It begins as a trickle in late April, then swells to a flood come May. Just as sure as April showers bring May flowers, so the return of Mackinac Island’s daily ferry service leads to the reopening of places to stay and visitor attractions including restaurants, shops and more.
Want to know exactly when Grand Hotel will hold its opening ceremony and champagne toast? Or when to hear the first boom from Fort Mackinac’s cannon?
Check out this list of Opening Dates.
Sneak Peek Week on Mackinac Island
While a few hotels, restaurants and stores are open year round, most Mackinac Island destinations operate seasonally from spring through fall. And among those seasonal attractions, some open earlier in the year than others.
A few places to stay open their doors in late April, around the time that Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry and Arnold Transit Co. resume daily passenger service from the mainland. Likewise, a smattering of stores, restaurants, coffee shops and fudge shops open for business before the calendar turns to May.
In fact, the last week of April is known as Sneak Peek Week on Mackinac Island. It’s when you can get an early experience of the new season and a glimpse of what’s to come. It’s kind of like a behind-the-scenes-look at what it’s like when the island starts to awaken from its winter slumber.
Opening Day on Mackinac Island
The official Opening Day for the new visitor season is the first Friday in May. That’s when Mackinac State Historic Parks opens both Fort Mackinac and Fort Holmes. And by that time most public restrooms around the island are open as well.
From that point on, May is a whirlwind of activity as more and more shops, restaurants and places to stay open for the new season. Bicycles are being rented. Golf tee times are being taken. Horse-drawn carriage tours are being given.
By the end of May, the whole island is abuzz with activity. Typically, only a few attractions in Historic Downtown Mackinac are yet to open, such as the McGulpin House and the American Fur Co. Store & Dr. Beaumont Museum, which both generally open in early June.
See pics of happy customers from past opening days for Mackinac Island businesses
What’s New on Mackinac Island This Year
Even though the vintage character of Mackinac Island contributes so much of its charm, there’s always something new to see and do each spring. Here’s just a sampling of what to discover during Sneak Peek Week and the month of May:
- Grand Hotel is restoring the original roofline of the 1887 structure and the original wood columns and flag poles along the world’s longest front porch
- At Mission Point Resort, the fine-dining restaurant Chianti is undergoing a transformation that will add the Lilac Lounge
- At historic Fort Mackinac, renovations to the Soldiers’ Barracks are making way for three new and updated exhibits
- The new Grand Hotel Mackinac Market retail store is opening downtown with a second location of Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor
- Mackinac National Park is celebrating its 150th anniversary
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