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10 Ferries in Michigan That You Shouldn't Miss
Think you need an ocean for a beach? Think again. There are miles and miles of sandy lakefront beaches in Michigan (thanks to the four Great Lakes that border it). The west coast of Michigan has especially nice beaches—try a rental in Muskegon, Grand Haven or Saugatuck. You won’t need a car when visiting Mackinac Island. In fact, they’re not allowed—this lovely Victorian resort town is pedestrian-only.
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1. Isle Royale Ranger III Ferry
2. Drummond Island Ferry
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By seescokid - Grand Rapids, United States
Just missed 9:10 am 8/27/19 so had breakfast at Mainsail. Waitress said ferry may be running "wild" meaning more than hourly. Professional loading unloading and cheap roundtrip $16 driver, passenger, car. Did the Cheecheeman at Tobermory Ontario a couple years ago and PEI so this was a little puddle jumper. Enjoyed the Rock golf
3. S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,075 reviews
The S.S. Badger is the largest car ferry to ever sail Lake Michigan and has provided a safe, fun, and reliable shortcut across the inland sea for 67 years. The ferry takes passengers, autos, RVs, tour buses, motorcycles, bicycles, and commercial trucks across Lake Michigan between Ludington, Michigan and Manitowoc, Wisconsin from mid-May through mid-October.
Reviewed By Bobms44
Great way to make your way west and by pass Chicago traffic relaxing and great service. Highly recommended. Will do again
4. Star Line Mackinac Island Hydro-Jet Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 614 reviews
Reviewed By lilla-svenska - Worthington, United States
The Star Line ferry is efficient and friendly. They take your bags and bikes and whatever else at the dock and bring you and your stuff safely to the other side. If you're traveling to spend a few nights on the island your bags are transferred to the hotel seamlessly. If you're traveling back from your stay on the island, they pick them up from your hotel and bring them back and store them on the dock until you arrive. Friendly, cost effective and fast. Parking is conveniently located at the dock for varying prices depending on if it's valet or self park, but your car is secure and monitored.
5. Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,583 reviews
Reviewed By BackRoadsUSA
Solid Operation. Parking attendants kindly pointed out the Free parking lot available behind the brewery which offered safe, ample sized spaces for your car. Bathrooms available near the ticket office though staff unable to keep them clean on a busy Sunday, Ticket agent was short- did not offer us a brochure or map just quickly sold us tickets- never explained how to return or what times-- we were first time visitors. The boarding process was simple- masks were required and there was plenty of space on top to spread out. No one explained safety procedures though. We did take the ferry over that went under the bridge- stunning and staff did warn people on the upper decks they would get wet!
6. Beaver Island Boat Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
Beaver Island Boat Company has been providing the most relaxing, affordable transportation for people, pets, vehicles, and freight to Beaver Island for over 30 years and reservations for passengers are never required. A trip aboard one of our ferries is a must for those who believe the journey should be just as wonderful as the destination. Enjoy a 2 hour boat ride across 32 miles of Lake Michigan in one of our open air decks or relax in a passenger cabin. Whether you spend a day or week we’re sure you’ll fall in love with Beaver Island. Beaver Island offers – nature lovers and sportsmen alike – pristine woods, isolated beaches, hiking and biking trails, and uncrowded campsites. Fine dining, hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts and cottage rentals await those looking for an extended getaway. Those searching for a truly removed up-north destination will find it on Beaver Island.
Reviewed By balddachshund - Grand Rapids, United States
Took the Emerald Isle from Charlevoix to Beaver Island and back for a day trip adventure. We didn't bring a car or luggage. The boat seems recently fixed up and you can bring food on (saw boxes of sandwiches and a whole deep dish pizza!) and apparently alcohol because people were drinking at 9am and there's not a bar on board. Will remember that next time! Dogs are allowed ($12 one way) and we got to meet several, who all did very well. The lake can get a bit choppy so I'd recommend taking something if you might get seasick. There are also several bathrooms onboard. We arrived at the dock with a gift certificate for round trip passes and a 1.5 hour island bus tour for 2 people and had to get 2 more of the same since there were 4 in our party. We had also made reservations for the bus tour for 4 and had an email confirmation. The person at the ticket counter at the dock was so confused and flustered and had no record of the reservation that they'd sent a confirmation for. The transaction took a long time. The person at the bus tour place had record of the reservation, but for 2 rather than 4. It all ended up working out fine but getting things started felt a little dicey. And yes, there's free wifi!
7. Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,879 reviews
Shepler's offers 5 different Lighthouse Cruises through the Straits of Mackinac and Great lakes, each narrated by the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association. A portion of the proceeds from each cruise go to help with upkeep and restoration of these "Guardians of the Great Lakes". Complete cruise schedule and tickets available at sheplersferry.com.
Reviewed By MichaelK218 - Salt Lake City, United States
Shepler's has a terrific partnership with Grand Hotel to make your arrival on Mackinac Island and the Grand as seamless and painless as possible. They unload your luggage for you, and after you have checked into your room, your luggage is in your room. The reverse works as well. You put your luggage outside your room and it shows up in a shed on Shepler's property specifically for Grand Hotel. Parking is expensive at their premium site, but only $5 per day at their off site, where they provide excellent free shuttle service. The boat is fast and comfortable.
8. Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,460 reviews
Arnold Mackinac Island Ferry offers the best ferry prices in town! Enjoy the breathtaking view of the Straits of Mackinac, the Mackinac Bridge, Round Island Lighthouse, Mackinac Island & the shoreline of Michigan's great peninsulas aboard a classic ferry. A 30-minute cruise from St. Ignace or a 40-minute cruise from Mackinaw City is just the right amount of time to enjoy panoramic views from covered, wide-open decks. Travel comfortably aboard the only ferries with on-board restrooms, handicapped-friendly indoor seating & the largest USCG certified passenger capacities. All guests receive complimentary day & overnight parking, luggage handling & hotel/campground shuttle service. Additional parking services, directions, departure times, Sip n' Sail cruises & staying overnight tips are listed on our website. Your next adventure begins on Arnold, Mackinac Island's most historic ferry line, transporting visitors, explorers & adventurers since 1878.
Reviewed By bookoutb - Niles, United States
If you want a smooth ride and great service to Mackinac Island, take Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry.
9. Saugatuck Chain Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
Reviewed By MikeGDTW - Detroit, United States
The ferry ride was pretty awesome to have an older way to cross the river. The cost was minimal and way to go to Saugatuck. There is no parking in Saugatuck, so parked at Mt. Baldy and took ferry across to walk around and had some ice cream.
10. Ironton Car Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By MIFlowerchild - Grand Rapids, United States
This is something I had heard about, and always wanted to do. It fit into our plans on a recent Up North trip. It was a beautiful September day to take this quck ride. It made me smile, when at the end of the road, our GPS says "get on the ferry"! And that's what we did. We were hoping to have lunch at the restaurant, after crossing, but it was not open. Maybe another time!
