Getting to Mackinac Island

​No matter what part of the world you are traveling from, getting to Mission Point Resort is a bit of a unique experience. Part of the charm that draws hundreds of thousands of people to Mackinac Island each year is the fact that it is remote to most of Michigan's larger cities. There is no one "best way" to travel to Mission Point Resort but many different options. 

Below you will find an arrival guide - prepared to assist you in your travels. Please know that this is not a complete listing of all methods to arrive at Mission Point Resort, but a collection of ways that past employees have found to travel.

Note: there are no Uber or Lyft services in our area. Please plan accordingly!

Airports

The following are a collection of larger, international airports. There are a few smaller, regional airports located closer to Mackinac Island listed below as well but please keep in mind that schedules are typically very limited and flights are more expensive to these airports. 
Larger International Airports
Michigan: Detroit (DTW), Grand Rapids (GRR), Lansing (LAN), Saginaw (MBS) and Flint (FNT)
Illinois: Chicago (ORD)
Small Regional Airports: 
Sault Ste Marie (CIU)
Pellston (PLN) 
Traverse City (TVC)

Buses and Shuttles

Prior to booking your flight, we recommend that you research how you will arrive to Mackinac Island once your plane has landed. Buses to our area operate on a very limited schedule so it is important that you take your arrival time at the airport and travel time to the bus station into consideration. The last thing you want to do is be stranded overnight! Options for buses are Greyhound and Indian Trails.
Options for Shuttles: Mackinaw Shuttle and Straits Regional Ride for Lower Peninsula and Northern Transport and Shuttle for Upper Peninsula. When searching for routes please make sure you put St. Ignace, MI or Mackinaw City, MI as your final destination station.

As mentioned, buses to the area are limited and therefore stop in quite a few towns along the way. Also, please pay attention to any transfers that may be part of your trip. We want to ensure you arrive on time and safely!  

Hotels

Depending on when you arrive in St. Ignace or Mackinaw City, you may need to spend the night as the ferries stop operating in the early evening. It is always helpful to email/call the hotels for reservations to explain that you are a seasonal employee coming to work on Mackinac Island. Please note that even though these are small towns, some hotels might be a bit of a walk from the bus station and/or ferry docks. Taxis are not commonly available and would need to be scheduled in advance so be prepared to walk or ask the hotel for suggestions. 
Accommodations
Mackinaw City
Mackinaw City Motels - Call or visit their website. These hotels will typically offer a discounted seasonal employee rate - but are a 10-15 minute walk from the bus station/ferry docks.
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St. Ignace
Quality Inn - Call or visit their website
Driftwood Motel  - website 
​Budget Host Inn - website
Ferries - your final transportation to Mackinac Island! 
There are 2 ferry companies that service Mackinac Island from both Mackinaw City in the lower peninsula and St. Ignace in the upper peninsula: Shepler's Ferry (runs seasonally) and Mackinac Island Ferry Company (runs year-round, formerly known as Starline).

If you are arriving  prior to April 21, 2024 , you will need to take Mackinac Island Ferry Company (MIFC) as they run year-round to and from Mackinac Island from St. Ignace only. If you are arriving after April 21, 2024, you can ride with either Shepler's or MIFC from either St. Ignace or Mackinaw City. Human Resources will be in contact with you regarding ticket purchases. No matter what company you ride with, we suggest you ask them to tag your luggage for Mission Point Resort - doing this will ensure that your luggage will be transported to our property for you once on the island. Note: If you're arriving in early April before both ferry companies are up and running, they may not be able to tag and send your luggage directly to the resort. You are responsible for your own luggage and any affiliated cost with it. 
​
Shepler's Ferry - www.sheplersferry.com
Visit one of the main offices to purchase  ferry tickets and parking passes: 
  • Mackinaw City address: 556 E. Central Avenue, Mackinaw City, MI 49701
  • St. Ignace address: 601 N. State Street, St. Ignace, MI 49781
  • Prices for 2024 are not updated yet. For reference, please see the prices in 2023: 
    • One round trip ferry ticket - $36.00 at the ticket office and $34.00 online (first trip to the Island)
    • Once on the Island, you can purchase a discounted ticket with proof of Island Employment (Offer letter or paystub):
    • Round trip employee ticket (must be purchased on island): $26.00
    • ​20 One-Way Ticket Card - $260.00
    • 40 One-Way Ticket Card- $480.00
​Shepler's Parking - Mackinaw City & St. Ignace Parking for 2022 season 4/21/23 – 10/31/23
Outdoor, Unsecured Seasonal Parking
  • Mackinaw City – Without valet,  $680.00/season
  • St. Ignace – Without Valet, $680.00/season
* Commuting employees can park at the day-only free lot, please inquire with Shepler's. 
Mackinac Island Ferry Company (Star Line) - www.mackinacferry.com
Visit one of the main offices to purchase ferry tickets and parking passes: 
  • Mackinaw City Address: 801 S. Huron St, Mackinaw City, MI 49701
  • St. Ignace Address: 587 N. State St, St. Ignace, MI 49781
  • ​Prices for 2024 are not updated yet. For reference, please see the prices in 2023: 
    • Round trip ticket price at window is $34.00 and online is $31.00 (first trip to the island)
    • Once on the Island, you can purchase a discounted ticket with proof of Island Employment (Offer letter or paystub):​
    • Round trip employee ticket (must be purchased on island): $26.00
    • 20 One-Way Ticket Booklet: $200.00
    • 40 One-Way Ticket Booklet: $360.00 
Mackinac Island Ferry Company / Star Line Parking - Mackinaw City & St. Ignace Parking 
Outdoor, Unsecured Seasonal Parking
  • Mackinaw City  - Lots 7 & 8 without valet, $595.00 
  • St. Ignace - Lot behind the Driftwood Motel without valet, $595.00
* Commuting employees can park at the day-only free lot, please inquire with Starline.

Getting to Mission Point

 Mission Point Resort is located on the east side of Mackinac  Island, meaning once you exit the ferry line you will turn right and follow the road until you see our property. We are a short 10-15 minute walk from the ferry docks. If you chose not to walk, there are typically taxis available, it cost approximately $8.00 for a taxi to Mission Point Resort. Currently, Taxis only operate on a reservations basis and they are very limited. 
Information on the taxis can be found at: www.mict.com/taxi-service
Once on property, you will need to report to the Human Resources office to be shown to housing. Please check in at the Front Desk so they can contact someone from Human Resources to come and meet you in the Main Lobby. If there are guests at the Front Desk, please allow them to be served first. Mission Point Resort will be open and occupied when you arrive so we ask that you be mindful to guests.