We have put together a quick list of helpful tips to make your Mackinac Island trip worry-free.
Ferry Schedule
Ferries to Mackinac Island can be accessed by Mackinaw City (on Michigan’s lower peninsula) or St. Ignace (upper peninsula). Passage to Mackinac Island is provided by Shepler’s Ferry or Arnold Transit Co. Luggage transfer is simple and convenient, with assistance provided on both the mainland and Mackinac Island. Guests may purchase tickets directly online.
Parking
Ample parking is available at all mainland ferry docks.
Shuttle Service
Mackinaw Shuttle is available from Pellston Regional Airport for transportation service between the Pellston Airport and the Mackinaw City ferry docks. Transportation from other Michigan cities is based on availability, with reservations made in advance. Reservations are required by calling 231-539-7005. Visit Mackinaw Shuttle
Northern Transport & Shuttle is available from Chippewa County Airport to/from St. Ignace ferry docks to Mackinac Island. Reservations are required by calling 906-430-5337. Visit Northern Transport & Shuttle
Travel by Air
If you are flying into the region, we have put together some tips about getting to Mackinac Island:
Pellston Regional Airport (PLN)
Pellston Regional Airport provides non-stop flights to and from Detroit via Delta Airlines. The airport is located 12 miles south (about a 30-minute drive) of Mackinaw City. Air taxi service between the Pellston Regional Airport and Mackinac Island Airport is available 24 hours a day. For information, call Fresh Air Aviation at 906-285-6727. Visit Pellston Regional Airport
Chippewa County International Airport (CIU)
Chippewa County International Airport provides daily non-stop round trips to and from Detroit Metro and Minneapolis-St. Paul and is located 42 miles north of Mackinaw City and approximately a 30-minute drive from the Ferry dock. Visit Chippewa International Airport
Cherry Capital Airport – Traverse City Airport (TVC)
Cherry Capital Airport (Traverse City Airport – TVC) provides non-stop round-trip flights to and from north Michigan and over 15 cities (including Chicago, Atlanta, New York, and Orlando). The airport is approximately a 2-hour drive from the Ferry dock and provides a beautiful view of Michigan scenery. Visit Cherry Capital Airport
Gerald R. Ford International Airport – Grand Rapids Airport (GRR)
Gerald R. Ford International Airport (Grand Rapids Airport – GRR) offers non-stop round-trip flights between Grand Rapids, Michigan and over 30 cities (including Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles, and New York). The airport is approximately a four-hour drive from the Ferry dock. Visit Geral R. Ford International Airport
Mackinac County Airport (83D)
Mackinac County Airport is located in St. Ignace and offers flights to Mackinac Island via Fresh Air Aviation. Guests who require air transportation from St. Ignace may contact Fresh Air Aviation 231-237-9482 ext. 2 or Great Lakes Air at 906-643-7165 directly for more information. Visit Mackinac County Airport
Comfortable Shoes
No matter what you plan to do on Mackinac Island, you will probably be walking and will want to bring comfortable shoes with you. Tip: On the island, flip flops on a rainy day are not ideal. There’s a reason all of our bikes have fenders!
Layer Your Clothes
Even in the middle of summer, the mornings and evenings on Mackinac Island can be cooler. Be sure to bring a jacket or some warmer layers. This is especially true in early spring and late fall. Tip: If you plan to be on the water during your stay, the temperature is typically 10 degrees cooler than on land.
Bring Essentials
Everyone’s idea of what is essential will be different, but make sure to bring your phone chargers with you. There are a few stores that sell chargers but some of the more unique chargers – we’re looking at you Samsung – are not available. The front desk has some chargers that can be borrowed, but they are limited to the basics.
There are no pharmacies on the island, so if you need a prescription, you will need to bring it with you, or you can make a trip to St. Ignace if an emergency arises.
Forget something? Check with the Front Desk
If you forget something at home, be sure to check with our front desk before you go in search of necessities. We have a supply of basics like toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, and even nail files for you at no cost. We’re here to help you.