Getting to Mackinac Island: A Complete Guide on How to Ride the Ferry

Planning a trip to Mackinac Island and wondering how to get there with your family and luggage?

I was in the same boat before our trip—unsure of how it would all work, especially with all four kids and all of our luggage.

But let me tell you, it ended up being so easy and stress-free!

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about riding the ferry to Mackinac Island, making your journey doable and even enjoyable.

Where to Board the Ferry to Mackinac Island

Your departure location depends on whether you’re coming from the Upper or Lower Peninsula of Michigan:

• Upper Peninsula: Board the ferry at St. Ignace.
• Lower Peninsula: Board the ferry at Mackinaw City.

We traveled from the Lower Peninsula, so we boarded from Mackinaw City.

Choosing the Right Ferry Company: Shepler’s Ferry and Arnold Transit Co.

There are two main ferry companies that service Mackinac Island: Shepler’s Ferry and Arnold Transit Co.

Both provide excellent service, but we chose Shepler’s Ferry for our trip because our round-trip tickets were included with our stay at Mission Point Resort.

We had an excellent experience with Shepler’s Ferry and highly recommend them for your trip.

Luggage Handling at the Ferry Docks

When we arrived at the ferry docks, helpful staff directed us to parking spots where we could unload our luggage at a relaxed pace.

I was relieved there was no rush—allowing me to think through what we needed and not forget anything.

We had:

• Two suitcases
• A pack ‘n play
• Three other travel bags

The team tagged everything and loaded it onto a luggage cart. Even passengers with bulkier items, like dresses on hangers, were accommodated.

The whole process was smooth and easy!

Ferry Ticket Pricing and Purchase

Once we unloaded our luggage, we proceeded to the main ticket building to pick up our ferry tickets and pay for parking.

2025 Ticket Prices (Round-trip):

• Adults: $38 for a basic ticket
• Children (ages 5-12): $26 for a basic ticket
• Children under 5: Free
• Leashed pets: Free

Prices can vary based on demand, so always check the Shepler’s Ferry website for up-to-date pricing.

Online Ticket Fees: There is a $3 fee for purchasing tickets online. While this is a minor additional cost, it can save you time at the dock.

Enhanced Tickets: For $50 (adult) or $38 (child), Enhanced Tickets offer priority boarding, though they don’t guarantee a specific departure time. Once the boat reaches capacity, remaining ticket holders will wait for the next ferry.

Expert Tip: You can bring your own bikes or bike trailers for an additional fee. Visit the Shepler’s website for specific pricing and guidelines.

Tickets can be purchased either online or at the dock. Once you have your ticket, keep it in a safe spot, as you’ll need it for your return trip.

Shepler’s Ferry Schedule

Ferry departures are frequent, especially during peak summer season:

• From Mackinaw City: Departures start at 7:30 AM and go until 10:00PM in the summertime.
• From St. Ignace: Similar times, but be sure to check for the latest schedule.

Expert Tip: Always verify the ferry schedule on the Shepler’s website before your planned departure, as times may change, particularly during the off-season.

Ferry Ride to Mackinac Island

After picking up our tickets at the ticket counter, we parked the car, had a bathroom break, and stood in line to board the ferry.

We probably stood in line for about 10 minutes only.

The ferry ride to Mackinac Island took about 20 minutes.

We were able to just push our stroller right on the ferry–another plus!

It was a relaxing and enjoyable ride.

The scenery is so incredible! You will get a gorgeous view of Lake Huron as well as the Mackinac Bridge.

There is an upstairs outside area to sit, or you can sit down below inside the ferry.

Arrival on Mackinac Island

Once we arrived on Mackinac Island, we disembarked and walked through the charming downtown on our way to the resort.

By the time we got there, our luggage was already waiting for us—it felt like magic!

If you’re planning a day trip instead of an overnight stay, you’ll still have plenty of time to explore downtown, take in the sights, and soak up the island’s unique charm.

Return Ferry Ride to Mackinaw City

For the ferry ride back, we just had to give our resort 1.5 to 2 hours to get our luggage to the ferry and back to the Mainland.

That gave us a little time to do some last minute things on Mackinac Island before heading home.

After getting off the ferry back at the Mainland, they pointed to the large tent where our luggage would be.

We went in and found our luggage, and it was as easy as that!

Departing from St. Ignace: What to Expect

If you’re departing from St. Ignace, the ferry process is similar to the one from Mackinaw City.

The same helpful staff, convenient boarding, and scenic ride await you.

Getting to Mackinac Island: A Guide on How to Ride the Ferry

Traveling to Mackinac Island is a simple and enjoyable process, especially with Shepler’s Ferry.

Whether you’re visiting for the day or staying overnight, the ferry offers an easy way to get to the island, with convenient ticketing, flexible schedules, and helpful staff.

From the smooth boarding process to the stunning views along the way, your ferry ride will be a memorable part of your Mackinac Island adventure.

Pro Tip: To ensure a smooth experience, always double-check the ferry schedule before departure and secure your tickets in advance, especially during the busy summer months.