What's New on Mackinac Island In 2025

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Mackinac Island is kicking off its 2025 season with a fresh wave of excitement, upgrades, and celebrations across the island! From renovated hotel rooms and expanded dining menus to brand-new experiences and shops, the community has been hard at work all winter preparing for another unforgettable year. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime fan, you’ll find something new to love in 2025—including special events celebrating the 150th anniversary of Mackinac National Park. Here’s a look at what’s new and noteworthy on Mackinac Island this season!

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1 2025 Mackinac Island Season Updates

1.1 Annual Highlights

1.2 Accommodations

1.3 Attractions

1.4 Planning a trip to Mackinac Island?

1.5 Restaurants

1.6 Shopping

2 Getting There Just Got Easier!

3 Mackinac Island 2025

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

2025 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 25 through May 1, with select shops, restaurants, and attractions beginning to open their doors. The island’s official Opening Weekend kicks off on May 2, marking the start of the 2025 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

The Lilac Festival is June 6th – 15th, 2025.
The Fudge Festival has been reimagined and will now take place in the fall on October 2nd-4th, 2025.
The Mackinac State Historic Parks will be celebrating the 150th anniversary of the creation of the Mackianc National Park.

Accommodations

Chippewa Hotel has remodeled rooms (new showers and fresh paint) and upgraded the Pink Pony dining area with larger tables instead of booths.
Grand Hotel is preparing for 2025 with property renovations including the remodeled Parlor and Dorothy Draper Home shop.
Harbour View Inn has a newly renovated lobby, dining room, and parlor. Additional renovations will extend to the guest rooms in 2026.
Island House Hotel has implemented updates across its property. A portion of bathrooms received a makeover over the winter, three family suites have been rededicated to honor the heroes who saved Island House from imminent destruction, and the Rena and Victor Callewaert memorial garden will receive a plaque and refreshed foliage.
Island House Bike Rental will now offer baskets, helmets, and locks, as well as a detailed trail map with popular stops, trails by difficulty, and water refill stations with all rentals.
The Inn at Stonecliffe is offering a brand new “Stonecliffe Moment”–a unique experience scheduled each day including events from charity dinners to historic property tours.
Lilac Tree Suites will offer guests new showers and a few newly remodeled suites.
The Mustang Lounge now has a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom downtown condo above the restaurant that sleeps 9 people. Rentals will be available year-round for extended stays.
Pine Cottage Bed & Breakfast have renovated bathrooms to be more accessible.

Attractions

Great Turtle Kayak Tours is adding new guided hikes (curated or design your own) and a new British Landing outpost with SUP tours!
Inside Out Tours offers one-hour children’s treasure hunt tours where explorers can go off-path to find hidden treasure while learning more about the Island.
Mackinac State Historic Parks is celebrating 150 years since the creation of Mackinac National Park! Established in 1875 as the country’s second national park (just after Yellowstone), this milestone shaped the Mackinac Island we know and love today. To honor the anniversary, visitors can enjoy daily programs throughout the 2025 season at Fort Mackinac, including special bike and walking tours throughout the original parklands, a brand-new documentary, and a juried art exhibit called Iconic Mackinac at the art museum.
Mackinac State Historic Parks is also opening three new exhibits: A Military History of Fort Mackinac, A Desirable Station, and Mackinac; An Island Famous in These Regions
The McCartney Years concert experience returns in 2025 at Mission Point Resort Theater.
Mission Point Resort will be offering new themed dinners, sushi nights, mixology classes, and curated events this season.
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.

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

Chianti Restaurant at Mission Point Resort

1852 Grill Room is debuting new products including espresso drinks like an affogato. (An affogato is a scoop of gelato or ice cream topped with a hot shot of espresso.)
Lucky Bean Coffeehouse will now be hosting Coffee Cupping Sessions which will be a great tasting experience for coffee enthusiasts. There will be three classes per month at the Community Hall.
The Gate House is getting new furniture and a new live entertainment area.
Grand Hotel is opening the new Mackinac Market located downtown and will have a second Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor inside.
Mission Point Resort’s Chianti restaurant and The Lilac Lounge have undergone a refresh to their decor and are introducing a brand new aperitivo menu, handcrafted cocktails, and live piano music. Lily’s Lemonade Stand is debuting new frozen flavors, and Boxwood Café is adding an ice cream shop. Additionally, the resort is offering new themed dinners, sushi nights, mixology classes, and curated events this season.
Pancake House has welcomed a new chef, Amy Hurt, formerly of Seabiscuit Café and Mary’s Bistro, and has partnered with a family based in the Upper Peninsula to serve the freshest, purest Maple Syrup – also available for purchase.
Patrick Doud’s Irish Pub has added new items to the menu and will offer breakfast Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.
Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor will add three new flavors to their lineup: Berry Bits & Choco Chips, Chocolate Caramel Pecan, and Dark Chocolate Cookies and Cream.
Seabiscuit Café has added some creative cocktails and the menu has been reimagined bringing back some old favorites.

Shopping

Benjamin’s of Mackinac Island is celebrating its 75th year!
Doud’s Market has fresh floors and is in the process of launching online grocery ordering.
Great Turtle Toys will be hosting Speed Puzzle Competitions, Beary Cozy Nights (overnight fun for stuffed animals), and has added the Dope Slimes Sundae Station where you can create your own slime.
The Island Bookstore is celebrating its 50th anniversary!
Little Luxuries has put a fresh coat of paint within the store and will be launching a collection of new products designed by a popular Michigan artist. (More information coming soon!) They will also be launching a new fragrance in May that will be available in a Michigan-made candle and diffuser.
Mission Point Resort’s Cherished Moments Gift Shop has expanded now offering even more ways to bring a Mackinac Island gift home with you.
Ryba’s Fudge got a “sweet” facelift inside and out!

Getting There Just Got Easier!

Shepler’s Under The Mighty Mac Ferry Departure

Shepler’s Ferry and Arnold Transit Company’s 2025 season ferry service will resume April 25, 2025, with 10% more departures and additional late evening rides! Be sure to check their websites for the most up today information regarding pricing, schedules, cruise offerings, and more.
Are You Flying in? United Airlines (via SkyWest) will offer nonstop service from Chicago O’Hare to Pellston Airport (starting May 8, 2025) and Chippewa County Airport (starting May 15, 2025).

Mackinac Island 2025

With so many exciting updates, fresh experiences, and special events planned, 2025 is shaping up to be an wonderful year on Mackinac Island. Whether you’re returning for your annual getaway or planning your very first visit, there’s never been a better time to explore all the magic this island has to offer. Be sure to check back often for more travel tips and insider info to help you plan the perfect trip!

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 In 2025