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Create an AccountMackinac Island: The Jewel of Michigan
After you enroll, we’ll ask you to provide or update your personal information and preferences, which includes your health information, lodging and meal preferences for your program.
While you will not need a U.S. passport for this program, please note that if you plan to travel to Canada by land or sea before or after the program, you will. Travelers are required to present a valid passport, passport card, or WHTI (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative) compliant document when entering the U.S. through a land or sea border.
United States citizens don’t need a visa for any of the countries you’ll be visiting. Non-U.S. citizens should refer to their country's requirements to ensure they have the necessary documentation for travel.
A pharmacist is not available on the island, so you will want to have any prescriptions filled before you come. A full time doctor and nurse are on the island and medical care is available at the Mackinac Island Medical Center.
Arrival day is on Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Meet the group at Harbour View Inn in Mackinac Island
Start of Trip: 3:00 p.m. hotel check-in & Program Registration; 6:00 p.m. Welcome Dinner; 7:15 p.m. Orientation.
Your trip ends on: Friday, May 22, 2026 in Mackinac Island at Harbour View Inn
End of Trip: 11:30 a.m. Lunch; 11:00 a.m. hotel check-out.
Pellston Regional Airport (PLN)
The estimated travel time to the check-in location is 45 minutes .
The estimated distance to the check-in location is 28 miles .
Mackinaw Shuttle
Taxi
Phone: 8883498294
Cost: Please call transfer service directly for rates. Prices subject to change.
*Advanced reservations are not required.
Fly into Pellston Regional Airport from Detroit. Mackinaw Shuttle is located in the airport near the luggage carousel and offers taxi/limousine service from Pellston to the ferry docks in Mackinaw City. Reservations are recommended (but not required) 2-3 weeks in advance. Call or visit mackinawshuttle.com to access their online reservation form. For information on how to reach the island by ferry, please refer to the driving directions.
Arrival day is on 5/17/2026.
Meet the group at Harbour View Inn in Mackinac Island.
Start of Trip: 3:00 p.m. hotel check-in & Program Registration; 6:00 p.m. Welcome Dinner; 7:15 p.m. Orientation.
Your trip ends on: Friday, May 22, 2026 in Mackinac Island at Harbour View Inn.
End of Trip: 11:30 a.m. Lunch; 11:00 a.m. hotel check-out..
Parking is available at both ferry companies. Parking options (i.e., valet service, inside, RV parking) and rates vary. Please contact the ferry companies directly or visit their web sites for specific details.
From the South
From the lower peninsula of Michigan, take I-75 north and follow signs for Mackinaw City. Take either exit 337 and travel north on Huron Street or exit 338 and travel south on Huron Street. There are two ferry companies that can ferry you to the island. Both ferry companies provide service from Mackinaw City and St. Ignace and offer similar amenities and comparable services. The staff at the ferry docks will explain where to park your car to unload your luggage for transfer to the island. Allow approximately a half hour to park your car, load your luggage, and board the ferry. Ferry to island is approximately 15 minutes (no reservations required). Departure times, maps, parking options, and directions can be found on their websites. Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry $28/person 800-828-6157 sheplersferry.com Purchase online or upon arrival. Online discount/promo code is 2025CMURS. Arnold Transit Company $5 off the standard ticket price. The traditional ferry ticket price is $34 and offers a fast and quick crossing to the island. The classic ferry ticket price is $22.95 and sails at a slower pace and departs only from St. Ignace. 800-638-9892 arnoldtransitcompany.com Purchase online or upon arrival. Online discount/promo code is SCHOLAR2025. Identify yourself as a CMU Road Scholar participant at the ferry docks. It is customary to tip the ferry porter assisting with your car and luggage. Customary tip is $2-$5.
From the North
Take I-75 south and follow signs to St. Ignace. Take exit 345, exit 348, or exit 344A and follow the signs to one of the two ferry docks.
Arrival day is on 5/17/2026.
Meet the group at Harbour View Inn in Mackinac Island.
Start of Trip: 3:00 p.m. hotel check-in & Program Registration; 6:00 p.m. Welcome Dinner; 7:15 p.m. Orientation.
Your trip ends on: Friday, May 22, 2026 in Mackinac Island at Harbour View Inn.
End of Trip: 11:30 a.m. Lunch; 11:00 a.m. hotel check-out..
Mackinac Island Ferry Docks
The estimated travel time to the check-in location is 15 minutes .
The estimated distance to the check-in location is 0.75 miles .
Mackinac Island Carriage Tours
Taxi
Phone: 9068473323
Cost: Please call transfer service directly for rates. Prices subject to change.
*Advanced reservations are not required.
Taxis are sometimes at the ferry docks waiting for passengers. If a taxi is not at the docks, you will need to call for one. Waiting time can vary from 10-15 minutes. Actual walking time to the hotel from the ferry docks is approximately 10-15 minutes. If you stand with your back to the water while facing inward toward the island, proceed to the right. The hotel is only a few blocks from the ferry docks, on the left, white with tall columns, a gracious veranda, and large sign. For information on how to reach the island by ferry, please refer to the driving directions.