How to Get to Mackinac Island From Wisconsin [2025 Guide] 🏝️🛳️🚗
The fastest way to get from Wisconsin to Mackinac Island is to bus and fly and ferry which takes 5h 18m and costs $150 – $470.
Planning a trip from Wisconsin to Mackinac Island in 2025? Whether you’re coming from Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, or Door County, reaching this car-free paradise on Lake Huron requires a combination of driving and ferry travel. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best routes, distances, costs, and travel options so you can enjoy a smooth journey to one of the most charming destinations in the Midwest.
🚗 Driving From Wisconsin to Mackinac Island Ferry Docks
Since Mackinac Island doesn’t allow cars, you’ll need to drive to either St. Ignace or Mackinaw City, Michigan—the two ferry departure points.
- From Milwaukee, WI → St. Ignace, MI
- Distance: ~400 miles
- Drive Time: ~6.5 hours
- From Green Bay, WI → St. Ignace, MI
- Distance: ~280 miles
- Drive Time: ~5 hours
- From Madison, WI → St. Ignace, MI
- Distance: ~420 miles
- Drive Time: ~7 hours
- From Door County, WI → St. Ignace, MI
- Distance: ~300 miles
- Drive Time: ~5 hours
👉 Most Wisconsin travelers prefer St. Ignace ferries, since it’s closer when coming from the west.
🛳️ Ferry to Mackinac Island From St. Ignace or Mackinaw City
Once you reach the ferry docks, the fun part begins! The ferry ride across Lake Huron is short and scenic.
- Ferry Operators: Shepler’s Ferry & Star Line Ferry
- Duration: ~15–25 minutes
- Cost (2025): ~$34 per adult round trip | ~$23 per child round trip
- Parking: $10–$20 per day (secure or standard lots available)
💡 Pro Tip: Book tickets online in advance during summer and fall weekends when ferries sell out quickly.
🚌 Bus + Ferry Option from Wisconsin
If you don’t want to drive, you can take a bus service that connects Wisconsin cities to northern Michigan.
- Option 1: Greyhound or FlixBus → Escanaba/Marquette → local bus to St. Ignace → ferry
- Option 2: Charter bus tours from Wisconsin cities (popular in summer) often include ferry tickets and hotel stays.
- Travel Time: 8–10 hours depending on connections
- Cost: $90–$150 round trip (bus only, ferry separate)
🛫 Flights + Ferry Option
There are no direct flights from Wisconsin to Mackinac Island. However, you can fly to nearby airports and then transfer.
- Closest Airport to Mackinac Island: Pellston Regional Airport (PLN) – ~20 miles from St. Ignace ferry docks
- From Wisconsin: Fly from Milwaukee (MKE) or Madison (MSN) → Detroit (DTW) → Pellston (PLN)
- Travel Time: 5–7 hours total (including layover + transfer)
- Cost: $250–$400 round trip
- Transfer: Shuttle or taxi from Pellston to St. Ignace ferry dock (~30 min)
✈️ This is the fastest option if you don’t want a long road trip.
📊 Travel Options Overview
| Route | Travel Time | Cost (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🚗 Drive + Ferry | 5–7.5 hrs (depending on WI city) | $34 ferry + parking + gas | Families & road trippers |
| 🚌 Bus + Ferry | 8–10 hrs | $90–$150 (bus) + $34 ferry | Budget & solo travelers |
| ✈️ Flight + Ferry | 5–7 hrs | $250–$400 (flight) + $34 ferry | Fastest for short getaways |
🌟 Travel Tips for 2025
- Leave Early: Ferries run frequently in summer but less often in spring/fall—plan your timing.
- Pack Light: Since you’ll be walking or using horse-drawn carriages on Mackinac Island, lighter luggage is better.
- Best Seasons: May–October is peak season, with July and August being busiest. Fall (Sept–Oct) is stunning for foliage.
- Parking: Long-term parking at St. Ignace and Mackinaw City docks is secure and convenient.
❓ FAQs: How to Get to Mackinac Island From Wisconsin
Q1. Can I drive directly to Mackinac Island from Wisconsin?
No. Mackinac Island does not allow cars. You must drive to St. Ignace or Mackinaw City and take a ferry.
Q2. How long is the ferry ride from St. Ignace to Mackinac Island?
The ferry takes about 15–25 minutes depending on the service.
Q3. What’s the cheapest way to get to Mackinac Island from Wisconsin?
Driving to St. Ignace and taking the ferry is usually the most affordable option.
Q4. Can I fly to Mackinac Island from Wisconsin?
Not directly. You can fly into Pellston Regional Airport (PLN) via Detroit, then take a short shuttle to the ferry docks.
Q5. Is Mackinac Island worth the trip from Wisconsin?
Absolutely! The island offers a unique car-free experience with historic forts, horse-drawn carriages, and stunning Great Lakes views.