Some of Michigan's most memorable fall weekends start with a ferry ride, and Mackinac Island is the classic. From Genesee, Oakland, Livingston, Lapeer, Shiawassee, Saginaw, and Tuscola counties, it is a straight shot up I-75 that rewards an overnight stay. Here is what to know: the drive, the ferries, what stays open in fall, and where to stay.
How Long Is the Drive from Mid-Michigan to Mackinac Island?
Plan on 3.5 to 4 hours door to door from the Flint area: about 224 miles from Flint to Mackinaw City, 231 from Grand Blanc, nearly all of it on I-75 North. Crossing the Mackinac Bridge costs $4.00 for passenger cars in cash, or about $4.09 with a credit card.
How Much Do Ferries to Mackinac Island Cost?
Two ferry lines depart from downtown Mackinaw City, and the crossing takes 16 to 20 minutes. Shepler's Ferry charges $39 for adult round trips, $27 for children 5 to 12, free under 5 (a ticket is still required), and $21 for bicycles. Arnold Transit Company, which now runs Star Line's Mackinaw City service, charges $37 for adults, $25 for children 5 to 12, free under 4, and about $17 to $21 for bikes, so confirm at the dock. Both lines add a small online booking fee near $3 and need no reservations.
What Stays Open in September and October?
Fall is shoulder season, and that is the point: crowds thin after Labor Day, rates ease, and the island slows while most attractions stay open. The Grand Hotel runs its 2026 season through October 24. Fort Mackinac stays open the same date with shorter fall hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last admission 4:00) through October 4, then 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is $17.50 for adults and $10.50 for children 5 to 12, and the ticket also covers the Art Museum, Biddle House, blacksmith shop, and American Fur Company store. The state park, about 80 percent of the island, is free and open year round; first fall color in the Straits usually arrives in late September.
A Day on the Island: Bikes, History, and Fudge
No cars are allowed on the island, which is part of the charm. Rent bikes for the roughly 8-mile loop along the shore; Mackinac Cycle on Main Street rents through October 31, with September hours of 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and October hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Stop at Arch Rock and Sugar Loaf inside the free state park, and leave room for the Main Street fudge shops: Ryba's, Murdick's, and Joann's are the classic stops. Pack layers; the wind off the lake is real.
Where to Stay: Mackinaw City, St. Ignace, or the Island
Mackinaw City is compact and walkable, with restaurants, shops, the Colonial Michilimackinac living-history site (open with fall hours into early October), and the ferry docks downtown. St. Ignace, across the bridge, is quieter and often a better value, with a shorter crossing and easy side trips to Tahquamenon Falls and Sault Ste. Marie. Staying on the island is the full experience, but book early; most island lodging closes in late October. Midweek nights are typically the best value.
A Sample Weekend Plan
Day one: drive up, check in, and explore the waterfront or Colonial Michilimackinac. Day two: catch the first ferry, spend the day biking, walking, and touring Fort Mackinac, then take an evening ferry back. Day three: a slow breakfast, the 3.5-hour drive home, and perhaps a cider mill stop along the way.
Planning Tips for a Fall Trip
Check mackinacparks.com for seasonal hours and mackinacisland.org for season updates before you go. Bring cash for the bridge toll, sunscreen for the bright lake light, and a light rain layer. If you are bringing bikes, pay the ferry bike fee online when you book if you can. And the island quiets down fast after the Grand Hotel closes in late October, so September and early October are the sweet spot.
Mackinac Island makes Michigan feel like a vacation destination no matter where you live, and it is an easy one from Mid-Michigan. If you are considering a home here, or wondering which community fits how you like to spend your weekends, I would be glad to help you explore your options. Reach me at 810-513-3335 or joyce@midmichiganliving.com.
Joyce England, REALTOR®
Keller Williams First · Mid-Michigan
Joyce England is a Mid-Michigan REALTOR serving families across Genesee, Oakland, Livingston, Lapeer, Shiawassee, Saginaw, and Tuscola counties. She brings more than 20 years of local market experience and a personal commitment to helping each client find the right home in the right community.
