e-BIKE POLICY ON MACKINAC ISLAND

RECREATIONAL E-BIKES ARE NOT PERMITTED ON MACKINAC ISLAND.

Requirements for E-Bike Use: (All must apply)

-Class 1 e-Bike only
-Must have a Mobility Disability
-No Throttle on e-Bike
-e-Bike must not exceed 20 MpH
-e-Bike must be pedal assist
-E-Bikes must be stored 30 feet from all hotel entrances (per Hotel policy)

For more information, please click here.

How to Get Here

By Land

For those traveling from point’s south (for example: Detroit Metropolitan Airport), follow I-75 north to Mackinaw City or St. Ignace and watch for the well-marked exits to the boat dock of your choice. For those traveling from points north, follow I-75 south to St. Ignace or Mackinaw City to the boat dock of choice. To use internet mapping services such as MapQuest, please use zip code 49701 (Mackinaw City) or 49781 (St. Ignace boat) to create a route. Because motor vehicles are restricted to emergency or state vehicles only (medical, fire and police), there are no personal motor vehicles permitted on Mackinac Island.

Ferry Service

Shepler’s Ferry
Mackinac Island Ferry Company

Main Land Parking

There is ample parking convenient to the boat docks with valet service and unloading and loading service available. Upon arrival in Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, luggage will be tagged for the hotel.

Luggage/Porter Service

On the island-side, helpful dock porters will transport the luggage to the hotel until check-in, at that time they will be happy to deliver the luggage to the room. (Gratuities are appreciated) If you are bringing your own bicycle to the Island, you are responsible for getting it to and from the boat dock to the hotel. Before returning to the mainland, luggage can be tagged and held at the front desk until you depart the Island.  At that time, Dock Porters will transport the luggage to the specified ferry dock for the departure.

By Air

Delta offers flights to Pellston Airport (airport code PLN) from most major cities. Mackinaw Shuttle (located inside the Pellston Airport) can provide transportation to the boat docks upon arrival, and also provides services to and from Traverse City’s Cherry Capitol Airport (airport code TVC) with carriers Delta and United.

North Country Aviation located in Gaylord, Michigan offers special rates on charter flights from Gaylord or any other airport in northern Michigan to Mackinac Island.

Fresh Air Aviation provides service from St. Ignace, and Beaver Island to the Island. Charter flights are also available.

Mackinac Island is especially suited to aviators and welcomes private air travelers offering views of boreal forests, bogs, marshes, springs, bridges and buildings that quietly speak of our history of place in the American experience. Operated by the Mackinac State Historic Parks, Mackinac Island Airport 45° 51.89′ N 084° 38.24’W features a 3500′ runway with daily monthly and annual landing fees.

On Island

Taxi service can provide transportation via horse-drawn carriage from the ferry docks or airport to the hotel.  Reservations are required. Please call Mackinac Island Carriage Tours at 906-847-3323 for advanced reservations.

Renting a bike or bringing your own?

Bringing your own bicycle? There is a round-trip charged by both ferry companies for bringing your own bicycle to Mackinac Island. The charge includes your round-trip and the temporary bicycle license. (every bike must be licensed)

Bikes can be parked in front of The Lilac Tree Suites during daytime hours (inside the white line) but must be parked in public bike areas overnight. If you leave your bike on the street overnight there’s always a chance your bike will be impounded. The Lilac Tree doesn’t have indoor or private bike storage for guests, however public bike parking is within a one to two minute walk away.  

For more information on renting a bicycle, please click here

Things to do

There are many fun and interesting things to do on Mackinac Island. Rent a bike and ride around the island or hire a self-driven horse drawn carriage. For the history buffs there is Fort Mackinac and guided walking tours.

While the choices are many, here are a few suggestions:

Kayak in the Straits of Mackinac with Great Turtle Kayaks.

Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour.

Explore the Mackinac Island State Park. Make sure to find Arch Rock, Sugar Loaf, and Fort Holmes.

Explore the island on a bike or hike the many trails found on the “Inside” of the island. Bike rentals are available in the downtown area.

Take a step back in history to the 1800s at Fort Mackinac.

Take the reins and drive a horse-drawn carriage reserved through Jack’s Livery or reserve a saddle horse through Cindy’s Riding Stable and explore the Island’s many equestrian trails.

Take horse-riding lessons or spectate at the Mackinac Island Equestrian Center.

Eat some world-famous Mackinac Island Fudge at any of the excellent fudge shops on the island.

Check out the Historic Downtown and find out how people lived in the early 19th century. Tickets are available through the Mackinac Island State Park.

Experience Mackinac Island’s Original Butterfly House or stop at the Butterfly Conservatory, located at Surrey Hill.

Looking for fun things to do on Mackinac Island? Check out The Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau for a list of adventure-based activities on Mackinac Island.