If you’re visiting Mackinac Island for the 35th annual Somewhere in Time weekend, Oct. 3-5, make sure to not miss the last ferry on the way out.
If visitors miss the last boat, you’ll have to spend an unplanned night on Mackinac Island, according to the Mackinaw City Chamber of Tourism.
“Once that last boat leaves, there’s no looking back,” the Chamber says on its website.
The Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau shared the same message, adding, “The time the last ferry leaves the dock on Mackinac Island varies over the course of the season. So, it’s a good idea to be aware of your ferry company’s daily schedule, whether you are riding back and forth to Mackinac Island with Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry or with Mackinac Island Ferry Company.
“Whenever the last boat is scheduled to leave Mackinac Island, plan to reach the dock well in advance. The last boat of the night might very well be a full boat,” the Bureau added.
Here’s what to know.
How do I get to Mackinac Island?
Visitors can fly into the Mackinac Island Airport or take a ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace.
Arnold Transit Company travels daily
The Arnold Transit Co. provides ferry services to St. Ignace, Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island, with a fleet of ferries to offer a “traditional” ride while the “classic” ride will feature a slightly longer trip time.
The first ferry to the island each day is 7:30 a.m. from Mackinaw City.
The last ferry to Mackinac Island, from Mackinaw City is 8:30 p.m. through Oct. 26. The last ferry to the mainland departs at 8 p.m.
From St. Ignace main dock to the island, as of Wednesday, Sept. 24, the first ferry leaves at 7:30 a.m., according to the ferry schedule.
The last ferry from the mainland to the island leaves at 7 p.m. The last one from Mackinac Island to the mainland leaves at leaves at 7:30 p.m.
Where are the Arnold Transit docks?
You can find the Arnold ferries:
Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry departs daily
Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry, known for its lighthouse, Fourth of July and night sky cruises, offers departures from both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace.
The first ferry to the island each day is 7:30 a.m. from both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace. The first ferry to the mainland is 8 a.m. Mackinac Bridge view ferries include 9-11 a.m. from Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, and 12:30 p.m. from St. Ignace.
The last ferry to Mackinac Island, from Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, is 9:30 p.m. through Oct. 5. The last ferry to the mainland departs at 8 p.m.
Where are the Shepler’s docks?
You can find the Shepler’s Ferry docks:
What is Somewhere in Time weekend?
Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel will host its 35th annual Somewhere in Time weekend this fall, featuring Jane Seymour, lead actress in the 1980 fantasy romance filmed on the island in the summer of 1979, according to the Grand Hotel’s website.
This year marks the hotel’s 35th anniversary of hosting the weekend, the film’s 45th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of the novel it was based upon, “Bid Time Return,” by Richard Matheson.
What other fall events are happening on the island?
Here are some other fall events to check out on Mackinac Island:
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Heading to Mackinac Island for Somewhere in Time? Don’t miss the last ferry, here’s why
Reporting by Jalen Williams and Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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