Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry

Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry whisks families on an exciting 16-minute boat ride to the car-free Mackinac Island, where kids can experience a bygone era with horse-drawn carriages, unlimited fudge samples, and exploring a real 18th-century fort. The ferry ride itself is an adventure, with indoor and outdoor seating options and stunning views of the Straits of Mackinac that keep children entertained from shore to shore.

• ✓Scenic 16-minute ferry ride across the beautiful Straits of Mackinac with opportunities to spot the Mackinac Bridge
• ✓Exploring the car-free island where horses and bicycles are the only transportation
• ✓Sampling famous Mackinac Island fudge at numerous shops along Main Street
• ✓Taking horse-drawn carriage tours or riding bikes around the scenic 8.2-mile island perimeter
• ✓Discovering Fort Mackinac with costumed interpreters, cannon firings, and hands-on history exhibits

1. 1.Book ferry tickets online in advance during summer months to save time and guarantee your preferred departure time, especially if visiting on weekends.
2. 2.Bring layers and light jackets even in summer, as the ferry ride can be breezy and cool on the water, particularly if kids want to sit on the outdoor deck.
3. 3.Plan for a full day on the island since you've paid for the ferry. Most families need 6-8 hours to enjoy the main attractions without feeling rushed.
4. 4.Stop at the Shepler's ticket booth to ask about family package deals that bundle ferry rides with island attractions like Fort Mackinac or bicycle rentals.
5. 5.The outdoor deck offers the most excitement for kids who love boat rides, but arrive early to secure spots as these fill up quickly during peak times.

Visit on weekday mornings in late May or September for smaller crowds and pleasant weather. Summer weekends are busiest and most expensive, while early morning ferries (8-9am) give you maximum time on the island before day-trippers arrive.

Round-trip ferry tickets run around $30 for adults and $15 for kids (5-12), with children under 5 free. Parking is available near the dock for a daily fee. Once on the island, you'll need to budget separately for food, fudge, bike rentals, and attraction admissions.

Shepler's Ferry operates from early May through late October, with the most frequent departures during peak summer months (June through August). Service is limited in early spring and late fall with fewer daily trips. Winter visits are not possible as ferries do not run when the straits freeze.

Once on Mackinac Island, try the kid-friendly Pink Pony for waterfront dining with burgers and sandwiches, or grab quick bites at the Fort Mackinac Tea Room which offers simple lunch options in a historic setting.