Mackinac Island Ferry Questions

Question

Hi everyone,

We'll be driving from Chicago to Mackinac on a Sunday morning in early October for a visit. I've never been before and want to ask a few things about the ferries. Driving from Chicago, I think we'll arrive around 4 or 5 pm. I see one ferry is out of business and Shepler's seems to be the only one running. Are there usually lines for the ferries or will we get on the next one after we arrive at the dock?

When we return a couple days later, we'll be driving into the upper peninsula so want to get a reasonably early start. Same question, can we just head to the ferry dock and get on the next one or will we have to wait a while?

And does it matter if we take the ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace? Since we're driving north after our stay, I thought it would save a little time to get the St. Ignace ferry.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Answer

Visiting Mackinac Island for the first time is exciting! Regarding the ferry situation in early October, here’s what you can expect based on typical operations and traveler experiences.

Ferry Lines and Timing

If you arrive at the dock around 4–5 pm on a Sunday, especially in early October (which is shoulder season), ferry lines are generally shorter than in peak summer months. Shepler’s is currently the primary operator, and they usually have multiple departures until the evening. While you might not need a reservation, it can be safer to check the schedule and consider booking online if you want a guaranteed spot, particularly on weekends.

Arriving late afternoon: typically minimal wait, you can often board the next ferry.
Returning early for a trip back to the Upper Peninsula: mornings are also less crowded than midday, so waiting time is usually short.
Weekend and holiday periods can see slightly longer waits, so plan 20–30 minutes buffer just in case.

Mackinaw City vs. St. Ignace Departure

Which ferry dock to use largely depends on your onward travel plans. Since you’re heading north into the Upper Peninsula after your stay, taking the ferry from St. Ignace can save you driving time. The St. Ignace dock is also convenient for reaching the main highways of the Upper Peninsula, whereas Mackinaw City would require doubling back slightly south if your route heads west or north from the island.

St. Ignace departure: shorter drive to UP destinations, less backtracking.
Mackinaw City departure: still works fine if you prefer that terminal, but adds a few extra miles northbound.
Either terminal: ferries are comparable in travel time to the island (~16–20 minutes).

Additional Tips

Check Shepler’s online schedule before leaving Chicago to see exact departure times; early October often has fewer sailings than summer months.
Arrive at least 15–20 minutes before ferry departure to handle tickets and boarding smoothly.
Keep in mind that weather can occasionally cause minor delays, so a little flexibility in your schedule is helpful.
Consider whether you want a morning or afternoon ferry for your return; mornings tend to be quieter, which can be convenient for a timely drive into the UP.

In summary, early October is a great time for Mackinac Island as crowds are smaller. You should be able to board the next available ferry without issue, and St. Ignace is preferable if your next drive is north into the Upper Peninsula.

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