Great Lakes Legal Conference 2025: Plan Your Trip
Pre-Conference Networking Dinner
Thursday, June 12 | 6:30–8:00 p.m.
Enjoy the luxury of the Grand Hotel with an unforgettable 5-course dinner as you network with other conference attendees and their guests. There is no additional cost if you are an overnight guest at the Grand Hotel. Tickets for non-hotel guests are $128.26.
Dressing up for dinner is part of the Grand Hotel experience! Please note the Grand Hotel's Dress Guide.
Grand Nine Golf Meetup
Friday, June 13 | 8:00 a.m.–Noon
Meet up with other conference attendees and guests to golf The Jewel's Grand Nine, located across from Grand Hotel with views of the Straits of Mackinac. Fees for this event are not included in the conference registration rate, you will pay your greens fee at the Pro Shop when you arrive for your tee time - $100 per golfer (includes cart). Rental clubs are available for an additional $25.
One-on-One Sessions: Tailored Guidance Just for You
Friday, June 13 | 4:15 p.m.-5:00 p.m. & Saturday, June 14, 8:30-11:45 a.m.
Take advantage of personalized one-on-one sessions during the conference! Receive hands-on MiFile training with experts from the Michigan Supreme Court Judicial Information Services, meet with State Bar Outreach Director Darin Day, get personalized marketing assistance from State Bar Communications Director Marjory Raymer, or discuss well-being with Molly Ranns, director of the Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program and a licensed professional counselor. These sessions are your chance to receive individualized support and insights to elevate your legal practice and professional involvement.
Grand Reception
Friday, June 13 | 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Join us Friday evening on the Grand Hotel’s famed porch to mingle with legal leaders from across the state and other conference attendees, take in the dramatic views of the Mackinac Bridge, and watch the sunset.
Family Fun
Many attendees bring their families, friends, and colleagues to experience the hospitality of the Grand Hotel and explore the island during the conference. The Grand Hotel offers many activities—visit Sadie's Ice Cream parlor for a treat, tour the world-class gardens, swim in the newly-renovated Esther Williams pool, or relax at Astor's salon and spa—all right at the hotel!
Learn more here.
77th Annual Mackinac Island Lilac Festival
June 6–15, 2025
This is the first and largest event on the island each summer. The ten-day festival has multiple activities, including daily walking tours with lilac expert Jeff Young, the coronation of the lilac festival queen, court, and princess, a run/walk, a parade, and more.
Learn more here.
Afternoon Tea
Daily | 3:30–5:00 p.m.
Enjoy afternoon tea, sherry, champagne, petite finger sandwiches, fresh-baked scones, and various pastries. Accompanied by a live musical recital, tea is served in the Grand Hotel parlor daily.
Tea prices are $65+ tax/adult, $32.50 + tax/child (ages 6-12), non hotel guest admission fee $12.
Learn more here.
Much, much more
Of course, the island also offers carriage excursions, downtown shopping, historic landmarks, day spas, walking tours, boat and bicycle adventures, and much more. Rest assured, the list of things to do on Mackinac Island is long and varied. If you want to explore some other options, you can browse by interest areas.