Before I get into the Mackinaw Island Titanic weekend trip, there's kind of a creepy background story relating to myself and Titanic.
Every since I was a little kid I've been fascinated with shipwrecks. I could not have explained this to anyone because I didn't understand it myself. I've never even been on a ship! I thought it weird so kept it strictly to myself. By the same token my dad would take me swimming in Lake Michigan. Even though the water was below 40 degrees F and I was turning blue with hypothermia, he'd have to drag me kicking and screaming from the frigid water.
I'm an internationally certified professional psychic and most of my friends are psychics as well. I was shooting the breeze with my psychic friend, Lisa when she began reading me:
Lisa: Why am I seeing you on a ship? You're on this big ship with a younger male, family I think. I'm seeing the flag of Sweden. I think the two of you were from Sweden and you were traveling to America. 3rd class passengers. Your name was Johanna. I'm also getting the letter A. I think your last name began with an A. You're dressed in early 1900'ss clothes. Patty, this ship sank! You and this male drowned! OMG PATTY! YOU WERE ON THE TITANIC!"
Being psychic isn't an exact science so I don't believe anything psychic unless I have some kind of confirmation or evidence that it's true. Curiosity got the better of me. I looked up the Titanic passenger list. And why do I find?
Lisa had gotten everything right.
Was I a passenger on Titanic in another lifetime? There's no way to ever know for certain but it sure explained my fascination with shipwrecks, especially the Titanic almost to the point of obsession. If nothing else, it makes for an interesting topic of conversation - especially at a Titanic weekend.
But it got spookier yet...
My grandmother was from Sweden. She came to America on a ship with her younger brother, just as Johanna had.
My Swedish grandmother
They both settled in the same city.
Johanna's husband was in the dairy business. My Swedish relatives own a very famous farm over there that's been in our family for over 400 years, and my Swedish cousin, Lisbeth owns a dairy farm.
The synchronicities between our two families just kept piling up...
So that's the background story to my Titanic weekend...
Every year the Grand Hotel on Mackinac (pronounced Mack-in-naw) Island holds a Titanic weekend. I've always attended every Titanic event I possibly could so asked my friend, Rose to go with me to the Grand's Titanic weekend.
The event is usually held late May to early June.
Package Includes:
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Grand Hotel accommodations
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Breakfast and dinner daily
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All resort amenities
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Friday evening Bon Voyage party and reception
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Friday evening themed entertainment
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Saturday morning History Lecture with Resident Historian Bob Tagatz
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Saturday afternoon presentation
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Saturday dinner inspired by the last meal served on the Titanic
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Sunday morning wrap-up
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Admission to the Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum
The event is lead by a group of professional immersive actors that did a phenomenal job!
Photo credit: Grand Hotel
The Grand Hotel is an elegant place with a 660 foot long front porch lined with rocking chairs. It's so fancy it even has an evening dress code.
I did upgrade our accommodations to a room with a balcony overlooking the Mackinac Straight.
To give you an idea of what the Grand Hotel looks like...
(Although I can't say much for the hideous re-decorating job!)
When we arrived for Titanic weekend we're given a boarding pass with the name of an actual Titanic passenger on it. Things were about to get WOOWOO again. I'd told Rose about my psychic friend saying I'd been Johanna Ahlin.
Rose's eyes grew to the size of dinner plates. Yup, I'd gotten ticket #7546 - Johanna Ahlin's ticket. Our reactions confused the gal handing out the boarding passes so we had to explain the story to her.
She said "May I see that boarding pass?"
I handed it to her. She appeared to be even more confused. "We only printed out first class passenger boarding tickets!" she said.
"Well, obviously not...because you're holding a steerage passenger's ticket! That you yourself just handed me!" I said.
It's a mystery. We never did figure it out. But boy, did my Titanic story and the mystery 3rd class boarding pass make the rounds! As Jeff Foxworthy would say, "AND THERE'S YOUR SIGN!"
At least the story made for a good ice breaker at our Friday night reception if nothing else. Dancing was held that evening in the Terrace Room, to 1900's music by a live band. It really felt as though one were on the Titanic.
Saturday morning a Titanic historian gave a presentation, followed by a showing of the movie, Titanic. Both Rose and I had seen the movie several times so we decided to skip out and do some exploring on Mackinac, then return for the dinner that night.
I'll take you exploring with us, then we'll return to the Titanic weekend.
Before you arrive at Mackinac Island
Download the Mackinac Island App for iPhone or Android.
There are no motor vehicles allowed on Mackinac Island. There are three ways you get around: walk, bicycle or horse drawn carriage.
You arrive on the island by ferry.
Two ferry companies service Mackinac Island - Shepler's and Star Line. Ferries to Mackinac Island depart from docks in Mackinaw City and St. Ignace.
Ferry dock at Mackinac Island
When your ferry docks, you have 3 options: Walk to your accommodations carrying your own luggage
Hire a horse drawn taxi service
If you're staying at the Grand, take their horse drawn taxi service for $9 per person.
We brought our own bikes with us as they were already set up for ourselves as far as riding them, whereas rental bikes are not. So we took advantage of the Grand's horse drawn shuttle and our luggage and bikes were delivered right to our room.
ACCOMMODATIONS
No two ways about it, accommodations on Mackinac are expensive. But Rose and I had decided to spend 2-3 days after the Titanic weekend ended to explore Mackinac, check out of the Grand and move to less expensive accommodations for those extra 2-3 days.
So I've already done the homework for you as far as recommendations on more budget friendly places to stay.
I'll give you some luxury options, some mid price range options and some budget friendly options.
LUXURY OPTIONS
MACKINAC HOUSE
While not as opulent as the Grand, The Mackinac House is a boutique inn that's just as wonderful.
Photos credit: Mackinac House
Located just minutes from downtown Mackinac Island, this hotel is perfectly placed for those wanting to get stuck right into the action and it delivers a "home away from home" vibe.
IRIQUOIS HOTEL
Photos credit: Hotel Iriquois
The Hotel Iroquois is a sophisticated hotel that mixes in a good dash of charming.
The interior design is great.
Located on the waterfront, this is one of the Mackinac Island hotels that feels serene and welcoming.
The landscaping of the garden surrounding it is breathtaking.
On site waterfront dining is available in the Carriage House.
MISSION POINT RESORT
Photo credit: Mission Point Resort
What sold me on Mission Point Resort was not only quality but what it had to offer as far as the kids - with everything from a ‘Kids Eat Free’ policy and complimentary kids’ activities on offer. They even offer a complimentary Kids Club for children ages 5-12.
The Resort has 2 lodges - The Main Lodge (A) and the Straits Lodge (B).
A. Main Lodge amenities
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Four restaurant and eateries
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Mission Point marketplace
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Lobby and check-in
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B. Straits Lodge amenities
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Dog-friendly guest rooms ($100 more)
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Grab-and-go cafe
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Closer to downtown
There's a nice sized outdoor swimming pool and a spa.
MID RANGE OPTIONS
ISLAND HOUSE HOTEL
Photo credit: Island House Hotel
If you’re after views of the marina, then The Island House Hotel is an excellent pick. Almost every room has clear views over the harbor.
It's close to town so the location is ideal and the hotel has its own bike rentals.
There's an on site restaurant, the 1852 Grill Room.
The hotel is a member of Mackinac Island's 906 Rewards Club so be sure to sign up to receive exclusive deals.
PINE COTTAGE BED & BREAKFAST
This hidden gem is tucked away in a quiet spot on Bogan Lane, just minutes from downtown.
Pine Cottage B&B has hosted the likes of Ernest Hemingway and baseball great, Ty Cobb. It's actually one of Mackinac's oldest hotels.
It's decorated in Victorian Farmhouse so has a very welcoming, quaint vibe.
Photo credit: Pine Cottage B&B
LAKE VIEW HOTEL
Photos credit: Lake View Hotel
Located right on Main Street is the ever-popular Lake View Hotel. Although it’s not the most luxurious hotel on my list of the best Mackinac Island hotels, it’s one of the most reliable options out there.
If there's a drawback to Lake View (if you can even consider it a drawback) it's that in the middle of the atrium is the pool so you'll get some pool noise during the day if you're spending your day in your room. The pool closes at 10 pm so there shouldn't be any noise after that.
The hotel's upsides are it's located right in downtown and it offers shuttle service to its guests to get their luggage from the ferry dock to the hotel.
Also, be sure to check out the Specials section on their website.
THE MURRAY HOTEL
This is where Rose and I stayed after checking out of The Grand. We had no complaints with Murray Hotel whatsoever.
The location on Main Street in downtown is right across from the ferry dock so you can simply walk across the street with your luggage and you're right in the thick of downtown.
The staff were very friendly and helpful, the rooms clean and comfortable but on the smaller side. We were only in the room to sleep anyway so this didn't bother us.
There's a large hot tub behind the hotel. But when they said they had a Mexican restaurant on site and fudge shop right in the hotel lobby? BAZINGA! We were sold! Great place to stay if you want to be in the heart of the action.
BUDGET OPTIONS
BREAKERS RESORT & BEACH BAR
Photo credit: Breakers
If you’re on the hunt for a cheap hotel that is extremely well-reviewed, look no further than Breakers Resort & Beach Bar.
Located only 10 minutes from the St. Ignace Mission, this is one of the Mackinac Island hotels that’s perfect for sightseeing. In addition to free Wi-Fi and soundproofed rooms, this Mackinac Island hotel also offers a bowling alley and indoor pool!
I recommend booking into this hotel if you’re traveling with kids.
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS ST. IGNACE
Photo credit: Holiday Inn Express
Holiday Inn Express hotels are always reliable, budget options for travelers. Although they’re on the cheap side, they are always clean, well-equipped, and simply get the job done. Holiday Inn Express St. Ignace is one of the most budget friendly motels and good for those who aren't planning to spend a lot of time in their room.
Offering breakfast at no extra charge, great Wi-Fi, and complimentary coffee and tea.
INN ON MACKINAC
Photo credit: Inn On Mackinaw
Only 10 minutes from the ferry terminal, Inn on Mackinac will have you checked in and settled in record time. It doesn’t offer any major extras, but it does provide a free breakfast, high-speed Wi-Fi, and an amazing Spa Pool! But one of the best parts about this Mackinac Island hotel are the warm bedtime cookies that guests receive each night.
SUNSET CONDOS & GUEST ROOMS
Photo credit: Sunset Condos
Sunset Condos & Guest Rooms are for those of you who are traveling with large groups. Each of the units is independently owned and decorated and can sleep up to 12 people.
Located in the serene Stonecliffe area, Sunset Condominiums is an ideal choice for introverted travelers who need quiet time in the evenings. With outdoor picnic areas and full kitchens available, you can enjoy a self-catered breakfast, lunch, and dinner onsite if you wish.
That wraps up Accommodations and I hope I've given you enough info there that you'll find something to suit your needs and budget.
DINING
Since our meals were included with our Titanic weekend we didn't really need to eat all that much but we did scope out a few places:
CHUCKWAGON RESTAURANT
Always ask the locals, they'll never steer you wrong!
Chuckwagon reminds me of a diner we have here at home, Fay's Dinky Diner.
It's long, narrow and has a counter and a few tables along the wall.
One of Mackinac's best loved restaurants, the Chuckwagon has been serving locals and visitors for almost 60 years. There are very few places anymore that do something simple yet do it well. Chuckwagon is definitely one of them. $
PINK PONY
Photo credit: Pink Pony
The Pink Pony is always packed during the summer. The outdoor patio dining affords you sensational views of the water while sipping on one of Pink Pony's signature cocktails.
The prime rib french dip sandwiches weren't bad either!
The Pink Pony is located within the Chippewa Hotel on Main Street. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.
$$
GOOD DAY CAFE
Again, nothing fancy but if you want to grab a sub sandwich to go, visit Good Day Cafe.
$
They also serve breakfast.
The Cafe is located on Main Street.
ICE HOUSE BBQ
Ice House BBQ is renowned for classic home-style smoked barbecue favorites and hand-tossed stone-fired pizza. $$
Tucked away in a tranquil garden oasis near the Mackinac Island marina, Ice House BBQ is a peaceful hideaway from downtown Mackinac Island. Just follow the path to the left of Island House Hotel.
Back to our Titanic weekend...
It was quite interesting to watch the change come over our group of assembled "passengers" as the re-enactment dinner approached. What I was seeing was a curious mix of "being in character" as their assigned passenger with the atmosphere becoming a bit more somber and quiet among the guests.
The professional actors did a fantastic job of recreating among us all of the different emotions of what the passengers of Titanic must have felt that night as they realized the ship was sinking. One of the actors later told me that they had rehearsed that scenario over and over again in order to elicit all of the different emotions they did when they announced "Put on your life jackets and get to the lifeboats! Women and children first!"
All hell broke loose as it did that night on the "unsinkable" Titanic. I found myself wondering what Johanna and her brother, Johan had experienced. Were they trapped below decks with many of the other steerage passengers? Did they make it off the ship before it went down, only to succumb to heart failure from hypothermia in the near freezing waters of the Atlantic?
Photo credit: Pinterest
Could Johanna or Johan have been wearing that boot that still lies among the wreckage?
Although I can't logically explain it, I felt a kind of kinship with Johanna that night that I'd never felt at any other Titanic event.
Our Titanic weekend ended with a farewell breakfast that included a champagne toast to the 2,224
passengers that were aboard Titanic that fateful night. It seemed a very fitting way to end the weekend...then Rose and I were off to explore the attractions of Mackinac.
ATTRACTIONS
Fort Mackinac is one you don't want to miss! At minimum plan a half day at the Fort and you still won't see everything. What a fascinating place!
Map credit: Ft. Mackinac
The oldest building in Michigan and 13 other historical structures boast exhibits explaining everything from military training and battles to medical treatments to family life within the fort.
Walking tours of the fort include learning about the changing face of the fort, the people who lived and worked at Fort Mackinac, and what equipment was distributed to soldiers station there. Even the kids won't be bored.
Demonstrations and tours by costumed interpreters are scheduled throughout the day, including musket and cannon firing. You can even fire the cannon yourself!
Of course I fired it! LOL
TAKE A HORSE & CARRIAGE TOUR
ay to learn island history and spot hidden gems you might miss on foot.
Contact Mackinac Island Carriage Tours to pre-purchase your tickets.
PEDAL AROUND MACKINAC
One of the best ways to explore Mackinac Island is by bike. You can bring your own or rent one on the Island. We brought our own as they were set up specifically for us, unlike rental bikes. If you want the full scoop on where to rent, what to bring, and the best routes, check out this detailed Mackinac Island Bike Guide to plan your perfect ride.
Consider biking the 8.2-mile M-185 shoreline loop. It’s the only state highway in the U.S. that doesn’t allow cars, and the lake views are unbeatable. Pack a picnic and stop at British Landing for a snack.
THE BIDDLE HOUSE & MACKINAC ISLAND NATIVE AMERICAN MUSEUM
Photo credit: Biddle House
Dating back to 1830, the Biddle House is believed to be the island’s oldest home. Now a museum, it features exhibits on fur trading, local history, and Agatha Biddle’s Anishnaabek heritage. There are 2 exhibit galleries inside the house, a historically restored parlor and your tour continues outside the house.
If you've bought either the Historic Downtown ticket or the Fort Mackinac ticket, your admission to Biddle House is included in those tickets. If not, you can purchase tickets here.
HIT THE FUDGE SHOPS
Mackinac Island is known for it's fudge and fudge shops! And you have no shortage of fudge shops to choose from:
The Original Murdick’s Fudge at 7363 Main St.
Ryba’s Fudge Shop.
Murray Hotel Fudge Company at 7260 Main St.
Sanders Candy at 7330 Main St.
May’s Candy at 7351 Main St.
Kilwins.
Joann’s Fudge.
Stop in to try some free samples and buy some to take home with you.
SEE THE BUTTERFLIES
Image credit: Butterfly House
Mackinac has 2 butterfly houses - the Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House or Wings of Mackinac. Hundreds of colorful butterflies flutter all around, making this a must-see for little explorers. Visit the links above for tickets and pricing.
STRAITS OF MACKINAC SHIPWRECK MUSEUM
The Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Museum is different but very interesting.
It's located at the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse within Mackinac Island State Park.
There are different ticket options.
That's really your best bet as it includes everything. A 7 day family pass is also available. You can purchase tickets online here.
That wraps up Mackinac Island and Titanic weekend at The Grand. It's really worth a visit to participate in Titanic weekend and see Mackinac Island.