If you ask me what my favorite place in Michigan is, the small beach town of Lexington would be a strong contender, but when it comes right down to it, the real Michigan love of my life will always be Mackinac Island.
I don’t know if it’s the rugged beauty of the island, the special set-apart-from-civilization feel it contains, or the peace that a space without cars carries, but there is just something so special about Mackinac. The second the island comes into sight, it changes you. I feel it instantly—there is a relaxation that settles over me that just is not something I have experienced anywhere else on the planet. Like many visitors to Mackinac Island, I always consider the ferry ride over to be part of the experience. Choosing a seat, feeling the wind whip through my hair, and catching that first glimpse of the island are all part of the fun.
Of course, that fun does require a ferry ticket, and yes, prices have increased this year. If you will be experiencing the fun of Mackinac for the first time, here are some tips and information to keep in mind as you plan your ferry ride to the island.
Ferries to Mackinac Island: What you need to know
Mackinac Island is vehicle-free, and there is no bridge to the island, so the only way to reach it is by boat or air. Unless you have your own plane or boat (and if you do, please invite me!), the next most popular way to get to the island is via the ferries that run back and forth throughout the day from Mackinaw City and St. Ignace.
There are only two ferry company options that run from Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island: Shepler’s and Arnold’s (formerly Star Line Ferry). Interestingly, both ferries are owned by the same parent company, but operate independently of one another. The ferries have two launch sites from Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, but each experience is roughly the same: they run every 30 minutes back and forth to the island (the ride takes about 15 minutes) and offer a mix of outdoor and indoor seating. There is also a longer route option that takes around 25 minutes, offering a scenic ride under the Mackinac Bridge. (I am just realizing that our family has not yet chosen the bridge ferry, so adding that to the ol’ bucket list now!)
How to ride a ferry to Mackinac Island
Reaching Mackinac Island by ferry is actually very simple. All you need to do is show up to one of the ferry launch sites—they’re very easy to spot by the water—and you can purchase a ticket for each member of your party in-person. If you feel overwhelmed or cannot locate one of the ferry departure sites, just look for the distinctive yellow and white awning near the water that marks Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry. You will purchase tickets for all members of your party, including any add-ons like bikes or luggage, and receive a physical or digital boarding pass for entry.
Then, you wait in line for the next ferry, present your boarding pass as you get on the boat, and choose a spot to sit. Personally, I always prefer to sit up top in the fresh air, because you can get a better view of the island, but on colder or windier days, indoor seating is available. If you have a bike or luggage, it will be stored on the ferry and travel with you. The ferry then takes you to the island across the Straits of Mackinac, and after docking, you will depart the boat and can collect any baggage or bikes at the dock.
Ferry fast facts
- You can bring your bike aboard the ferry. If you have a bike, definitely bring it, because biking around Mackinac Island is a must, but renting a bike, especially for a large family or multi-day stays, can be very expensive. A standard Shepler round-trip bike fee is $21, while a full-day standard mountain bike rental on the island is just under $100.
- Parking is available in the ferry parking lot. Whenever we visit Mackinac Island, we will usually book a hotel in Mackinaw City and take a day trip to the island, but if you plan on staying longer on the island, overnight parking with the ferry company is available.
- You can bring leashed pets on the ferry. Leashed furry friends are free of charge and welcome to ride at their parents’ feet to the island.
- Children under age 5 ride free. All kids under age five can ride free on Shepler’s, but will still need a boarding pass. (Arnold’s only allows children for free under age 4.)
- Arrive early if possible. Especially during busy seasons, like the summer, the ferry companies recommend that you arrive around 45 minutes before departure time. Extra time is advisable, especially if you have luggage, special needs, or extra items to store, like bicycles or tag-alongs. If you need to park in a parking lot across the street, a complimentary shuttle can take you to the ferry dock.
- You can buy advance tickets online. Walk-up tickets are available, but during busy seasons and times, you might prefer to book advance tickets online. Be warned, there is usually a “convenience” fee of $3 per ticket added on for online booking.
- Both ferries are accessible. Medically-necessary equipment, including wheelchairs, is, of course, permitted.
Ferry rates and schedules
You can check the exact ferry schedules for Shepler’s and Arnold’s online, as they vary by time of year, but in general, the ferries run on a consistent schedule, departing every 30 minutes for most of the summer. As far as we can tell online, Shepler’s offers earlier and later times to get to and from the island than Arnold’s during early summer, but again, always verify before you plan your own trip.
Shepler’s
General summer hours for Shepler’s are:
- First boat leaves Mackinaw City: 6:30 a.m.
- Last boat leaves the city: 9:30 p.m.
- First boat leaves the island: 7:00 a.m.
- Last boat leaves the island: 10:00 p.m.
General rates for Shepler’s are:
- Basic adult round trip: $39
- Basic child round trip (5-12): $27
- Infants and children under 5: Free
Arnold Transit Co.
General summer hours for Arnold’s (starting June 12) are:
- First boat leaves Mackinaw City: 7:30 a.m.
- Last boat leaves Mackinaw City: 9:00 p.m. (except on Fridays and Saturdays, which have 10:00 p.m. times)
- First boat leaves the island: 8:00 a.m.
- Last boat leaves the island: 10:00 p.m. (except on Fridays and Saturdays, which have 10:30 p.m. times)
General rates for Arnold’s are:
- Adult round trip: $37
- Child round trip: $25
- Children under 4: Free
Special ferry routes
- Aside from the daily departures to and from Mackinac Island, Shepler’s also offers special ferry cruises to enjoy, such as a sunset cruise or a lighthouse cruise to learn more about the lighthouses in the area.
Did Mackinac ferry rates increase for the 2026 season?
After an initial rejection in March 2026, ferry prices for both Shepler’s and Arnold’s were raised by $1 each for the 2026 season, but there has been ongoing tension among local officials and the parent company, Hoffman Family of Companies, over what some call a monopoly. With only two ferries running to the island, both owned by the same company, there is no competition on ticket prices. Both companies submitted plans to raise prices and threatened to cease ferry operation altogether if a contract could not be reached.
There is speculation that summer 2027 could see even more changes to ticket prices, but as of now, the 2026 season prices have been set.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Related: 15 things to do during Mackinac Island’s off-season
