The Grand Experience on Mackinac Island

The Mackinac Island “Grand Experience” is a unique opportunity to stay at one of the finest and most historic hotel properties in America. Step back in time and experience a way of life that has all but disappeared. The Midland Parks and Recreation Department is able to offer you this wonderful opportunity through their affiliation with the Michigan Recreation and Park Association (mParks). The Mackinac Island “Grand Experience” is for individuals 50 years or older; spouses, sons, daughters and caregivers under 50 are also welcome.

Your trip includes:

Accommodations at the beautiful Grand Hotel for 3 nights (this includes baggage handling, taxes and gratuities)
Five course dinner each evening
Free admission into Fort Mackinac immediately following the carriage tour
Full breakfast each morning
Horse drawn carriage tour (tip not included)
Round trip ferry boat service (tip included)
Round trip horse drawn taxi to and from Grand Hotel from the ferry docks
Round trip motor coach transportation from Midland to Mackinaw City (tip included)

While at the Hotel, enjoy the following activities:

Evening entertainment and movies
Fudge bingo
Grand Hotel kitchen tour
History lecture with Grand Hotel Historian
Night dancing with the Grand Hotel Orchestra
Nightly demitasse
Planned tournaments; bocce and golf putting and chipping
Self-guided walks
Special prices on bicycle rental, fudge and more!
Tea and cookies each afternoon
Writing and photography contests
Special lunch prices at Grand Hotel's Grand Luncheon Buffet and Carleton's Tea Shop
Champagne reception
Free Golf on the Jewel (there is a mandatory $25 cart fee)

Cost Comparison

Based on Double Occupancy	Cost of Trip Priced on Your Own	Cost of Grand Experience
Hotel Room (Category 2-mid-tier) and Meals (Breakfasts & Dinners)	$2,735	Included
Gas Costs (53.5/mi) x 400 mi. round trip to Mackinac City (plus vehicle wear and tear)	$214	Included
Ferry Ride (2 ppl)	$48	Included
Carriage Ride for 2	$57	Included
Fort Admission for 2	$26	Included
Golf at the Jewel for 2	$200+	Included
Activities throughout the hotel	Not Available	Included
	$3,280	$1,630