Planning a trip to Mackinac Island is always an exciting adventure, and the ferry ride is a quintessential part of the experience. As you prepare for your journey, it’s important to be aware of some recent changes in ferry services that may affect your travel plans. Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry is now the sole operator providing ferry service to and from Mackinac Island, following the suspension of operations by Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Company (MIFC) for the remainder of the 2024 season. This change was necessitated by significant repair needs in the MIFC fleet and dock infrastructure, leading to a consolidation of services under Shepler’s.
Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Company (MIFC): FAQ’s
Yes! Shepler’s ferries are running every 15 minutes from Shepler’s docks in Mackinaw City, St. Ignace and on Mackinac Island during peak hours. Check here for a complete schedule.
Mackinac Island ferry tickets can be purchased online here or at Shepler’s ticket office at the docks in Mackinaw City, St. Ignace and on Mackinac Island.
All MIFC ferry service and docks are closed for the remainder of the summer season. Shepler’s is handling all Mackinac Island ferry service through the end of the 2024 season.
All MIFC website traffic is being redirected to the Shepler’s website, where guests can purchase tickets at the current established Shepler’s rates.
All valid pre-purchased MIFC tickets and passes will be honored by Shepler’s up to the expiration date of that ticket or pass. MIFC tickets and passes can be exchanged at Shepler’s ticket offices at the Shepler’s docks in Mackinaw City, St. Ignace and on Mackinac Island.
All guests who pre-purchased MIFC tickets should go to the Shepler’s ticket office at the docks in Mackinaw City or St. Ignace to exchange their tickets. All MIFC docks and ticket offices are closed to ferry traffic, and Shepler’s is serving all ferry guests.
All ferry guests should use Shepler’s parking and proceed to Shepler’s docks for boarding.
Guests who prepaid for MIFC onsite parking will be allowed to park in Shepler’s premium lots if space is available. If space is not available, guests may drop off luggage at the Shepler’s dock, check in at the ticket office for a parking permit and will be directed to an off-site lot. Ground transportation will be provided from off-site lots to Shepler’s docks.
Only the current Shepler’s services, including parking and ferry tickets, will be available and are being sold at regular Shepler’s prices. MIFC valet, pirate ship, and classic ferry tickets are no longer available.
Starting August 31st, MIFC tickets will no longer be sold through hotels or third-party vendors. Shepler’s will honor all pre-purchased MIFC discounted third-party tickets.
This third-party vendor ticketing process is currently under review by the Mackinac Island City Council and is subject to change.
After Hoffmann Marine purchased MIFC in June 2024, it discovered the company’s fleet and its main dock on Mackinac Island were in significant disrepair. Most of the boats were unable to operate on a consistent schedule due to breakdowns and major repair needs. That caused disruptions in service and potential safety risks for passengers and crew.
Hoffmann sought and the Mackinac Island City Council approved a change in the ferry service franchise agreement suspending MIFC ferry service for the remainder of the 2024 season.
Hoffmann Marine, which also owns Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry, will invest $4 million to repair and upgrade the MIFC fleet. To have a full fleet of boats ready for next season, repairs and upgrades began immediately.
Repairs have also started on the historic MIFC dock on Mackinac Island and will include repairing lateral supports and at least 900 of the dock’s 1,000 pilings.
Whether you’re purchasing ferry tickets, planning parking, or dealing with previously purchased MIFC tickets, all your needs will now be managed by Shepler’s. We are running a robust schedule with departures every 15 minutes, ensuring a smooth and efficient trip to the island. Pre-purchased MIFC tickets will be honored by Shepler’s.