You can drive to the Mackinac Island ferry docks and park your vehicle or fly into one of northern Michigan's airports – PLN or CIU – and catch a shuttle to the docks. Two ferry companies service Mackinac Island with rides that take 16 to 18 minutes and bring you right into the heart of town.

Is the ferry the only way to get to Mackinac Island?

In order to get to Mackinac Island by road, you must first travel to Mackinac City in the Lower Peninsula… Most people get to Mackinac Island by first driving to Mackinaw City or St. Ignace and then taking a ferry. Others arrive by either plane or private boat.

Can I drive my car to Mackinac Island?

You can take a boat to Mackinac Island. And at certain times of the year, you may even be able to snowmobile to Mackinac Island. But you can never drive a car to Mackinac Island. With no cars allowed on Mackinac Island, horse-drawn carriage rides are a popular way of getting around.

What airport do I fly into for Mackinac Island?

Flight paths to Mackinac Island:

The nearest commercial airports to Mackinac Island are Pellston Regional Airport (PLN), about 15 minutes south of the ferry dock in Mackinaw City, and Chippewa County International Airport (CIU), about 35 minutes north of the ferry dock in St.

Is Mackinac Island worth the trip?

Even though 2 days on Mackinac Island can definitely be a bit of a travel investment, I think it's worth it. The island reflects an interesting part of Michigan history, and is still a really unique place to visit.

How Do I Get to Mackinac Island?

24 related questions found

How do I get to Mackinac Island on a budget?

There are ways to save money on Mackinac Island and still have a great trip.

1. Buy ferry tickets online. ...
2. Stay on the mainland. ...
3. Visit The Grand Hotel for lunch instead. ...
4. Get pizza. ...
5. Shop for a picnic lunch at Doud's Market. ...
6. Bring your own bike. ...
7. Take a Walk. ...
8. Buy your horse-drawn carriage tour in a package.

What is not allowed on Mackinac Island?

Out of more than 4 million miles of public roadway in the United States, there's an 8-mile stretch on Mackinac Island that stands apart. M-185 is the only state highway in the country where motor vehicles are not allowed.

Do you have to pay to get on Mackinac Island?

A: You can buy tickets when you get to the dock or buy Mackinac Island ferry tickets online (usually at a reduced rate) and then bypass ticket lines at the dock. Tickets purchased online are good for any day and time, so you can catch the ferry that works for you.

Is Mackinac Island Expensive?

The average price of a 7-day trip to Mackinac Island is $1,917 for a solo traveler, $3,443 for a couple, and $6,455 for a family of 4. Mackinac Island hotels range from $86 to $392 per night with an average of $143, while most vacation rentals will cost $240 to $620 per night for the entire home.

How long does it take to walk Mackinac Island?

GENERAL INFORMATION ON GOING AROUND MACKINAC ISLAND

If you decide to make your way around the coast of Mackinac Island, walking will take approximately 2.5-4 hours without stopping. You can also bring your own bicycle or rent one from one of the many bicycle shops located on Mackinac Island.

Does Mackinac Island have a bridge?

The Mackinac Bridge is one of the world's most beautiful bridges and truly something to see! ... With a total span of approximately 5 miles, the Mackinac Bridge connects the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan uniting the communities of Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, Michigan.

How many days do you need in Mackinac Island?

If you want to see it all: You will need a full day to explore the perimeter and downtown area. If you want to bike the interior of the island, go kayaking, visit the museums, fort and anything else, you will need three days.

Why is Mackinac Island famous?

History – Not only does Mackinac sound like a place out of the past, it is home to historic Fort Mackinac. The British built the Colonial-era fort on the island's bluffs high above the Straits of Mackinac. It was a pivotal point of control in the Great Lakes fur trade of the 18^th and early 19^th centuries.

What is the best time of year to visit Mackinac Island?

The best weather on Mackinac takes place in Late Spring/Early summer, as well as the fall. Late spring and early summer mark the beginning of the tourist season. The weather is phenomenal between mid-May and early July. Once it gets to late September, Mackinac Island is a wonderful place to be.

Why are cars not allowed on Mackinac Island?

The islanders initially banned the automobile due to noise and pollution to preserve their horse-drawn way of life, and as the years went on and cars boomed in popularity, especially in Michigan, the island was considered out of touch.

Who lives on Mackinac Island?

Approximately 500-600 people reside on Mackinac Island on a year-round basis. Where do Islanders live? The majority of people live in Harrisonville, a community located in the center of the Island. Others live downtown, at Stonecliffe, Woodbluff, and British Landing.

How does Mackinac Island get electricity?

The only things that connect the island in Lake Huron with mainland Michigan are boats and seven underwater cables and the cables, which provide electricity to the island, werent doing their job. ... A minimum of three cables are needed in order to serve the Island."

Is Mackinac Island Amish?

Seeing horses, buggies, and lots of families could mean one is in one of two places: an Amish or Mennonite community, or on Mackinac Island. A significant number of these religious minorities visit Mackinac Island throughout the summer. Both Amish and Mennonites are Anabaptist sects of Christianity.

Can you bring your own food to Mackinac Island?

Mackinac Island has to be one of the few places in the world that could care less if you bring your own food. Everyone says that eating out is part of the vacation experience. ... There are so many beautiful places to eat on the Island as well.

Is Mackinac Island safe?

The rate of crime in Mackinac Island is 546.82 per 1,000 residents during a standard year. People who live in Mackinac Island generally consider the southeast part of the city to be the safest.

Can you buy alcohol on Mackinac?

Although it's smaller than four square-miles – and even most of that is a state park – Mackinac Island has 27 bars, restaurants and places to stay with liquor licenses. No wonder Mackinac Island has more liquor sales per capita than any other county in Michigan.

Are there beaches on Mackinac Island?

But you should know that the shores around Mackinac Island are rocky, so be sure to pack some water shoes if you want to take a dip in the Great Lakes. The beach at British Landing near the northern tip of Mackinac Island is a popular spot for wading, as are several other points along M-185 as it circles the island.