Mackinac Island Ferry Choices

An Exhilarating Ride
to A Fairy-Tale Setting

Your Mackinac Island ferry choices are between three well-run transport companies with long histories in serving tourists, as well as, year-round island residents. It’s a fun short 15-minute trip and sets the stage for your time on this special Island where there are only horses, carriages or bikes for transportation.

Each Mackinac Island ferry company will have crew to help you unload your car and handle your baggage onto the ferry. On the Island side, there is a crew available to help you unload and also to help you reload for the trip home. There is no charge for this service but tipping is acceptable. All of them have daily or overnight parking either directly on the dock lot or across the street. Shepler’s Ferry in St. Ignace has an indoor parking area for motorcycles.

The three transit companies in alphabetical order are:

• Arnold Transit Company (click here for more detailed information)
• Shepler's Ferry (click here for detailed information)
• Star Line Ferry info click here.

All three have the same ticket prices with Arnold Line on-line tickets costing $1.00 more than Shepler’s and Star Line.

The 2010 round-trip tickets costs are $24 at the ferry dock and $21 online. Children between the ages of 5 and 12 pay $12 for a round-trip ticket at the ferry dock and $11 online. Each ferry allows children under the age of 5 to ride free. Bikes are $8.00 each.

Dogs ride free but must be on a leash at all times and in complete control. Please be aware if your dog does not care for other dogs, horses, bicycles, crowds or loud noises, such as, cannons or musket shots, it might be best to keep your pet at home.

When Kathy takes her two Corgis to the Island, it is always inevitable that the cannons go off as she walks by the Fort. Well then, it’s off to the races with Marty and Hammie dragging her to their Island vacation home. It’s quite embarrassing and not fun for her or the dogs. So, be aware if you are bringing your dog…shots may be heard at anytime!

Also make sure that the Mackinac Island ferry you choose has the best schedule to get you back to the mainland at the correct time. If you are planning to have a late dinner on the Island make sure that your ferry’s last boat will provide you enough time to enjoy your meal. It's not fun running out of a restaurant trying to catch the last boat!

Limited Ferry Service Begins
November 1

Arnold Transit Company is the only ferry open after October 31 at their St. Ignace downtown location next to the Ace Hardware store. There are no ferries leaving from Mackinaw City after October 31.

Check back frequently as we will continue to add more information about the 2010 Mackinac Island ferry services and and even the specific facts about the different boats that each ferry line uses.

Insider Tip: If you have someone in your party who has difficulty in walking, make sure that the Mackinac Island ferry you choose has the most convenient dock location for your lodging on the Island or Mainland. Contact us and we will let you know which dock would be closest to your destination.

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