Ideal Location

Mackinac Island

Ferry to Mackinac Island

Attractions

map of Mackinac Island
map of Mackinac Island

Where Mackinac Island is Located

Mackinac Island is located between the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan. The island is east of the Mackinac Bridge, which means it is in the waters of Lake Huron. A visit to the island requires a short, pleasant ferry ride from the mainland to the island.

Ferry Tickets & Parking

It’s a good idea to check the ferry departure times online before you leave home. Plan to arrive at the dock at least 45 minutes before your desired scheduled departure. Departure times vary throughout the season, becoming more frequent during the peak of the summer season in July & August. You may leave from the Lower Peninsula at the Mackinaw City dock or St. Ignace in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Upon arriving at the dock, the parking attendant will direct you to overnight parking services.

Luggage Transportation

When packing, keep in mind that your luggage is going on a journey of its own. To help keep your belongings safe and secure, use bags with zippers or latch closures. Please hand-carry anything fragile, valuable, or essential, such as electronics, chargers, medications, medical equipment, or car keys.

The ferry service offers convenient baggage handling to and from the mainland. When you arrive at the mainland ferry dock, check your luggage with the ferry line attendant and let them know you’re staying at Island House Hotel. Be sure all checked bags are zipped or sealed, and collect a luggage tag stub for each piece you check, these will be required to claim your bags later. While the transportation services take good care of your luggage, Island House Hotel cannot assume responsibility for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage or its contents.

Once you disembark on Mackinac Island, please look for our Island House Hotel dock porter, who will be pleased to welcome you, assist with any questions, and ensure your luggage is located for delivery. They are always delighted to assist in any way they can.

When your room is ready, our porters will personally deliver your luggage directly to your room. As transfer times may vary, we recommend keeping anything you may need right away with you. Gratuities are welcomed in appreciation of our porters’ service.

When checking in at the hotel, present your luggage tag stubs at the front desk to help ensure prompt delivery of your bags.

Getting to Island House Hotel

Guest transportation to and from the hotel is not included in your nightly rate. You may walk, bike, or take a horse-drawn taxi to the hotel. Mackinac Island Taxi reservations are required 30-60 minutes in advance by calling 906-847-3323.

Island House Hotel is located at 6966 Main Street, Mackinac Island, MI 49757, directly across from the marina. You will see our stately hotel to the right as the ferry circles the lighthouse and enters the bay.

Island House Hotel is just around the bend from the historic downtown on Mackinac Island. As you leave downtown, you’ll turn a gentle corner, passing the Marquette Park on your left and the Mackinac Island State Harbor on your right. Soon enough, you’ll find yourself at the drive leading up to the stately Island House Hotel.

Our historic estate has the perfect Mackinac Island location. It is on the edge of downtown, away from the bustle. You are close enough to downtown to get back into the action anytime that suits you. Alternatively, you could always rent a bike outside at Island House Bikes and head in the other direction for an around-island bike adventure.

One of the featured favorites of our location is the porch overlooking the harbor. Pull up a chair and rock away the day. In the evening, watch a sunset-painted sky fade into a starry island night while sitting by a cozy chiminea fire on the lawn. You don’t get stars like these in the city, so kick back and enjoy the allure of an evening on Mackinac Island.