Travel Information
Mackinac Island is located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula on Lake Huron. Ferry Service to the Island is available from Mackinaw City, Michigan (south of the Mackinac Bridge) or St. Ignace, Michigan (north of the Mackinac Bridge). Parking is available at the ferry docks, either Short Term (day parking), or Long Term (overnight or longer). Ferry tickets may be purchased upon arrival at the docks.
Traveling North (Lower Peninsula to Mackinaw City):
Take US 31, US 23 or I-75 North to I-75. Take I-75 North to Mackinaw City Exits (337, 338, or 339). Follow signs to Mackinac Island Ferry Docks (Arnold, Shepler's, Star Line). Click here for MapQuest directions
Traveling South (Upper Peninsula to St. Ignace):
Take US 2 East or US 23 and I-75 South to St. Ignace. Take State Street Exit and follow signs to Mackinac Island Ferry Docks (Arnold, Shepler's, Star Line).Click here for MapQuest directions
Ferry Information:
From May to October all three ferry services run regular schedules from St. Ignace and Mackinaw City. The ride to the island is approximately 20-25 minutes. Free daily parking is available. Secured overnight parking is also available.
When making a reservation with us, please request a coupon for free parking for the length of your stay, and a discount on each round-trip fare.
For schedules and fares, please call ferry lines, or check their websites:
Arnold Transit Co. - 800-542-8528
Star Line - 800-638-9892
Shepler's - 800-828-6157
Please note: From November through April ferry service is limited to Arnold Transit, which continues to run from St. Ignace until January 2nd. Arnold is the first to resume service, usually between mid-March and early April. Star Line and Shepler's follow in late April, early May.
Air Services
The closest commercial airport servicing Mackinac Island is Pellston, Michigan (approximately 25 miles from the island). Commercial air service to Pellston is provided by Northwest Airlines.
Shuttle service between Pellston and the ferry docks is available from Mackinac Shuttle or Wolverine Stage. Air taxi service is also available between Pellston and Mackinac Island via Great Lakes Air.
Great Lakes Air provides passenger charter service from St. Ignace to Mackinac Island year-round. Great Lakes Air also is available to meet commercial flights arriving at Pellston and Traverse City. Charter flights to/from other destinations aboard single or multi-engine aircraft can be arranged. All flights are by reservation only.
Mackinac Island Airport - 906-847-3231
Mackinac Island Airport Weather - 906-847-3778
Getting Your Luggage and Yourself to Your Destination
When boarding the ferry in Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, have the ferry dock attendant tag your luggage for Sunset Condos if that is where you will be staying. If you will be staying in the Downtown Harbor Suites or a historic home, contact the rental office for arrival instructions.
When you arrive on the island, your luggage will be loaded onto our shuttle and brought to Sunset Condos. You may board our shuttle at this time, or you may want to explore the downtown area for awhile. The shuttle leaves the docks every hour on the hour from 10 am to 7 pm.
There are no cars allowed on the island, so transportation is by horse drawn shuttle, horse drawn taxi, by bike, or on foot. A regularly scheduled shuttle is available to and from our resort and downtown. You may also decide to take a taxi, walk, or bike to and from our resort and downtown or other destinations.
Please note: There is a charge for the taxi and the shuttle (cash only). Also, please be aware that you cannot transport your bike on the taxi or on the shuttle.
Climate
Summers are moderate, with cool mornings and warmer afternoons. Dressing in layers is suggested. Average temperatures are: May 50-degrees, June 64-degrees, July 70-degrees, August 71-degrees, September 63-degrees, October 50-degrees. Winter temperatures can get quite cold, sometimes dipping below zero.