See  you next time Shepler's!
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Shepler's Ferry St. Ignace Dock

4.7
·2k reviews·St. Ignace, United States

Your gateway to Mackinac Island, offering scenic ferry rides with convenient shuttles and a pet-friendly atmosphere.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning departures

Scenic bridge views

CrowdMedium
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See  you next time Shepler's!

Shepler's Ferry St. Ignace Dock

Best Time

Morning departures

Scenic bridge views

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Your gateway to Mackinac Island, offering scenic ferry rides with convenient shuttles and a pet-friendly atmosphere.

4.7
(2k reviews)

"Hands down best Ferry service to the island, took bags right when we pulled in the lot."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Shuttle Savings

Ask your hotel to contact Shepler's shuttle for pickup to save on parking fees! 🚌

🎟️ Book Ahead

Purchase tickets online in advance for a smoother boarding process and to guarantee your spot. 🎟️

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.7 · 2,194 reviews

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Scenic Bridge Detour

Scenic Bridge Detour

Under the Mackinac Bridge

Experience breathtaking views of the Mighty Mac Bridge from a unique perspective on select morning departures.

TikTok
Pet-Friendly Ferry Ride

Pet-Friendly Ferry Ride

Onboard Shepler's Ferry

Bring your furry friends along for the journey! Shepler's Ferry welcomes pets, making it a stress-free trip for the whole family.

TikTok
Convenient Shuttle Service

Convenient Shuttle Service

St. Ignace hotels and accommodations

Enjoy hassle-free transport to the ferry dock with Shepler's complimentary shuttle service, connecting you from your hotel.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets in Advance

To avoid potential queues and secure your preferred departure time, especially during peak season, consider purchasing your Shepler's Ferry tickets online ahead of your visit. This ensures a smoother start to your Mackinac Island adventure.

Utilize Shuttle Services

Shepler's offers convenient shuttle services to many local hotels and accommodations in St. Ignace. Inquire with your lodging about arranging a pickup to save on parking fees and simplify your journey to the dock. Reddit

Best Times

When
Morning departures
Why
Scenic bridge views
Crowd
Medium
When
First ferry of the day
Why
Cool air, birds singing
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#fall #puremichigan #mackinacisland #sheplersferry #westbluff #grandhotelmackinac
@reallifetravels
7.6K likes • 230.1K views

🚗 Shuttle Savings

Ask your hotel to contact Shepler's shuttle for pickup to save on parking fees! Reddit 🚌

🎟️ Book Ahead

Purchase tickets online in advance for a smoother boarding process and to guarantee your spot. Reddit 🎟️

Affordable and fun Glamping style Yurts & Tiki Tents in St. Ignace at Tiki RV Park! Walking distance to Mackinac Island Ferry docks! #glamping #yurtcamping #stignace #stignacemichigan #upmichigan #upperpeninsula #upperpeninsulamichigan #michigantravel #travelmichigan #campingwithkids #michigancamping
@cassondrawanders
5.2K likes • 109K views
All aboard! ⚓ Half the fun of a Mackinac Island experience is a ride with Shepler’s. They've been serving northern Michigan for over 75 years, and recently I got the chance to join the crew and drive "Miss Margy," their first made-in-Michigan motor vessel.
@biggretchwhitmer
4.9K likes • 42.1K views

🐶 Pet-Friendly Travel

Your furry companions are welcome aboard! Enjoy a scenic ride with your pets. TikTok 🐕

⏰ Punctuality is Key

Ferries depart on time; aim to be at the dock with ample time to spare. TikTok :stopwatch:

#fall #puremichigan #mackinacisland #sheplersferry #grandhotelmackinac #dogdad #ghosttok
@reallifetravels
4.1K likes • 126.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Shuttle Savings

Ask your hotel to contact Shepler's shuttle for pickup to save on parking fees! Reddit 🚌

🎟️ Book Ahead

Purchase tickets online in advance for a smoother boarding process and to guarantee your spot. Reddit 🎟️

🐶 Pet-Friendly Travel

Your furry companions are welcome aboard! Enjoy a scenic ride with your pets. TikTok 🐕

⏰ Punctuality is Key

Ferries depart on time; aim to be at the dock with ample time to spare. TikTok :stopwatch:

🧳 Luggage Assistance

Staff can assist with your luggage, taking it directly to your island hotel. Reddit 🧳

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Shepler's Ferry is highly praised for its excellent service, friendly and professional staff, and convenient shuttle system that connects to local accommodations. Passengers appreciate the smooth rides, pet-friendly policy, and the option for scenic bridge detours. While punctual departures are a hallmark, travelers are advised to arrive on time to avoid missing their ferry.

"Great Service. Love how they provide shuttle service to almost every hotel/ stay in the area. I would highly recommend asking your hotel if they can contact shepler’s shuttle service to pick you up so that you can save $15 of parking fee. The shuttle services are every 5 minutes and ferry service every 30 minutes. Tickets are 38 per person for adults. You can buy the tickets on site. They also offer a scenic detour under the mackinac bridge at few timings in the morning. Check it out on their website."

humsika uppala

"We took the first ferry of the day! It was cool and the birds were singing! The grounds are absolutely beautiful! The staff are friendly too! We purchased our tickets in advance and were able to get right in line! Very smooth process and we head from St.Ignace to Mackinac Island!"

Connie Korbelic

"Hands down best Ferry service to the island,took bags right when we pulled in the lot.Asked where were staying on the island checked bags told enjoy your ferry ride we will take it from here. Got bags to the Hotel.Off site parking was a breeze picked me up dropped off right at the boat same when returned back."

Bryan Ross

What People Like

Friendly and professional staff
Convenient shuttle service
Pet-friendly policy

What People Dislike

Strict adherence to departure times

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Shepler's Ferry is located in St. Ignace, Michigan. Many hotels in the area offer shuttle services to the dock, which can save you parking fees. Reddit If driving, follow signs for Mackinac Island ferries. The dock is easily accessible from local roads. TikTok

Yes, parking is available at the Shepler's Ferry dock in St. Ignace. Inquire about shuttle services from your hotel to potentially avoid parking fees. Reddit

Absolutely! Shepler's offers shuttle services to many hotels and accommodations in the St. Ignace area. It's recommended to ask your hotel if they can arrange a pickup for you. Reddit

The most popular and convenient way to travel to Mackinac Island from St. Ignace is by taking Shepler's Ferry. They offer frequent departures and various amenities. TikTok

While Shepler's Ferry is a primary provider, Starline is another ferry service operating from St. Ignace. Some travelers have noted price differences between the two. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets for Shepler's Ferry are approximately $38 per adult for a round trip. Prices can vary, so it's best to check their official website for the most current rates. Reddit

You can purchase tickets directly at the Shepler's Ferry ticket counter at the St. Ignace dock. For convenience, especially during busy times, buying tickets online in advance is also recommended. Reddit

While not strictly required, buying tickets in advance is highly recommended to ensure a smooth boarding process and to secure your desired departure time, especially during peak travel seasons. Reddit

Information on specific discounts is best found on the Shepler's Ferry website. Travelers often look for deals or package options when planning their trip. Reddit

Shepler's Ferry operates frequently, with departures typically every 30 minutes. It's advisable to check their official website for the most up-to-date schedule, as it can vary seasonally. Reddit

🎫 🚢 Onboard Experience

Generally, the ferry ride is smooth. Some travelers have experienced wind-whipped fun on the upper deck during return trips. Reddit If you are prone to seasickness, consider remedies as you would for any boat trip. Reddit

Yes, Shepler's Ferry is pet-friendly! You can bring your dog or other pets along for the ride to Mackinac Island. TikTok

Shepler's Ferry offers a scenic detour under the Mackinac Bridge on select morning departures, providing unique views of this iconic structure. TikTok

Shepler's Ferry typically offers both indoor seating and open-air upper decks, allowing you to choose your preferred experience. The upper deck can be windy but offers great views. Reddit

The ferry ride from St. Ignace to Mackinac Island is relatively short, usually around 15-20 minutes, offering a quick and efficient journey. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The most iconic photo opportunity is the scenic detour under the Mackinac Bridge. TikTok Also, capture the views of the water, the approaching island, and the ferry itself. The upper deck offers panoramic shots. Reddit

Morning departures often provide softer light and potentially fewer crowds, especially if you opt for the scenic bridge detour. TikTok The return trip in the late afternoon can also offer beautiful golden hour light. Reddit

Yes, the scenic detour under the Mackinac Bridge offers fantastic opportunities to photograph this impressive structure from a unique vantage point. TikTok

For general shots, a good all-around setting is often sufficient. If shooting the bridge, consider a wider lens. For action shots on the upper deck, a faster shutter speed can help freeze motion. Instagram

Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography on Shepler's Ferry. However, always be mindful of other passengers and avoid intrusive photography. TikTok

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