Mackinac Island Travel:

Mackinac Island is a special, car-free destination located in the Straits of Mackinac between Michigan’s Lower and Upper Peninsulas. While you can’t drive directly to the island, there are several ways to reach it, whether by car, plane, or boat. Here's a comprehensive guide to the different travel options:

1. Flying to Mackinac Island

The island can be most easily reached by flying into nearby airports, and taking a shuttle and ferry to Mackinac Island. There are no commercial airports on Mackinac Island itself, but there are several regional airports within driving or flying distance.

a. Fly into Chippewa County International Airport (CIU)

Location: The airport is located about 30 minutes North of St. Ignace, Michigan.

Airlines: CIU is a regional airport served by SkyWest Airlines (operating as Delta Connection), with flights primarily connecting through Minneapolis International Airport(MSP) and Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW).

Transfer to Mackinac Island: From CIU, you can take a 30-minute taxi or shuttle ride to the ferry docks in St. Ignace, then board a ferry to Mackinac Island.

Shepler’s Ferry (link and promo code at the bottom of the page): The main ferry company servicing the island, Shepler's Ferry departs every 15-30 minutes during busy season, from 601 N. State Street St. Ignace, MI 49781. There is parking available at all Shepler's Locations, and tickets are available for purchase in advance. Next summer's schedule hasn't been released yet but ferries tend to run from 7AM to 9PM, trips tend to take around 15-20 minutes.

b. Fly into Pellston Regional Airport (PLN)

Location: Pellston is located about 12 miles south of Mackinaw City, Michigan.

Airlines: It is served by regional carriers such as SkyWest Airlines (operating as Delta Connection), with connections to Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW).

Transfer to Mackinac Island: From Pellston, you can take a 15-minute taxi or shuttle ride to the ferry docks in Mackinaw City, then board a ferry to Mackinac Island.

Ferry Service: Shepler’s Ferry (Located at 5663 W Central Ave, Mackinaw City) The ferry ride is typically around 15-20 minutes.

c. Fly into Traverse City (TVC)

Location: Traverse City is about a 2 hour drive from Mackinaw City, located on Michigan's northwest coast.

Airlines: Traverse City is served by several national airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, and United, with flights connecting to major hubs like Chicago, Detroit, and Minneapolis.

Transfer to Mackinac Island: After flying into Traverse City, drive to Mackinaw City (about 2 hours), and then take the ferry to the island.

2. Driving to Mackinac Island

While you can’t drive directly to Mackinac Island, you can drive to the mainland ferry docks, and from there, take a short ferry ride to the island.

From the Lower Peninsula, Mackinaw City: Located at the northern tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Mackinaw City is the most popular gateway to Mackinac Island. From here, you’ll take a ferry to the island.

Driving Directions: Mackinaw City is approximately a 4.5-5 hour drive from Detroit, a 3.5-4 hour drive from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and a 6 hour drive from Chicago.

Ferry Service: Shepler’s Ferry (Located at 5663 W Central Ave, Mackinaw City) The ferry ride is typically around 15-20 minutes.

From the Upper Peninsula, St. Ignace: If you're coming from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, St. Ignace is your ferry departure point.

Driving Directions: St. Ignace is around 30 minutes north of Mackinaw City, and about a 1.5-hour drive from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, or a 8 hour drive from Minneapolis.

Ferry Service: Shepler’s Ferry also operates from St. Ignace.

Travel Time by Ferry: About 20-25 minutes to Mackinac Island.

3. Ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace (Mainland Docks)

After driving to either Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, you’ll take one of the regular ferry services to Mackinac Island. Shepler’s Ferry is the primary ferry company and the one we recommend to use with our promo code below

Ferry Schedules: Ferries run frequently during the summer season, but be sure to check ferry schedules ahead of time for seasonal changes and to avoid delays.

Ferry Parking: Both ferry terminals (in Mackinaw City and St. Ignace) offer long-term parking for a fee, so you can park your car while you’re on the island.

Summary of Travel Options to Mackinac Island

By Car (via ferry): Drive to Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, Michigan, then take a ferry to Mackinac Island.

Mainland Ferry Departure Points: Mackinaw City (Lower Peninsula) and St. Ignace (Upper Peninsula).

By Plane: Fly into Chippwea County International Airport(CIU), Pellston (PLN), or Traverse City (TVC)

What to Know Before You Go

Car-Free Island: Keep in mind that Mackinac Island does not allow cars, so once you arrive, you'll be getting around by foot, bicycle, or horse-drawn carriage.

Ferry Tips: Ferries are the most popular option for getting to the island. During peak tourist season (especially in the summer), it's a good idea to arrive early or book your ferry tickets in advance to secure your spot. Make sure to use our promo code!

Weather Considerations: Mackinac Island's weather can be unpredictable, so pack accordingly for changing conditions.

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