Mackinac Island officials release 2023 events: What to know

Chandra Fleming, Detroit Free Press
·4 min read
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Mackinac Island, one of Michigan's most popular destinations, is gearing up for a busy tourist season, from lilacs to golf. Many events are celebrating milestones. Here's what to know:

75th Lilac Festival

A 10-day celebration planned with parades, a 10k run and walk, daily walking tours, dancing with the West Michigan boot scooters plus more. This year's event is from June 9-18.

Mackinac Island Wawashkamo Golf Club

Visitors will have a chance to play at one of Michigan's oldest golf courses, plus learn the history of the links-style golf course located on the grounds of the Battle of 1814. The golf course is celebrating its 125th year, with a celebration on Aug. 3-5.

The Pink Pony

The venue is celebrating 75 years with a new special logo on staff uniforms and pint glasses, plus additional items available for purchase in-store or online. The bar also will be offering a specialty anniversary drink and plans to have another celebration in the fall.

125 years without cars

This season also marks the 125th anniversary of the motorized vehicle ban. Mackinac Island's 8.2-mile M-185 is the only state highway in the country where motorized vehicles aren't allowed, according to a news release from the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau.

Bayview Mackinac Race

The sailboat race is scheduled for July 15. More than 160 sailboats have signed up to participate.

Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac

Fudge Festival

Enjoy different demonstrations featuring fudges, outdoor movie night, food and drinks plus other activities for family fun. The festival is from Aug. 25 - 27.

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Transportation

Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry and Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry are providing full service to and from the island starting April 21.

It's recommended to plan ahead, plus check the websites for daily rates, schedules, ride types and deals.

Where to stay

Mackinac Island hotels are getting a few updates for the 2023 season.

  • Chippewa Hotel is offering upgraded in-room technology, new mattresses and updated bathrooms. Plus, it is revamping its flooring and adding fresh paint.

  • The Grand Hotel is offering updates across the property including Cedar Grove, a new BMX track, miniature golf at The Gem, and a new greenhouse. It will also celebrate the grand opening of Mackinac Island Pizza Co., expanded outdoor seating at Woods Restaurant, and The Jockey Club.

  • The Inn at Stonecliffe will remain closed for the 2023 season while work on an extensive renovation is underway, according to a news release.

  • Island House Hotel's Ice House BBQ and 1852 Grill Room are welcoming refreshed spaces, including new floors and updated menus, and the hotel has completed renovations to corridors and will be streaming a new documentary telling the story of Island House Hotel in all rooms.

  • Lilac Tree Suites is debuting its newly upgraded front desk and lobby area this season and has also focused on cosmetic updates over the winter including upgrading showers.

  • Mackinac Island State Harbor is welcoming a new, fully accessible building just off the east end of Main Street complete with new bathrooms, showers and a laundry facility available to people using the harbor’s boat slips. The project, being led by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, is expected to be completed later this summer and will open in late July, according to a news release.

  • Mission Point Resort is debuting a complete renovation of the Main Lodge lobby to create “Mackinac Island’s Newest Living Room” complete with revitalized décor, new furniture, revamped bell stand operations, plus additional enhancements. Round Island Kitchen has also undergone major enhancements of the patio deck seating and renovations of the interior space.

Other attractions on Mackinac Island

  • Fort Mackinac’s Post Commissary building is being renovated to serve as the new home for the Fort Mackinac Museum Store. A temporary theater will reside in the former museum store featuring The Heritage of Mackinac movie.

  • Patrick Doud’s Irish Pub is making its debut on Main Street this season. Fifth-generation islanders Andrew and Nicole Doud are celebrating the history of Mackinac Island’s original founders by dedicating the pub to Patrick who built the building where the pub resides, as well as many others on the island

For more information, visit the Mackinac Island website.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Mackinac Island 2023 events: Lilac Festival, Fudge Festival, more