Getting to Mackinac Island

If you plan your trip in advance, getting to Mackinac Island will be a fun-filled experience.

By Car

If driving to Mackinac Island there are some wonderful towns
to stop and enjoy the beautiful views and small communities throughout
the state of Michigan.

It’s a straight shot when
driving from the Detroit area on I-75. Ann Arbor’s US-23 will meet I-75
just south of Grayling. And, US-27 from the Lansing area merges onto
I-75 in the same spot. Be careful for the speed limit is 70 mph and
the police are vigilant!

From
the west side of Michigan you will pick up US 31 just outside of Grand
Rapids that is a 4-lane highway. But becomes a 2 lane highway just after
Lake City. It’s a slower way to go but it’s fun if you want to stop to
see Boyne Falls, Boyne City and travel through Petoskey to get to
Mackinaw City.

Don’t be surprised with deer and
coyotes running across I-75 or US-31 so be on the lookout! Usually, if
you see one deer there will be others nearby. So be careful.

 

Getting to Mackinac Island by Ferry

Ferry service
to Mackinac Island operates from Mackinaw City & St. Ignace,
Michigan. There are several lines & each provides parking &
assistance with luggage.

If you are traveling north on I-75, take exit #337 & follow the
signs to either the Sheplers, Star Line or Arnold Line docks in Mackinaw
City.

If you are traveling south on I-75 in the Upper Peninsula, take exit #345 to a dock in St. Ignace.

To get the most from your vacation, travel the extra miles to cross the magnificent and historic
Mackinac Bridge.
The views are spectacular!

Commercial Air Services

Delta Airlines provides commercial air service to,
Pellston Regional Airport,
only 12 miles south of Mackinaw City, Michigan. From there, you can
take an air taxi to Mackinac Island, or a limousine or shuttle to the
Mackinaw City docks.

Limousine and Shuttle Services

Limousine and Shuttle Services are provided 24 hours a day by two companies, Mackinaw Shuttle (888-349-8294) and Wolverine Stages
(800-825-1450). Although you can make arrangements with them upon your
arrival into Pellston, it is highly recommended that you contact them
in advance for a reservation.

Air Taxi Service is provided by Great Lakes Air
(906-643-7327). They are operated 24 hours a day from Pellston Regional
Airport and the St. Ignace Airport. A horse-drawn taxi will meet you
at the Mackinac Island Airport and take you to your destination.

Mackinac Island Airport

The Mackinac Island Airport can accommodate private and charter aircraft.
It has a 3,500-foot paved runway that has been upgraded during the fall
of 2011. There is no fuel available on the Island. This is a public
airport and is operated by Mackinac Island State Park Commission.

Private Boats and Yachts

Mackinac Island State Harbor is home to a beautiful Marina. It has
76 Slips, 13 Seasonal and 63 Transient. For your convenience, pump-out,
restrooms, showers, electricity, water, dog run, trash area and pay
phones with dataports and immigration station are available.

If you are Getting to Mackinac Island by private boat, click here to make a reservation on-line.

Leave the stack of magazines and books at home when you travel and take a Kindle wireless reading device instead! Kindle Wireless Reading Device (6″ Display, Global Wireless, Latest Generation)

Mackinac Island Insider Tip:

Getting to Mackinac Island will be easy if you plan! Remember to check
ferry schedules in advance and schedule arrivals accordingly. Landing
at the Pellston Airport late evening will cause you to miss the last
ferry of the day to the Island.

Don’t forget to make a reservation at one of the Mackinac Island hotels!