Getting to the Island

Interstate I-75 will bring you to the ferry docks in both Mackinaw City, located in the Lower Peninsula, and St. Ignace, located in the Upper Peninsula. Access to the island can be made from both of these cities. The exits are clearly marked for several miles.

Ferry Information

Shepler’s Ferry operates from Mackinaw City and St. Ignace to Mackinac Island and offers significantly discounted tickets to runners ($32 per adult, $21 per child).

Ticket purchase will be available online through Shepler’s one month prior to each race, using the coupon codes below – or at the ferry docks on race day by telling them you are with the race to receive the discounted rate.  Please check ferry schedule for departure times.

Fort2Fort 5 Mile Adult Tickets:  05FORT26

Lilac Festival 10K Adult Tickets:  06LILAC26

8 Mile Run/Walk Adult Tickets:  558MILE26

Great Turtle Half Marathon Adult Tickets:  10TURTLE26

CHILD tickets for all races:  childracer2026

Shepler’s Parking Information

For those who are coming for the day, go directly to the Day Parking Lot off Exit 338 on I-75. Parking is $15.00 and a shuttle will take you directly to the dock after you park.  Options for parking payment are below:

Mackinaw City Day Parking (Will need proof of payment upon exit)

1. Pre-pay online (easiest and fastest)
2. Purchase upon arrival via a QR code and a smart phone (credit or debit card only)
3. Purchase at the ticket office at the Mackinaw City Dock

St. Ignace – Parking Payment Options

We offer two options for parking payment to make your Mackinac Island Experience that much easier!

1.  On your return from Mackinac Island, pay for parking at the ticket window. The ticket office will validate your ticket for you to return to your vehicle.

2.  Using your smartphone, guests can scan their parking ticket on the day of their return to pay for parking. Be sure to do this on your return trip to the mainland, as once another night has gone by guests will not be able to leave the parking lot with that ticket.

For those staying overnight, you must go to the ferry dock to purchase your parking, then drive your car to the overnight parking lot and return by shuttle to the dock.
Please allow extra time, as there is no valet parking available.
Premium parking is also available on-site.  Go to Shepler’s Ferry for more information and current pricing.

Walking the Island

Mackinac Island is very walker friendly. Many enjoy strolling the downtown area which is about five city blocks. It takes 15-20 minutes to walk up to the Grand Hotel or on the lake shore to Mission Point Resort. The distance around the Island is eight miles

Bicycles 

A great way to get around the Island is by bicycle.  There are numerous Bicycle Rental vendors on the Island or you can choose to bring your own.  Be aware, though, bike transport fees are charged by all Ferry transport and E-bikes not allowed without an approved permit from Mackinac Island).

Horse-drawn Taxis

Horse-drawn taxis are the main mode of transportation on Mackinac Island and a fun way to get from place to place. The taxis can be ordered by calling (906) 847-3323, by using the courtesy phone located at the Taxi Office downtown, from the courtesy phone at the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau or by asking the front desk staff to order one. The island is divided
into several zones; downtown, Fort Mackinac, Stonecliffe area and other points further from town with pricing according to distance.

Useful Links

Mackinac Island Overview Map
Mackinac Island Guides and Maps Directory
Ask the Concierge
Horse Drawn Carriage and bike Tour Information