August is peak season for tourists heading to Mackinac Island, one of the most popular travel destinations in Michigan, and knowing when and where to find a ferry to the island is crucial to starting the trip off on the right note.
Ferry services to the island are offering the most departures to and from the island this month, allowing customers to arrive early and stay later in the day.
Departing from both St. Ignace and Mackinac City, the Arnold Transit Co. ferry and the Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry, owned by the Hoffmann Family of Companies, offer a number of different fare rates. Prices went up $2 to $5 for some tickets and services earlier this summer.
Here’s everything to know about the ferries that cross into Mackinac Island:
Arnold Transit Company
The Arnold Transit Co., founded by in 1878 by George T. Arnold, originally transported passengers and goods on coal-fired steamboats to Michigan ports and islands, its website says.
Arnold now 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.
“This season, expect smooth sailings, unforgettable views, and a renewed commitment to excellence. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime fan of Arnold, we can’t wait to welcome you aboard,” its website said.
How much do Arnold ferry tickets cost in 2025?
As of July 30, ferries from both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace run to the island hourly.
The first ferry from Mackinaw City is 7:30 a.m. and the last is 10:30 p.m. Bridge view ferries include 9, 10:30, 11:15 and 11:45 a.m.
Ferries from St. Ignace main dock run from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and from the classic dock from 9 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. Return ferries to the main dock are 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and from the classic dock 10:15 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Ferry tickets are available on the company website.
Ticket prices for the Arnold Transit Company are:
There is a $3 fee applied to online purchases.
Fees for additional items transported by Arnold ferries include:
Private Luggage Cart
Where are the Arnold Transit docks?
You can find the Arnold ferries at:
How much does parking cost for Arnold? Where do I park?
In both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace there are multiple lots to park. The ferry service offers a complimentary shuttle. Rates include:
Vehicles and motorcycles:
Motorhomes, campers and vehicles with trailers
Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry
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.
Now that peak season has hit, Shepler’s will start its annual fast turnaround, 15-minute departure schedule. The full schedule is available on the company website.
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 9-10:30 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 Aug. 16. The last ferry to the mainland departs at 10 p.m.
How much are Shepler’s tickets in 2025?
For an adult round trip, tickets are $38, children up to 12 are $26. Credit card transactions are subject to a 3% fee. Both prices have increased $2.
“Enhanced” ticket options, with preferred boarding and other perks, cost $50 total for adults and $38 for children.
Other fees include:
Where are the Shepler’s docks?
You can find the Shepler’s Ferry docks at:
How much does parking cost for Shepler’s? Where do I park?
Shepler’s offers parking near its dock in Mackinaw City, and just off Interstate 75. Rates include:
$15 for day guests. Day guests also can park in the premium on-site lot at the dock for $50 per night Sunday through Wednesday and/or $75 per night Thursday through Saturday.
Overnight standard parking is $25 per night, and premium parking for $50 per night Sunday through Wednesday and/or $75 per night Thursday through Saturday.
Prices are the same in St. Ignace, along with indoor self-park, also located at the dock, for $90 per night.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Peak Mackinac Island season means more ferry options. Mackinaw City, St. Ignace ferry prices, times, docks
Reporting by Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
