Overnight accommodations for this event can be made at the Grand Hotel (1-800-33-GRAND), which is offering a special "Early Opening" price of $159.00 a night per room (which includes tax, and a continental breakfast in the morning).  Lodging at the Grand will be in the Millenium Wing (east end) of the hotel, and most rooms are furnished with two double beds. If you book a room at the Grand, please mention that you are part of the "Michigan Geocaching Organization" group. The Grand would like to keep track of how many rooms our organization books. There is NO FORM needed to book your reservation.  If you are told this, it is incorrect, and tell whomever you are speaking with to go check with management.  Please be aware that your credit card is charged at the time that you make your reservations.  NOTE:  There is NO DRESS CODE at the Grand at this time of the year - so don't worry about having to dress up!

For those who might prefer to lodge elsewhere (cheaper) on the island , some recommendations are listed below:

1. Pontiac Lodge, which is located downtown - Room are simple, but clean. Please be aware that all the rooms are on the 2nd floor, with no elevator, so those who have difficulty with stairs would be advised not to utilize this establishment.  The Pontiac Lodge is located downtown, approximately half a mile away from the Grand. Reservations can be made by calling 1-906-847-3364.
2. Bogan Lane Inn, which is located near the east end of town.  This is a small Bed-and-   Breakfast, which offers a quaint atmosphere.  Please note that all of the rooms at the Bogan Lane Inn share a bathroom.  The Bogan Lane Inn is about 3/4 of a mile from the Grand. Reservations can be made by calling 1-906-847-3439.
3. Best Western Thunderbird Inn (in Mackinaw City) will be offering a special rate of $29.00 a night (plus tax)  for those who prefer to lodge on the mainland.  If you are interested in staying at the Best Western, please e-mail Khan Hollis at kvhollis@hotmail.com.  Khan has been helping us out by working with the Best Western to get us this special rate.  Since the hotel is not yet officially open, you will need to work with Khan, as he is handling the reservations.  (Thanks Khan!)

There will be two ferry lines operating at this time of the year - the Arnold Line and Shepler's.  Discount coupons can be printed off of their websites - www.arnoldline.com or www.shelpersferry.com .  The Arnold line ferry will ONLY be departing from St. Ignace. You will need to cross the Mackinac Bridge to get to the Arnold Dock  (the bridge crossing now costs $3.00 each way).  The Shepler's ferry can be boarded in Mackinaw City.  There are a limited number of  ferries running at this time of the year, so please plan carefully.

The "Gatehouse" restaurant, which is right down the hill from the Grand, will be open for dining (for both lunch and dinner), as will the "Village Inn" (located downtown).  A few other places may also be open.  Expect to spend around $10.00 per person for lunch, and about $15.00 -$20.00 per person for dinner (depending on what you order).

I am told by my Convention Manager at the Grand that bikes WILL be available to rent at the Grand.  However, they do not come cheap.  Expect to spend about $45.00 a day for bike rental.  I highly recommend bringing your own bike, if at all possible!  The ferries charge $7.50 per bike to bring them over on the ferry.  There is a "parking lot" for bikes right across from the Grand, so your bikes can be parked there in the evening.

The Grand will be providing us with a group room for our gathering ALL THREE DAYS of the weekend.  The group room is on the lower level of the hotel and can be reached by entering the east end of the building.  We will have a sign up indentifying our group.  We will also have coffee and tea available each morning, and will have ice tea and lemonade available each afternoon. There will also be cake and other munchies available on Saturday for our attendees.  Our raffle drawing will be held back at the group room at the Grand at 7:00 pm on Saturday evening.  We've got some great prizes to give out, but you must be present to win.  We are, however, planning a simple game for all attendees, and that prize can be mailed to the winner.  We will provide details of the game the morning of the event.

Most island stores are closed at this time of year, but a few will be open. Fort Mackinac will not be open.  The Butterfly House will not be open.  Last year, a couple of the fudge shops WERE open, so I expect that they will be again this year.

For those who might be interested, you can now purchase shirts and other memorabilia that would be a great souvenir of the event. Click this link for more details.
If you have any questions about the event, or the island itself, please feel freel to e-mail me at madelyn@tmrl.net.   Looking forward to seeing you all on the island!