There are no chain hotels on Mackinac (pronounced “Mack-in-awe”) Island. Instead, there are more than 1,600 unique rooms in a delightful variety of hotels, resorts, B&Bs, condominiums, cottages and homes. Each extraordinary place to stay is a historic, one-of-a-kind, family-owned gem. We highly recommend making the most out of your vacation by staying on the island!
Getting from the Mainland to Mackinac Island
PLEASE CHECK THE BOAT SCHEDULE AHEAD OF TIME
There are two ferry companies that service the Island. Mackinac Island Ferry (formerly Starline Ferry) & Shepler’s Ferry.
1.) MACKINAC ISLAND FERRY
(B&S’s preference — formerly Starline Ferry)
We have a group rate with Mackinac Island Ferry Company - $25/adult round trip tickets ($22 if purchased online - make sure to select ‘Fastpass Hydro Jet Ferry’), $16/child ages 5-12. Use code ELPU2023 when purchasing tickets or mention the Putz-Ellis wedding block. They are open tickets, so you do not need to designate a specific departure time or date.
Drive to ferry dock first to drop your luggage with the ferry porter. Though we do not have a discounted rate, there is free economy parking available and and a free shuttle provided to and from the ferry docks, as well as premium dockside parking and valet parking. Plan to arrive an hour before the ferry you intend to catch in order to allow adequate time for luggage drop off and parking. Luggage will need to be tagged with your appropriate hotel
If you are flying into Chippewa County Airport (CIU) or arriving from the Upper Peninsula, you will depart from St Ignace. Otherwise, you will depart from the Mackinaw City docks on the mainland.
Mackinac Island Ferry - Use Promo Code ELPU2023
2.) SHEPLER’S FERRY
We have a group rate with Shepler’s Ferry - $23 round trip per adult, $14 per child. Mention the Putz-Ellis Wedding Party or use code ship23 (case-sensitive) if purchasing tickets online. You can purchase tickets ahead of time online or at the dock. They are open tickets, so you do not need to designate a specific departure time or date.
Drive to ferry dock first to drop your luggage with the ferry porter. There are different parking tiers. We recommend parking in the economy lot for $20/night and catching the free shuttle that is provided. There is also valet service and premium dockside parking available as well. Plan to arrive an hour before the ferry you intend to catch in order to allow adequate time for luggage drop off and parking. Luggage will need to be tagged with your appropriate hotel
If you are flying into Chippewa County Airport (CIU) or arriving from the Upper Peninsula, you will depart from St Ignace. Otherwise, you will depart from the Mackinaw City docks on the mainland.
Shepler’s Ferry - Use Promo Code ship23
Where to Stay on Mackinac Island
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Mission Point Resort
We’re getting hitched here! Our reserved hotel block gives you a 10% discount (2 night minimum stay). Call (800) 833-7711 and mention the Putz/Ellis wedding or book online with our code below.
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Swanky Hotels, Quaint B&B's, and More
Depends on your vibe! Go lux with The Grand Hotel, get unparalleled views at Hotel Iroquois, party it up at The Chippewa Hotel, or relax in a quaint inn on Market Street. CLICK HERE to explore all or click below for:
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Getting to Mackinac By Flight
Pellston Regional Airport
1395 US-31, Pellston, MI 49769
(231) 539-8441
Pellston Regional Airport (PLN) is 16 miles from Mackinaw City ferry docks (aka the closest airport). There are no direct flights to Pellston - you’ll connect through Detroit. Be sure to check arrival times and travel distance to docks with enough time to make the last ferry from Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island.
A shuttle from Pellston Regional Airport to a Mackinaw City ferry is $60/person roundtrip for the first person and $35/person for additional passengers. If you arrive after 5 pM, a one time fee of $35 will be applied to your trip. Passengers are allowed 2 bags, $5 fee per extra bag.
If you would like to make a reservation go to www.mackinawshuttle.com click on the reservations tab and fill out the form. Call 231-539-7005 for more information.
Chippewa County International Airport
5315 W Airport Dr, Kincheloe, MI 49788
(906) 495-5631
Chippewa County International Airport (CIU) is 35 miles from the St. Ignace ferry docks. There are no direct flights to Chippewa - you’ll connect through Detroit or Minneapolis St Paul. Be sure to check arrival times and travel distance to docks with enough time to make the last ferry from St. Ignace to Mackinac Island.
Mackinaw Shuttle offers shuttle services for Chippewa County International Airport to the St. Ignace ferry. A one-way trip is $295 for the first person and $35/person for additional passengers. If you would like to make a reservation, go to www.mackinawshuttle.com click on the reservations tab and fill out the form. Call 231-539-7005 for more information.
Soo Line Airport Shuttle operates out of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and is available for services anywhere in St. Ignace as well as the shuttle from Chippewa County International Airport to the St. Ignace ferry dock. A one-way shuttle ride is $80 for the whole party. Reservations can be made by calling 906-440-4674.
Cherry Capital Airport
727 Fly Don't Dr, Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 947-2250
The Traverse City Airport (TVC) is 115 miles from the Mackinac Island ferry docks. Be sure to check arrival times and travel distance to docks with enough time to make the last ferry from Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island.
Mackinaw Shuttle also has a shuttle available for the Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) . A one-way trip is $460 for the first person and $35/person for additional passengers.
If you would like to make a reservation go to www.mackinawshuttle.com click on the reservations tab and fill out the form. Call 231-539-7005 for more information.
By Plane AND Car (Recommended)
There are no direct flights to PLN, CIU, & TVC, and historically it can be a gamble with these smaller airports, B&S recommend flying direct into one of these major airports and buddying up with some friends on a rental car - we’re happy to connect you if you’re flying solo!
Click on the dropdown arrows to see the details below.
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*Once you arrive, you’ll rent a car and drive 4.5 hours to Shepler’s Ferry Dock Mackinaw City.
*Multiple Options for parking - free parking further away from the dock at Mackinac Island Ferry. Shepler’s Ferry is $20/day in the economy lot.
*When planning flights, allow for travel time to make the last ferry departing from Mackinaw City at 8:30 PM.
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*Once you arrive to Grand Rapids, you’ll rent a car and drive 4 hours to Shepler’s Ferry Dock Mackinaw City.
*Multiple Options for parking - free parking further away from the dock at Mackinac Island Ferry. Shepler’s Ferry is $20/day in the economy lot.
*When planning flights, allow for travel time to make the last ferry departing from Mackinaw City at 8:30 PM.
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*Once you arrive, you’ll rent a car and drive 3.5 hours to Shepler’s Ferry Dock Mackinaw City.
*Multiple Options for parking - free parking further away from the dock at Mackinac Island Ferry. Shepler’s Ferry is $20/day in the economy lot.
*When planning flights, allow for travel time to make the last ferry departing from Mackinaw City at 8:30 PM.
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Great Lakes Air and Fresh Air Aviation both operate out of St. Ignace and can be contacted for more information about flying to Mackinac Island.
Getting to Mackinac By Car
4.5 hours from Detroit
3.5 hours from Grand Rapids
6.5 hours from Madison
7 hours from Chicago
Once you get here
Walk or Taxi (arranged in advance by calling)
Mission Point Shuttle
Once on the island, the easiest way to get to Mission Point is to ride on the Mackinac Island Carriage Tours shuttle servicing Mission Point. Please keep in mind that the taxi shuttle service is $7.00 per adult; drivers accept cash only. Shuttle service does not run from 12:30-2 PM while the horses take a break.
For any questions regarding the Mission Point shuttle, please contact Mackinac Island Carriage Tours directly at (906) 847-3323.
Taxi (horse-drawn carriage)
Horse drawn taxi service is provided by Mackinac Island Carriage Tours 24 hours a day. Taxi cabs cannot be ‘hailed.’ We suggest calling for a TAXI before you get on the ferry ride.
Ask your hotel to arrange for one or call yourself at 906-847-3323. CASH ONLY. ATMS are available at the taxi stand downtown and at the island banks.
Walk
Mission Point Resort is a 12 minute walk from Shepler’s Ferry Dock on Mackinac Island.
It’s very easy to roll suitcases around the island…just watch out for horse poo.
Where to stay off Mackinac Island
There are plenty of places to stay in Mackinaw City, St Ignace and the surrounding areas. If you’re spending the weekend off island and coming in for the wedding day, make sure to check the ferry schedule times leaving and departing. If you are staying off-island, we will have a special Shepler’s ferry leaving at 11:30 PM from the island. We suggest you get on it, or you’ll be sleeping in the park.
Baymont by Wyndham
Within walking distance of the downtown area. Mackinaw Crossing shopping, restaurants, and attractions are close by as well. Free breakfast, whirlpool spa, and heated indoor pool.
Best Western Mackinaw City
It rests on a ¼-mile private, sandy beach and has a heated indoor pool, hot tub, and cocktail lounge. Some rooms have private balconies, lake views, and whirlpool tubs. On-site restaurant.
Deer Head Inn
Restored 1913 Arts and Crafts Style home with original period furniture. Each room has a different theme, fireplace, separate sitting area, and jacuzzi tub. Daily breakfast and special meals.