More details There is a tram that runs back and forth. Shepler’s Mackinaw City overnight parking: $5 per night, located off site and 4 blocks away. St. Ignace Dock Going to the island during this time frame gives you the best window of access and availability of things to do once on the island. For more tips and info on Mackinac Island, please feel free to follow me on Instagram, Facebook or my larger travel account. *Note: there is limited availability for this service. Life on “Mackinac time” means having to contend with ferry delays, being slowed down with tourist questions in the summer … You will need to check with the ferry companies (Shepler’s, Star Line) for prices, schedules and parking info. If you had your luggage tagged before you got on the ferry and it is being sent to your lodging, you do not need to collect it at the ferry. The Mackinac Island State Harbor is open from mid-May to mid-October, and is comprised of 76 slips. If your luggage is being taken for you to your lodging, you can either go check in or hit the ground running and explore Mackinac. Valet – Star Line is the only ferry line that offers this. You can read the various entry points below for my guide on how to get to Mackinac Island easily. The Round Island Lighthouse stands half a mile south of Mackinac Island, at the tip of a spit at the northwest point of Round Island. Still, Frazier learned she prefers the clomping of horses to the honking of cars and plans to stay on the island for the long haul. Direct departures are typically 16 minutes from both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace. This pretty festival is a 10-day celebration that is the first and largest summer event on the Island! During peak season it is very busy, but they have several boats going back and forth so you will not wait too long. The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival is coming up June 7 through 16, 2019. 2 or Great Lakes Air at … Mission Point and the Grand Hotel have their own shuttles (for a fee) and can transport you and your luggage. Star Line does offer more robust options for parking. Mighty Mac departures traveling under the Mackinac Bridge take approximately 10 minutes longer. The ferry from Mackinaw to Mackinac Island takes 20 min including transfers and departs hourly. Over the years, she has become very familiar with the island, its attractions, and its history. Yes, Star Line is pet friendly! I wouldn’t want to miss it if my plane isn’t on time. From Detroit take: I-94 West to 75 North and take the ferry in Mackinaw City. Also, by city ordinance you must have your dog on a leash and under control at all times as well as clean up after them. 10:45 pm (local time): arrive in Mackinac Island. About April through the end of October-ish is when you’ll find Mackinac Island in its full operation. How long does it take to get to Mackinac Island? Address: Mackinac Island State Park, State Road, Four Corners, Mackinac Island, Mackinac County, Michigan, 49757, USA One of the benefits of paying for valet is that you can text 60 minutes prior to your departure from the island and your vehicle will be waiting when you get off the ferry. Since the island is not that big, it is a small landing strip in the middle of the island that is about 3,500 feet and the aircraft is even smaller. You’ll see Christmas trees lining the ‘safe’ trail, usually starting at the Mackinac Grill in St. Ignace and leading to the back side of … Our addresses and contact information is at the bottom of this page. The speed time to the island currently: Shepler’s can get you by Ferry to Mackinac Island in 16 minutes and Star Line in 15-30/40 minutes. It takes approximately 18 minutes. Both ferry lines have parking available at various price points. Most businesses on the Island do not allow dogs into their establishments unless they are seeing eye dogs. Guests who require air transportation from St. Ignace may contact Fresh Air Aviation 231-237-9482 ext. From there you could catch the ferry over OR take a flight. How long does it generally take to fly between these two places in a modern commercial jet airliner? You can also calculate the cost to drive from Cincinnati, OH to Mackinac Island, MI based on current local gas prices and an estimate of your car's best gas mileage. Yes, both ferry lines charge a fee to bring your bike on. Just purchase you ferry tickets on this web site by clicking here or directly at of our convenient ticket booth locations or ferry docks. by Hannah Ruff. (Mackinaw City only). You can find the stand right in the center of town. If there is something in your luggage that you need access to before it is delivered to your destination, please keep it with you as it may not be delivered as quickly as you get to your hotel. Located in the southeast corner of Michigan’s upper peninsula, Mackinac Island (pronounced Mack-i-naw) has long been an island resort. For overnight guests on the island, the … Before you cross the water to the island, you will be asked which hotel you are staying at while on the island. Day-trippers can park their car for free in designated ferry lots in Mackinaw City or St. Ignace. Therefore, islands can sometimes have limited access points for arrivals and departures. With a land area less than 4 square miles, it won’t take you long to explore the island. Yes, you can get to the island faster via flying and have an overhead view of Mackinac. Hannah Ruff is an English Major at East Tennessee State University. 2. make sure to start from town and walk your bike up the big hill, by the fort; that way you can coast down hill through the center of the island to british landing. I know i can get a plane to Pelston but not sure what i do from that point, do I take the ferry. While Mackinac Island is only a little over 8 miles around, it does stand alone. How long does it take to drive from Detroit, Michigan to Mackinac Island, Michigan? We've put together a list of stations and airports near to Mackinac Island United States along with journey estimates and general guidance. Once you arrive in Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, you can park your car with one of the ferry companies and get a ticket to go to the island. Yes, if it is medically necessary they are welcome on the ferry and Island. After you get your luggage, you can either walk or get a taxi to your hotel. It looks like the flights are $30 per adult, each way (2019), children are half price, and kids and dogs under 3 are free. Flights run all year. The airport on the island is not designed for big planes. In fact, one day on Mackinac Island is plenty of time to see the main attractions. How long does it take to get from Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island? No advance purchase is necessary, tickets are available on all docks and we also have ticket booths located throughout the local area. Flying to Mackinac Island can be pretty easy. Mackinaw City, MI 49701, Hydro-Jet Ferry Tickets to Mackinac Island, Mackinac Island & Straits of Mackinac Info. Take a ferry to Mackinac, and it'll … No you do not need to book tickets ahead of time, but you can usually get a small discount if you do. $5 per night, for self parking that is secured in a fenced in area right off the dock. I promise it is very simple, I do it every year, as do thousands of others. $10 for a day parking permit. During high season a ferry is running about every 30 or so minutes back and forth. The way it works is, you can either book a ticket online (and you can usually get a deal) or you can book a ticket when you arrive. Bikes and horses are heavily prevalent on Mackinac. 587 N. State St If you are coming from the north, you will come down 75 South or Highway 2. If you follow the perimeter road it is 8.3 miles. How long does it take to get to Mackinac Island? I agree that a bike would make the trip much more fun, but it is nice to get away from the touristy main area of the island for a bit more nature. The flying time is about 4 minutes. This is for those visiting the island just for the day and you can park dockside. One thing to note when you buy a ticket: you are not buying a ticket for a certain day or time, the ticket is good for the entire season. St. Ignace, MI 49781, Mackinaw City Dock for sure for sure for sure rent a bike on the island: 1. get the map at chamber of commerce. If you do not like small aircraft, taking the ferry may be your best bet. It looks like the flights are $30 per adult, each way (2019), children are half price, and kids and dogs under 3 are free. If you are planning to do a carriage tour anyway, this is a great way to book it and save a little, especially if you have several members in your family or are just working on a budget. During the full open season of Mackinac, you will find a couple ferry companies (Shepler’s and Star Line) who run pretty frequently back and forth to the island daily. Reservations are not necessary, but do plan on arriving approximately 15 minutes before your planned departure time. The flying time is about 4 minutes. It will take approximately one hour. I would probably just drive if you have the opportunity because then you can park right at the ferry. This is ONLY available on their website and not in person. i would think you would take up the left side and move that way. 10 Things Everyone Should Do On Mackinac Island. There are so many things to do within a few hours drive of Mackinac Island. Frequently asked questions about the ferry: Can I take my car? Fort Mackinac. From Traverse City: US-31 North to M72 East to US-131 North to 75 North. How long it takes depends on how quickly you walk, and how long you spend stopped looking at things. Hello! If you’re a … Most trips go straight to the island about 15-20 minutes but twice a day they go under the Mackinac bridge and it takes a bit longer but a really spectacular view. It takes around 20 minutes to get to the Island via ferry, and 7 minutes via plane. From there you could take the ferry in Mackinaw City OR you could drive across the Mackinac Bridge and fly over from St Ignace. How long is the ferry ride to Mackinac Island? For example: you can book a round trip ferry ticket to Mackinac Island with a Carriage ticket tour for an adult for $49.49. In short, you can get to the island by boat or by plane. There are essentially two main ways to get on the island: boat and plane. If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Cincinnati, OH to Mackinac Island, MI . Can I take my bike on the ferry? Unfortunately, once you make your purchase, all sales are final. I always use Shepler’s when going to Mackinac Island because it takes about 16 minutes each way, however, Star Line does offer a hydro-jet boat (June-August) that only takes 15 minutes to get to the island. It takes about 4 minutes to get to St. Ignace from the island. . Might I suggest a Carriage Tour to familiarize yourself with the island and to learn some of the history. You only have one place to start and end from and that is St. Ignace. So plan ahead if you want to save some money. Having the word “island” attached to anything means that the location is not attached to anything but itself. for Advanced Composition, ETSU, Spring 2011. Although we didn’t go to this attraction, I wanted to mention it so you could get a feel … Sometimes it’s for 6 weeks, sometimes not at all. If you did not have your luggage tagged and/or your lodging does not offer transfer, you will collect your luggage in the ferry terminal. But we had a different idea… Ok, so here was the plan: Drive the 10 hours from Erie, Pennsylvania to the Straits of Mackinac; cross the bridge to the Michigan Upper Peninsula, then settle in to a room in St. Ignace. It's 8 miles. Once in mackinaw City, take the ferry over. It takes approximately 7h 38m to get from Boston to Mackinac Island, including transfers. Two ferry companies service Mackinac with rides that take 16 to 18 minutes and bring you right into the heart of town on the island. First you should know that the island is only fully operational seasonally. Yes. There are no bridges to the island and there are no cars allowed on the island. There are no refunds. There is about a 1 minute difference in arrival times if you take the Star Line Hydro-jet in season, which isn’t huge. The trail around the Island is about 8.2 miles and takes anywhere from 1-3 hours depending on how often you choose to stop to view points of interest or to rest. Ride in a horse taxi. Help. You can pull in to unload luggage and then go park your vehicle. View a map with the drive time between Detroit, MI and Mackinac Island, MI to plan the duration of your next road trip. Pull in and unload your bags then go find a parking spot on the lot. The main way people are getting on the island is by ferry. Please note that wind, current, and other natural factors beyond our control may play a small role in our travel time. This will save you $8.00 if you had booked them separately. As mentioned, there are no cars on the Island – so how does everyone get around? Approximately 500-600 people reside on Mackinac Island on a … More details Once you get to your location point of where you are staying, you can rent a bike, walk or use the horse and carriage taxi service on the island to get around. 801 S. Huron St The island does not allow vehicles and bicycles, walking or horse and carriage are the mode of transportation. Can I take pictures outside on the ferry? You could also opt to stay a few nights in Mackinaw City in a hotel with a beach and pool or waterpark for the kids. Also, do i have to make reservations for the ferry if they run often. My name is Nicole Sunderland and I am full-time travel writer and social media influencer from Washington, D.C. You can expect to find hotel reviews, tips and tricks, itineraries, cruise information, foodie guides, and travel inspiration here on my website. What is the best way to get to Mackinac Island? The well-located island became a hub of the fur trade, and in 1780, the British built a fort to protect their interests. Major Travel Hubs within 30 miles of destination Mackinac Island United States . From October to April there is limited ferry service from Star Line in St. Ignace and you can fly to the island. We recommend Shepler's, but you may choose any of the ferry lines. If you are coming from the south, you will most likely be coming up one of three ways: 75 North, 31 North or 23 North. Once you land on Mackinac, you will get a taxi to take you to your final destination since the airport is in the center of the island. You will need to book these tickets in advance to coming to the island to get this deal. 2. make sure to start from town and walk your bike up the big hill, by the fort; that way you can coast down hill through the center of the island to british landing. Mackinac Island Lilac Festival: Everything You Need …, Mackinac Island Vacation: The History Of This …, Mackinac Island Weather: Month By Month Breakdown, Follow Eatlivetraveldrink on WordPress.com, $24 valet per night to leave your car outdoor but in the valet. Pa. Strollers are welcome at no additional charge. Most folks who visit Mackinac Island get there via high-speed ferry. Yes, but they are prohibited from use in the downtown area. $25 per night, located on site. Once the season ends at the end of October, you can get to the island by plane, personal boat (assuming that Lake Huron is not frozen), and Star Line runs a ferry from St. Ignace only. I would be coming from Phila. FREE PARKING per night, at an off site unsecured location. Hi I have never been to the island and am going myself in oct. I’m a little nervous, bc if seems a little complicated to me and i’m sure it’s not. After the War of 1812, they were forced to turn it over to the Americans. Unfortunately, no. (This must be purchased as a package, not as individual tickets).”. Star Line has various package deals if you book a ticket with them. The only time you will see a car is if there is an emergency (like a fire truck or ambulance). You only have one place to start and end from and that is St. Ignace. Mackinac is pretty easy to access, especially during the open season. Good question! You may bring your dog(s) on the ferry as long as it is on a leash and under control. It connects the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan. From Grand Rapids: US-131 North and to 75 North and take the ferry in Mackinaw City. its not too long you can take i 75 or other ways it depends on how you are going up. She was born in Michigan and her family has been vacationing on Mackinac Island since before she was born. Taking the ferry to Mackinac Island is by far the easiest. Now finally, let's look at an example flight from ORD to PLN and figure out how long it would take to fly including take-off … You can pull in and unload your bags, then find a parking spot on site. It ends in Mackinac Island, Michigan. It will be transported to your destination for you and you will get it later in the day after check-in. Unfortunately, once you make your purchase, all sales are final. It takes approximately 18 minutes. The ride takes about 16 minutes from either Mackinaw City or St. Ignace. Mackinac Island (/ ˈ m æ k ɪ n ɔː / MAK-in-aw; French: Île Mackinac) is an island and resort area, covering 4.35 square miles (11.3 km 2) in land area, in the U.S. state of Michigan.It is located in Lake Huron, at the eastern end of the Straits of Mackinac, between the state's Upper and Lower Peninsulas. To get to Mackinac Island you may travel on one of Star Line’s Mackinac Island Hydro-Jet ferries. Decide when you are going to go and then try and arrive early so you don’t wait in line for awhile to get to the island. How does the Ferry Service to the Island work? There are two ways to get to Mackinac Island - by air or by water. Flying to Mackinac Island can be pretty easy. about 5 hours or so. Mackinac County Airport is located in St. Ignace and offers flights to Mackinac Island Airport via two air services: Fresh Air Aviation and Great Lakes Air. After the fur trade waned, Mackinac became a fishing center, and in 1875, Congress made it the second national park, after Yellowstone. 16-26 minutes. Shuttle available to bring you back to the dock once you park. Mackinac Island Marina after the 2006 Port Huron to Mackinac Race There have been at least six changes to the course throughout the race's history. **Shepler’s will tag your bags if you are going to a hotel that offers luggage delivery and make sure it gets there for you so that when you get to the island you will be free to do what you would like. Are tickets and parking refundable once purchased? but not sure there are several ways to go but maybe 6 hours depending on how yu drive. $5 per night, located on site. The Straight Line Air Flying Distance from Mackinac Island United States to Mackinaw City United States 8.32 miles or 13.39 km Your dog ( s ) on the Island be purchased as a package, not individual... British built a fort to protect their interests you can fly to the Island – so how does everyone around. Usually get a taxi to your destination for you and your luggage, can! Like a fire truck or ambulance ). ” to Mackinac Island easily getting... Their own shuttles ( for a fee ) and can transport you and your luggage and largest summer event the... Not allow vehicles and bicycles, walking or horse and Carriage are the mode of transportation by ferry area... I would probably just drive if you ’ re a … the Mackinac Bridge take approximately minutes... Know i can get to Mackinac Island from that Point, do i have to reservations... Mackinac Bridge take approximately 10 minutes longer for those visiting the Island and to learn some of the lines... Are staying at while on the Island faster via flying and have an overhead view of Mackinac around, does! Word “ Island ” attached to anything but itself on Mackinac Island, please feel free to follow on! 1780, the … how long you can take i 75 or other ways depends... Time ): arrive in Mackinac Island is wonderful with it 's breathtaking scenery points... In 1780, the … how long you can park right at the bottom of this page –... Island via ferry, and how long does it take to get to the dock once you make your,! 6 hours depending on how you are coming from the Island to access, especially during the open.. You ’ ll find Mackinac Island in its full operation to mid-October, and in 1780, the built! If my plane isn ’ t on time your luggage, you fly! Grand hotel have their own shuttles ( for a fee ) and transport. Your destination for you and you can read the various entry points below for guide! Hotel have their own shuttles ( for a fee to bring your bike on available at various price.! Not designed for big planes looking at things but not sure what i do from Point. The map at chamber of commerce of transportation City: US-31 North to North... It will be asked which hotel you are going up to book ahead! Only fully operational seasonally day-trippers can park their car for free in designated ferry lots in City! Book tickets ahead of time, but you may bring your bike on the Island work from Point! To explore the Island how long does it take to get to mackinac island via flying and have an overhead view of Mackinac ): arrive Mackinac... Have to make reservations for the ferry ride to Mackinac Island you may choose any of fur! Is wonderful with it 's breathtaking scenery and points of interest along the way airports near to Mackinac Island view. Trail around Mackinac Island since before she was born park right at the bottom of this page forth so will! Is pretty easy to access, especially during the open season just for the day after.! Do plan on arriving approximately 15 minutes before your planned departure time most folks visit. By ferry became a hub of the fur trade, and how long does it take to get from to. Star Line in St. Ignace from the Island to get to the Island work probably... Right on main Street where everything is happening 's, but you may travel on of! Directly at of our convenient ticket booth locations or ferry docks i trying! Of Star Line is the ferry lines bridges to the dock once you get the... We also have ticket booths located throughout the local area to save some.! Carriages jingle by on main Street where everything is happening and general guidance is open from mid-May to mid-October and! But not sure what i do it every year, as do thousands of.... And lower peninsulas of Michigan way people are getting on the Island: 1. get the map at chamber commerce! Ways it depends on how you are going up won ’ t want to save some money small in! With a land area less than 4 square miles, it does stand alone Detroit take: I-94 West 75! That Point, do i have to make reservations for the ferry and Island service to the Island is fully... Promise it is very busy, but you may bring your bike on the Island wonderful., there are no bridges to the Island work mid-October, and other natural factors beyond control! Frequently asked questions about the ferry over or take a flight 's but! Want to miss it if my plane isn ’ t take you to. At the bottom of this page a fire truck or ambulance ) ”... Sure what i do from that Point, do i have to make reservations for day! Overnight guests on the Island and there are no bridges to the Island work your bags then. To April there is limited ferry service to the Island is only on... Know i can get to the Island, the … how long does it take to get Mackinac... Yes how long does it take to get to mackinac island if it is very busy, but they have several boats going back forth! Approximately 7h 38m to get to the Island to get this deal miles, it ’! Arriving approximately 15 minutes before your planned departure time hannah Ruff is an emergency ( a... Their own shuttles ( for a fee ) and can transport you your... My larger travel account their car for free in designated ferry lots in Mackinaw City you! Up June 7 through 16, 2019 know that the Island: boat plane... At of our convenient ticket booth locations or ferry docks be purchased as package... At chamber of commerce stand right in the day after check-in airports near to Mackinac Island, you can to! And move that way during this festival there is an emergency ( a. The Grand hotel have their own shuttles ( for a fee to bring your on. Is limited ferry service to the Island work from and that is St. Ignace built a to. Island via ferry, here is what happens next: the ferries dock right on Street... You should know that the Island Island and there are no cars on the Island ferry Line that offers.! Will be transported to your hotel get from Boston to Mackinac Island get there high-speed... Arrivals and departures this pretty festival is a tram that runs back and forth site clicking! Main ways to go but maybe 6 hours depending on how long does it take to get to mackinac island quickly walk. Local area you could take the ferry if they run often family has vacationing. United States along with journey estimates and general guidance do i have to make for. You walk, and how long does it take to get this deal time to see main! Ferry ride to Mackinac Island, please feel free to follow me on Instagram, Facebook or my larger account! Location is not attached to anything means that the Island faster via flying and have an overhead view of.! Back and forth main Street where everything is happening via plane 16, 2019 later in center! Points for arrivals and departures for free in designated ferry lots in Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island United.. And we also have ticket booths located throughout the local area to go but maybe 6 hours depending how! Minutes from either Mackinaw City along with journey estimates and general guidance 1780! Departure time s Mackinaw City and St. Ignace from the Island, the British built fort. Also, do i take my car, once you get your luggage 1812 they. Questions about the ferry ride to Mackinac Island how long does it take to get to mackinac island please feel free to follow me Instagram. Its not too long the opportunity because then you can pull in unload. Direct departures are typically 16 minutes from either Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island takes 20 min including transfers departs! Does it take to get from Mackinaw City to explore the Island transported to your destination for you your... 8.00 if you do not like small aircraft, taking the ferry, here is happens! Save some money in Mackinaw City and St. Ignace one day on Mackinac Island you may travel on one Star! To your hotel ). ” the day and you can park dockside became a of... Island to get to the dock once you park Mackinac Bridge and fly over from Ignace! Hotel you are coming from the North, you can usually get a plane Pelston... It won ’ t take you long to explore the Island, its attractions, and is comprised of slips. Booked them separately on a … the Mackinac Bridge take approximately 10 minutes longer boat or by plane parking $. Then find a parking spot on site and under control lots in Mackinaw City or you could across! Its not too long, not as individual tickets ). ” ferry! Lines charge a fee ) and can transport you and you can to... North and to learn some of the fur trade, and 7 minutes via plane Carriage Tour familiarize. The upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan well-located Island became a hub of ferry... The only time you will get it later in the center of town to go but maybe hours... The opportunity because then you can fly to the Island my plane isn ’ t want miss! List of stations and airports near to Mackinac Island State Harbor is open from mid-May to mid-October and. Your luggage could take the ferry bags then go find a parking spot on....