Columbus Day Observance and Business Hours in Michigan on October 13, 2025
Monday, October 13 marks Columbus Day, a federal holiday observed across the United States, including Michigan. As a result, many government offices in Michigan will be closed in honor of the holiday.
Across the country, Columbus Day is traditionally celebrated with parades and events that highlight Italian-American heritage and pride, a legacy documented by Smithsonian Magazine. However, the holiday has faced criticism for its association with the mistreatment of Indigenous peoples.
In a historic move in 2021, President Joe Biden issued the first presidential proclamation recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day on the same date as Columbus Day. Although Indigenous Peoples’ Day is not a federal holiday, several states and cities officially observe it.
Michigan officially recognizes Indigenous Peoples’ Day through gubernatorial proclamations. The state is home to 12 federally recognized Native American tribes, underscoring its commitment to honoring Indigenous communities.
Impact on Services and Businesses
On Columbus Day, many banks will be closed and there will be no mail delivery by the United States Postal Service. However, grocery stores and retail outlets will continue regular operations.
🇺🇸🚨 It’s official: President Donald J. Trump has just reinstated Columbus Day — ending Biden’s “Indigenous Peoples’ Day” and restoring one of America’s great patriotic holidays.
Trump: “Columbus Day, we’re back. We love the Italians.” 🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/VMQkQdjYc7— The West Report (@TheWest_Report) October 31, 2025
Who Was Christopher Columbus?
Christopher Columbus was a Genoese explorer who set sail from Spain in 1492 onboard the Santa Maria, accompanied by the Pinta and Niña ships. His voyage intended to find a new passage to Asia, but instead, he landed in what is now the Bahamas, mistakenly credited with “discovering” the Americas. Over the next decade, Columbus made three more trips across the Caribbean and South America, convinced he had found a shorter route to Asia. Columbus’ legacy includes both opening the Americas to European colonization and the controversies surrounding its impact on Indigenous populations.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Michigan
Michigan formally observes Indigenous Peoples’ Day on the second Monday of October, proclaimed annually by Governor Gretchen Whitmer since 2019. This recognition celebrates Native American heritage alongside the traditional Columbus Day observance.
Business and Institution Schedules on October 13, 2025
- Mail Delivery: The U.S. Postal Service offices will not be open, and there will be no mail delivery.
- Shipping Services: UPS and FedEx will operate normally on Columbus Day.
- Banks: Financial institutions will be closed or follow a federal holiday schedule.
- Schools: School closures vary by district; residents should consult local school calendars.
Retail and Food Service Hours
Several major retailers and food chains will remain open, including:
- Meijer, Costco, Sam’s Club, Target, JCPenney: Open with normal hours.
- McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Starbucks: Operating regular hours for dine-in and pickup.
- Pharmacies: CVS and Walgreens will remain open for customers.
Residents in Michigan can expect typical retail hours but should plan ahead for bank and postal service closures on this federal holiday.