The only way to and from the Island is by ferry or private charter plane. Currently only Shepler's Ferry Line will be Running ships to and from the Island. All pre-purchased tickets for Mackinac Island Ferry will be honored at the Shepler's Docks at this time. For most up to date information please view websites below. Tickets are round trip and good for the entire season once purchased. Please keep in mind that the first ferry typically leaves the city at 8am, and the last ferry leaves the island to return to the mainland around 7pm in October. Please check the daily schedule and plan you stays/travel accordingly.

Shepler's Ferry Line

Star Line Ferry

Discount code for Shepler’s Ferry: family24

2023 marked the 125th year since motorized vehicles were banned from Mackinac Island. That being said, while visiting you have a few options on how to get around besides walking. You can bring a bike or rent one from one of the numerous bike rental shops along main-street, or take a step back in time and rent a horse or take a carriage ride.

Bike rentals:


Mackinac Cycle

Mackinac Bikes


Mission Point Bikes

Island House Bike Rentals

Carriage tours/taxi:


Carriage tour

Please allow for extra time when taking taxis on the Mackinac as they very much operate on island time.

There are many wonderful hotels and bed and breakfasts on Mackinac Island for you to choose from. There will be a discount of 10% off at Mission Point Resort for Friday and Saturday nights of the wedding. You can book by calling directly to the hotel and mentioning you are attending the wedding or by using the link provided below. If you will be needing wheelchair assistance please call and mention this at time of booking to get a room on the ground floor as there are not elevators in all the buildings.

The Island is extremely walkable and any of the accommodations in the main downtown area are also a great choice. Some places we have enjoyed staying at over the years include The Island House, The Inn on Mackinac, The Lilac House, and Bogan Lane Inn. Feel free to reach out for other suggestions or information.

You may also choose to spend the night in Mackinaw City or St. Ignace and take the ferry back and forth for the day. Accommodations do book up early, so we recommend not waiting until last minute to book your stay.

mackinac island stays

Mission point room block link:

Room block will be available to book until August 12th.

NancarrowCross

The 3,500 foot lighted and paved runway at Mackinac Island Airport is capable of accommodating both private and charter aircraft. Depart from your airport and fly directly to Mackinac Island on one of North Country Aviation’s charter aircraft, including the Cessna 421C, Air Carrier Certificate N4CA490Y.  For more information, including servicing airports and rates, please contact North Country Aviation directly at 800-959-1829.

Located just 12 miles south of Mackinaw City, Pellston Regional Airport offers air taxi service between it and Mackinac Island airport. Service is available 24 hours a day. Contact Great Lakes Air at 906-643-7327 for more information on air taxi service to Mackinac Island. Commercial air service to Pellston is also available daily through Delta Airlink in Detroit

Mackinaw Shuttle is available at the 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 recommended for ALL modes of transportation—call 231-539-7005.

From Detroit:

The best way to get from Detroit when you visit Mackinac Island is to drive. Mackinaw City is a 4 hour car ride from Detroit. From Mackinaw City, you will take the ferry to the Island. 


From Chicago: 

When traveling from Chicago to Mackinac Island, there are a few options. You can fly to Traverse City or Pellston and rent a car and drive to Mackinaw City. From Mackinaw City, you will take the ferry over to the Island. You can also drive from Chicago to Mackinaw City in one day. It is a 6 hour car ride. 


From Cleveland: 

When traveling from Cleveland to Mackinac Island, there are a few options. You can fly to Traverse City or Pellston and rent a car and drive to Mackinaw City. From Mackinaw City, you will take the ferry over to the Island. You can also drive from Cleveland to Mackinaw City in one day. It is a 6 hour car ride.