How to Get to Mackinac Island: Everything You Need to Know
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Mackinac Island is such a Northern Michigan gem! It’s known for its stunning natural beauty and charming, car-free atmosphere. Planning how to get to Mackinac Island is an exciting step toward experiencing this unique destination where bicycles and horse-drawn carriages rule the roads.
With no cars allowed on the island, transportation planning becomes a crucial part of your visit. Whether you’re drawn by the historic architecture, breathtaking landscapes, or delicious fudge, getting to Mackinac Island is the first step in immersing yourself in its timeless allure. In this post I’ll walk you through the best options for getting to Mackinac Island.
How to get to Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island Ferry Services
The most popular and scenic way to reach Mackinac Island is by ferry. These charming boats provide a picturesque ride across the water, giving you a glimpse of the island before you even set foot on it. Two primary ferry companies operate in the region:
- Star Line Ferry— With a reputation for excellent service, Star Line also departs from Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, offering a relaxing cruise with stunning views of the Straits of Mackinac. You can purchase a fastPASS (around $31) for the hydro-jet ferry or the classicPASS for a little bit less (around $23). Check the website for current pricing.
- Shepler’s Ferry— Known for its fast and frequent services, Shepler’s offers a variety of departure times from both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace. Their fleet includes traditional ferries and larger vessels for a quick and comfortable ride. Shepler’s Ferry is slightly more expensive than Star Line (around $33).
The ferry rides are typically between 16-26 minutes depending on which you choose. Reservations are not required and they run pretty frequently, but arriving 45 minutes prior to desired leave time is recommended.
Bikes are allowed on the ferries, but you will need bike pass tickets.
Parking at the ferry docks
Shepler’s Ferry offers free day parking options, but overnight parking ranges from $20-40 per night. Star Line Ferry offers free day parking as well as free off-site overnight parking for up to five days. Since the parking is off-site they also have complimentary shuttles that will take you to and from the dock.
Check here for directions to the free off-site lots in Mackinac City or St. Ignace.
For our trip to Mackinac Island, we went with the Star Line Ferry because it was a little cheaper and it offered free parking. We found the whole process to be super easy and really enjoyed our experience.
Private Boats
If you have your own boat, you can sail directly to Mackinac Island’s harbor. The island is equipped with mooring facilities for private vessels, making it easy for boaters to dock and explore. The island’s harbor is well-maintained, and docking fees are generally affordable.
If you need a rental car to get you from Traverse City to the ferries, use the tool below to find the best pricing and availability for your dates.
Arriving at Mackinac Island
Touchdown! You’ve made it to Mackinac Island, and trust me, the arrival is just as magical as you’ve imagined. As you step off your boat or ferry, you’ll immediately feel the charm. The island is known for its quaint, old-world ambiance, and your arrival is the first taste of that unique experience.
Once you arrive, you’ll find that getting around is a breeze with the island’s transportation options. You can rent a bike to explore the scenic trails, hop on a horse-drawn carriage for a more leisurely tour, or simply wander the adorable streets of downtown.
The island is only 3.8 square miles, and Mackinac Island State Park makes up more than 80% of the island! So it makes sense why cars are unnecessary here.
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Mackinac Island check out my full guide!
Where to stay on Mackinac Island
When planning your trip from Traverse City to Mackinac Island, you’ll want to consider where to stay on Mackinac Island, as many of these charming inns and hotels book up quickly during peak season. Here are a couple of great options:
- Murray Hotel— This adorable and affordable hotel is a fantastic choice. They offer free donuts in the morning, and let me tell you, they are some of the best I’ve ever had! You’ll also get a discount on their delicious fudge. The location is perfect, right off the ferry, placing you in the heart of the action. We stayed here and thought it was just perfect.
- Grand Hotel— A bit pricier, but trust me, it’s worth every penny. This hotel is truly GRAND in every sense of the word. From its stunning lawn and pool to the elegant bars and restaurants, everything is absolutely stunning. You can see it from miles away as you approach the island on the ferry. If we go back, I’ll 100% be staying here for a night.
Each place on Mackinac Island has its own unique charm. Check out what’s available for your dates and get ready to fall in love with this enchanting island!
Are you ready to experience Mackinac Island?!
So, there you have it! Getting to Mackinac Island is easy! Once you’re there, you’ll be greeted by charming carriage rides, breathtaking views, and the irresistible allure of island life. I hope you enjoyed this relaxing and adorable getaway as much as I did.
Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Midwest blog posts:
Best Traverse City coffee shops
Fun things to do in Traverse City, Michigan
