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Ah, the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. This timeless Michigan landmark is known for its rich past, iconic elegance, lush gardens, and never-ending front porch. And for just $14, you can take a self-guided Grand Hotel tour and explore one of Michigan’s most legendary hotels without booking an overnight stay.
It really is an irresistible destination, especially if you’re interested in architecture, Mackinac Island history, or culture.
If an overnight stay isn’t in the cards, you can still enjoy its splendor with a self-guided Grand Hotel tour (and nearby Governor’s Mansion).
That’s right – you don’t have to be a guest to experience the colorful inner halls of this Victorian-era gem.
Just pay the guest admission fee and you can wander the grounds of the Grand Hotel all day long.
Here’s what you can see and do on the Grand Hotel tour:
The 1887 Grand Hotel is a National Historic Landmark that captures over a century of Mackinac Island’s story.
Stepping inside, guests and visitors get a glimpse into the past through its vast array of photographs, artifacts, and intriguing stories.
Welcome to the World’s Longest Front Porch! This iconic 660-foot long relaxation station is an absolute must-see.
An endless line of white rocking chairs begs the question: which one will you choose?
No matter, they all lull and soothe the same in their front-porch kind of way.
While you rock, notice the vibrant red geraniums lining the banister – a Grand Hotel trademark – while a life-sized chess game adds a touch of fun.
Front Porch Ceiling Color: Look up at the front porch ceiling and you’ll notice it’s painted a lovely shade of aquamarine blue. What you don’t see: nesting birds.
This “Dew Kiss” turquoise paint shade (Pittsburgh Paints Dew Kiss) is an aesthetic and ingenious bird-deterrent, as are other blue-hued ceiling colors.
Good to know: Stepping onto the Grand Hotel’s inviting red-carpeted stairs requires a $14 admission fee. Unlike other hotels, casual walk-ins to the lobby aren’t permitted here.
Second to the front porch, the exquisite Grand Hotel gardens and lawns also cannot be missed. They’re legendary!
The cool Mackinac summer growing season means an explosion of color in the gardens, courtesy of the thousands of annuals and perennials planted here. Be on the lookout for geraniums, roses, peonies, daisies, coleus, cosmos, lilies, begonias and more.
Cherry flowers, fountains, and a life-sized chess game flank the giant lawn to brighten the day.
In what looks to go on for a mile or more, annuals line the front of the hotel, layering color in a spectacular way.
You’ll be hard-pressed to leave this floral wonderland!
Perhaps the most exciting garden of all is the secret garden. It really is a secret.
It doesn’t show up on the hotel map, and when you’re walking the grounds, there is no sign.
We walked past the entrance twice and had to diligently look for the entrance in the hedge to finally spot its location.
As you wind your way into the labyrinth-like secret garden, get ready. The first scene is the most breath-taking: from your spot, look up to see the Grand Hotel perched above a river of colorful garden blossoms.
Located on the main level near the admission desk, the Hall of History includes a treasure trove of artifacts from the movie Somewhere in Time.
You’ll also find historic photos of this great destination, plus numerous celebrities and politicians who’ve visited the Grand Hotel and other monumental events.
The 1980 film Somewhere in Time, starring Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour and Christopher Plummer, was filmed on location at the Grand Hotel. Every year, the movie’s huge fan club meets at the Grand Hotel in late October.
All Grand Hotel restaurants and bars are open to non-hotel guests.
Also known as the Main Dining Room, Salle A Manger is where you can eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner while overlooking the world’s longest porch and the Straits of Mackinac.
Are you looking for a Grand Hotel Lunch?
The Grand Luncheon Experience, available daily in the main dining room from noon – 2 PM, with a spread of salads, cheeses, meats, seafood, fresh fruit, and topped off with a lavish and bountiful dessert display.
2026 Pricing:
Served from 6:30 PM – 8:45 PM, this five-course meal begins with an appetizer followed by soup, salad, entrée, and dessert. Because dressing up for dinner is a tradition, there is a dress code in the evenings.
Reservations accepted for parties of 10 or more people. To make a reservation dial the Concierge at (906) 847-3331 ext. 567
Afternoon Tea, a British tradition from the 1840s to tide over hunger before evening meals, continues in The Parlor at the Grand Hotel.
Enjoy live harp music while sampling tasty bites and premium teas.
Served Daily: 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
2026 Afternoon Tea Prices:
The Parlor is also the place for the harpist to play during post-dinner coffee (demitasse) while guests anticipate the opening of the Terrace Room for dancing.
Ascend the winding staircase to the 5th floor, or take the red elevator next to the large ship, to reach the Cupola Bar.
Starry carpeting and one of the best views on Mackinac Island create an unforgettable experience.
Open daily from noon – 1:00 AM.
Every evening after dinner, the Grand Hotel’s live orchestra fills the Terrace Room with music, keeping a long-standing tradition of late-night dancing alive.
Dancing is open to the public!
Make sure to follow the dress code, grab a cocktail, and dance your heart out. Daily: 9:30 PM – 11:30 PM
Baroque is Grand Hotel’s newest bar formerly known as the Audoban Wine Bar.
The bar features hand-crafted cocktails, rare global whiskies, cognacs, aged spirits and an elevated wine and beer program.
Surrounded by their signature geraniums and just off of the front porch, the Geranium Bar is where you can order up a Big Porch Ale.
It’s brewed specially for the Grand Hotel by Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo, MI.
Sadie (the family dog the ice cream place is named after) needed a place to keep her dog-show trophies. Today, you can view her impressive prizes in the Trophy Room.
The Grand Hotel offers a range of shopping and dining options – a great use of your coupons.
Pamper yourself at Astor’s Salon and Spa, pick up fresh flowers from Margaret’s Garden, or grab a scoop of ice cream from Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor.
Open to the public daily from 11 AM – 10 PM, Sadie’s scoops up Michigan ice cream from Gurnsey Farms Dairy.
Enjoy the 18-hole mini golf course at the Woodlands Activity Center or the Cedar Grove Bike Track for some added adventure (fee, reservation required.)
2026 Mini Golf Pricing Per Round
With over 70 miles of paved and natural trails, Mackinac Island is the perfect place to rent a bike. There is a 2-hour minimum on all bike rentals.
Cedar Grove Bike Track
Greenhouse & Nature Center
Spend some time taking in the sights and fragrances of the greenhouse – filled with plants and flowers native to the island
Don’t forget to check out the additional tours and activities, included with admission, pending availability.
Grand Hotel Garden Tour: Enjoy a guided tour of Grand Hotel’s elaborate flower beds and a staggering variety of plants and flowers. Garden tours are available on select dates throughout peak season.
History of Grand Hotel Part I & Part II, Movies on Mackinac, or the Prohibition & the Roaring 20’s at Grand Hotel tour: Complimentary to Grand Hotel guests & day visitors.
Visit the Concierge Desk for the weekly schedule of History Tours and Lectures.
At just $14 per adult and $7 for ages 6 – 12, the hotel’s inviting spaces are open to daytime guests daily from 9 AM – 6 PM. (Those 5 and under get to explore free of charge.)
The tour admissions desk is located at the East Entrance, near – but not in – Sadie’s Ice Cream Shop.
Self-guided Grand Hotel tour admission can be purchased in person or online.
With your Grand Hotel tour admission, you’ll get several coupons as well as a stamped brochure, which gives access to the grand porch, public areas, and gorgeous grounds.
Note: the pool and guest room areas are exclusive to hotel guests; a Grand Hotel pool day pass is not available.
This is a look at many (but not all) stops available with a day pass.
Plan on at least an hour to do a very quick walk-through of the property. If you want to dig in, dine, lounge on the porch, or play lawn games, plan to stay onsite for 3 – 4 hours.
Yes, there is a dress code at the Grand Hotel. During the day, the code is casual resort clothing. After 6:00 PM, gentlemen are required to wear a suit or sport coat, necktie, and dress pants. Ladies wear dresses, skirts, dress slacks, or other dressy attire.
Some dining options are available to Day Visitors with the Tour Admission Fee. Reservation requirments, dress codes, and availability vary depending on the restaurant and the season.
Generally no, most guests purchase admission when they arrive, but it’s best to check hotel policies before your trip.
Explore many of the hotel’s public spaces, including the famous front porch, lobby, shops, and gardens.
The Grand Hotel tour is an experience that’s easy to add to your itinerary, and gives you budget-friendly access to one of the most luxurious landmarks in Michigan without the luxury price tag.
We’d love to hear about your Grand Hotel tour experiences, thoughts, or questions.
Leave a comment below and we’ll see if we can help you out – or maybe you’ll be doing the helping – thank you in advance!
INFJ. Mom of 3. Idea chaser-People believer-Inspiration seeker. Together we make GR amazing – Let’s go!
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