Ferry
Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry or Arnold Transit Company · Each operator’s own downtown Mackinac Island dock
5 min walk
The normal arrival method. Buy directly from the operator online before travel if a particular sailing matters, then arrive at the mainland dock about 15 minutes early; tickets are flexible rather than assigned to a departure.
Other
Fresh Air Aviation or Northwoods Aviation air taxi/charter · Mackinac Island Airport
About a seven-minute flight from St. Ignace. Book directly well ahead: capacity and weather can limit service.
Ferry
Private boat · Mackinac Island State Harbor
Reserve a transient slip well ahead in warm weather, particularly around major sailboat-race periods; dockage is charged by boat length.
Other
Private aircraft or charter · Mackinac Island Airport
The airport is open year-round. Aircraft landing and overnight-parking fees apply; this is not an island admission charge.
Step 1
Leave cars on the mainland
Private motor vehicles do not go to Mackinac Island. Use a mainland ferry lot or arrive without a car.
Step 2
Buy ferry transportation directly
For the main April 21–October 31, 2026 fast-ferry season, buy online from Shepler’s or Arnold Transit before travel if you need a particular part of the day. Neither sells a timed island-entry slot, and island admission itself is free.
Step 3
Go to the correct mainland dock
Shepler’s departs from Mackinaw City (556 E. Central Avenue) and St. Ignace (601 N. State Street). Arnold departs from Mackinaw City (801 S. Huron Street), St. Ignace Main Dock (587 N. State Street), or, for the seasonal Classic Ferry, St. Ignace Classic Dock (99 N. State Street).
Step 4
Board the ferry
Arrive about 15 minutes before the desired departure and have the ticket barcode ready. Arnold online-ticket holders can bypass its ticket office and join the boarding line. Expect queues on summer/holiday weekends and for late return boats.
Step 5
Walk out into downtown
Both operators arrive at their own downtown island docks; Main Street begins within a few minutes on foot. There is no island-entry gate, security screening, or general admission ticket.
Fine
Not allowed
No public island cloakroom is published. Some hotels arrange dockporter luggage transfers; ferry operators have separate rules and possible charges for bicycles, oversized equipment, carts, kayaks, and freight.
Source: mackinacparks.com
Request ferry assistance early. All Shepler’s vessels have ramp access to the aft deck; its newer Miss Margy and William Richard have level or ramped cabin access, but older vessels require steps for indoor cabins and upper decks. Short-term dock wheelchairs are available from Shepler’s, but it does not rent them. On-island, downtown and the 8.2-mile perimeter route are mostly flat, while interior routes climb bluffs and trails have steep sections with variable concrete, gravel, grass, sand, and wood-chip surfaces. An accessible horse-drawn carriage is available in rotation for tours and taxis; reserve or ask at the carriage-ticket booth rather than assuming one is immediately available.
Source: mackinacisland.org