The primary method of reaching the island is by commercial ferryboat from one of the two mainland ports: Mackinaw City on the Lower Peninsula, and St. Ignace on the Upper Peninsula.
There are three commercial ferryboat lines that provide service from both ports. All offer frequent service from early morning through the evening, at comparable rates.
Arnold Transit Company (http://www.arnoldline.com)
Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry (http://www.sheplersferry.com)
Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry (http://www.mackinacferry.com)
There is also a small airline serving Mackinac Island:
Great Lakes Air (http://www.greatlakesair.net)
Ferry service is regular and no reservations are needed from May through October. After November 1, Arnold Transit Company serves the Island until the ice moves in for the winter, usually in mid January. Islanders fly back and forth to St. Ignace via Great Lakes Air.
