Mackinac Island, one of Michigan’s largest tourist destinations, is still more than a month away from opening for business due to the coronavirus pandemic, officials say.
The world-famous Grand Hotel delayed its annual opening another month until June 21, according to the hotel’s booking department.
The Bayview Yacht Club, which hosts the Bayview Mackinac Race on the island every year, also told members the island likely won’t reopen until the third week of June.
“Social activities on the island will be scaled back,” the club advised members in a newsletter. “What does this mean? I do not know. We are working with the Grand Hotel and will make an announcement clarifying the social activities on the island.”
The Mackinac Island Ferry, which takes people from Mackinaw City and St. Ignace to the island, is still offering essential workers rides, but is banning “non-essential travel,” per a mayoral order, through May 28.
State parks on the island are also closed until mid-June.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s “stay home” order was recently extended through May 28.
“We’re hearing that the island will open slowly, gradually, methodically,” says Tim Hygh with Mackinac Island Tourism. “Different businesses … will open the minute they can.”
Hygh says businesses on Mackinac Island could open as soon as May 29, after the stay home order expires.
