Rye lovers will enjoy the expansion of our relationship with Iron Fish Distillery in the form of a new rye expansion. Aged in Islay Scotch casks, 1887 Grand Rye leaves the proof a little higher to convey the true character of this delicious new spirit. 1887 Grand Rye is available at all of our bars and bottles are available for purchase at Grand Coffee & Provisions.
Send Us a Birthday Wish

We'd love to hear your Grand Hotel memories, from your first visit to your most memorable! Download our special letterhead and either email or mail us your letter. Email: [email protected] Mail: Grand Hotel P.O. Box 286 Mackinac Island, MI 49757

Download Now

History of Grand Hotel

Grand Hotel Logo History

We are celebrating the 85th anniversary of the Grand Hotel logo!

Who is the lady in the carriage? Grand Hotel’s logo contains a bit of a mystery…

In the late 1930s, Grand Hotel owner W. Stewart Woodfill commissioned graphic designer and famed pin-up artist Alberto Vargas to create a new logo for the hotel. At the time, Vargas was working for Esquire Magazine in Chicago. The design was to include Mr. Woodfill’s favorite carriage, a Victoria, with a formal driver and an elegant couple. He referred to the young lady with the parasol as Esmerelda. Just who was Esmerelda? No one knows – that’s the mystery!