Following a successful 2020 summer season, businesses on Mackinac Island have updated their amenities and attractions for 2021, according to Mackinac Island Tourism. Summer ferry schedules start on April 21, and most venues will open in early May.
“Spring is an exciting time around Mackinac Island as we gear up and prepare to welcome guests back,” says Tim Hygh, executive director of tourism for Mackinac Island. “For 2021, several Mackinac Island businesses have worked overtime to complete exciting updates and improve the experiences they provide despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic. It’s going to be a great year.”
The Grand Hotel will debut a new swimming pool with amenities including a family-friendly area with a zero-depth beach entry, water jet play area, and water slide; 15 reservable poolside cabanas that includes food and beverage service; a heated whirlpool and adults-only pool area with an infinity edge and views of the island; expanded seating areas including new pool furniture for the pool deck, terrace, and lawn; expansion and availability of outdoor space for leisure and meeting guests; and programming such as movie nights.
The hotel also will add a new shop to the ground floor retail corridor called Grand Kids, which will offer merchandise for children. The men’s and women’s boutiques have also been updated with new clothing and accessories as well as new bathrooms.
Mission Point Resort will complete the renovation of 30 of its rooms ahead of the opening of the season. Mission Point Resort recently earned Global Biorisk Advisory Council STAR Facility Certification for expansive cleanliness and safety protocols ahead of the upcoming season.
The Inn at Stonecliffe opened the The Lawn at Stonecliffe, featuring indoor and outdoor seating and views of the Mackinac Bridge. Open daily at 2 p.m. for food and cocktails, the menu will offer favorites and twists on traditional dishes. In addition, The Inn at Stonecliffe has partnered with the Mackinac Arts Council to schedule live entertainment throughout the summer.
The Chippewa Hotel, meanwhile, upgraded its room maintenance detail, repainted multiple areas, constructed a new entrance to the Pink Pony Patio, added new dock pilings, updated flooring for the upper deck, and upgraded the facility’s Wi-Fi, among other improvements. The Pink Pony store also has new inventory.
Island House has completed renovations of the lobby, hallways, two-bedroom suites, and Pine Cottage Bed and Breakfast rooms. Ice House BBQ will now offer craft beer and cocktails, with Pancake House opening for the season with a fresh menu and facelift. Seabiscuit Café is also set to open next month with fan favorite menu items making their return.
Lilac Tree Suites and Spa is set to offer eight new walk-in showers, room maintenance detail, fresh exterior siding, and new paint.
In turn, Winchester’s Whiskey and Bourbon Room will celebrate its grand opening on April 30. The new restaurant, located at Bicycle Street Inn on Main Street, will feature craft cocktails and delicious entrees in a Prohibition-era themed atmosphere.
Great Turtle Toys has new carpet, paint, spaces, and fixtures and will feature more energy-efficient lighting.
Mackinac Island Tourism has launched an online hub outlining the operational changes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, visit the island’s 2021 Opening Dates page.
Mackinac Island Tourism represents the collective interests of members of the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau and the Mackinac Island Convention and Visitors Bureau.
