Ferry Parking in Mackinaw City, MI
Essential Tips and Location Guide
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| 115 W Central Ave, Mackinaw City, MI Mackinaw City, MI 45.78113, -84.73409 Elevation: 604′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Private – parking lot (Official) Day parking $10 / Overnight spots $20 |
Previous Reviews:
Ferry Parking in Mackinaw City: This dirt/gravel parking lot is made available by Sheplers Ferry company for ferry users There is no controls for that and no fee to park The sign says overnight parking is allowed. We and other RV’s were there overnight. Its mostly level and easy walk to all the tourist stuff in town. The road in is Paved. Ferry Parking in Mackinaw City is open year round. There are 30 or more campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay overnight at Ferry parking.
About This Location
If you’re planning a trip to Mackinac Island, figuring out where to park in Mackinaw City is a big deal. There are several options to fit different needs, from day parking at $10 to overnight spots starting at $20. If you want to splurge, premium parking runs about $45 per night for extra convenience and a bit more peace of mind.
Most parking is self-serve, but a few places offer valet service if you want to skip the hassle. Picking the right spot can save a lot of time and stress before you even step on the ferry, so you can actually look forward to the island instead of worrying about your car.
Key Takeaways
- Affordable day and overnight parking sit close to the ferry docks.
- Some lots have premium and valet options.
- Planning ahead makes the ferry trip smoother.
Ferry Parking In Mackinaw City, MI
Taking the ferry to Mackinac Island means thinking about where to leave your car in Mackinaw City. Your choice depends on which ferry line you pick. The main players are Shepler’s Ferry and Arnold Transit Company that have Ferry Parking in Mackinaw City.
Shepler’s Ferry has two main parking choices. Standard overnight parking goes for $20 per night and is self-park. If you want to be right up front, they offer premium overnight parking for $45 per night. Day parking is $10 per day.
Arnold Transit Company does valet parking. You just pull up, hand over the keys, and they park your car in a fenced lot. It’s handy if you don’t feel like circling for a spot.
Both ferry companies have lots close to their docks, so you won’t have to haul your luggage far. Really, it comes down to your budget, how long you’re staying, and how much you care about convenience.
| Ferry Service | Parking Type | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Shepler’s Ferry | Standard Overnight | $20 per night |
| Shepler’s Ferry | Premium Overnight | $45 per night |
| Shepler’s Ferry | Day Parking | $10 per day |
| Arnold Transit Co | Valet Parking | Varies (usually premium) |
If you want to play it safe during busy weekends or holidays, reserving parking ahead of time, for Ferry Parking in Mackinaw City, is smart.
Things To Do While Ferry Parking in Mackinaw City
Once you get to Mackinaw City, you’ve got a few ways to kill time before or after your ferry. Downtown’s got shops, restaurants, and some history—maybe grab a snack or pick up a souvenir.
If you have extra time, check out the Mackinac Bridge. The viewing areas offer some pretty cool views of the bridge and the water. The parks nearby are great if you want a quick walk or a quiet picnic.
Families usually love spots like the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse or Discovery Pier. You can learn a bit about the area and hang out by the water.
Depending on how long you want to stay, you might want to pick a parking lot that allows overnight parking. That way, you can really explore the city before hopping over to Mackinac Island.
Here’s a quick list of things you might want to do:
- Browse local shops and try a restaurant
- Walk or picnic with a view of the Mackinac Bridge
- Check out historic sites like the lighthouse
- Hang out at waterfront parks or piers
These activities are easy to fit into a short visit, and parking close to the ferry makes it all a bit simpler.
Directions to Ferry Parking in Mackinaw City
If you’re driving to Mackinaw City to park for the ferry, using GPS or an app like Waze is honestly the way to go. Traffic can get weird, and real-time updates help you avoid getting stuck.
The main parking areas sit right by Shepler’s Ferry and Star Line Ferry docks. Signs are everywhere once you get into town, so you probably won’t get lost.
Shepler’s Ferry parking is at 311 S Nicolet St—super close to the dock, which makes unloading bags a breeze.
Star Line Ferry has its lot at 801 S Huron Ave. They’ve got day and overnight parking, so you can pick what fits your plans.
Give yourself a little extra time to park during busy seasons. If you don’t want to walk far, both companies offer premium dockside parking right by the terminal.
A quick checklist before you show up:
- Use a GPS or navigation app
- Head to Shepler’s or Star Line Ferry parking
- Watch for signs about Ferry Parking in Mackinaw City
- Plan for extra time if it’s busy
This should help you get parked and onto the ferry without too much drama.
Vehicle Access to Ferry Parking in Mackinaw City
When you’re heading to Mackinaw City to catch the ferry, you’ll want to know the rules about vehicles. Mackinac Island doesn’t allow cars, so you have to leave yours in a lot near the ferry docks.
You can pick from several parking options. Most ferry companies offer both day and overnight parking. Self-park lots are the standard, but premium on-site parking is available if you want to be closer to the dock.
Only park in the designated areas. If you leave your car longer than you paid for or park where you’re not supposed to, you might come back to a ticket—or worse, your car could get towed or booted.
Ferry Parking in Mackinaw City is pretty safe, but some lots are more secure than others. If you’re worried, go for a fenced or valet lot.
A few quick tips:
- Park only in allowed spots
- Pay your parking fee before you leave your car
- If you want more security, pick premium or fenced parking
- Don’t leave valuables in the car—just in case
Knowing the basics helps you avoid headaches and lets you actually enjoy the trip.
RV And Camping Trailer Information for Ferry Parking in Mackinaw City
If you’re planning to bring an RV or camping trailer, you’ll need to plan your parking in advance. Both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace have spots for bigger vehicles like trucks with trailers or campers.
Some parking lots can handle vehicles with attached trailers, but it’s best to call the ferry companies ahead and check. That way, you won’t get stuck scrambling for a spot.
Overnight parking is available, but prices can change. For example:
| Parking Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Standard Overnight | $20.00 per night |
| Premium Overnight | $45.00 per night |
Some lots offer shuttle service to the docks, which is handy if you end up parking farther away.
Because RVs and trailers are big, check the rules for length and height. The ferry companies usually tell you what they can handle.
If you’re parking overnight, double-check if the lot is secure, especially for longer stays. Security and easy access matter—nobody wants to worry about their rig while they’re on the island.
Paid Or Permit Sites While Ferry Parking in Mackinaw City
When we park at Mackinaw City for the ferry, paid lots are pretty much the norm. Most places want you to pay before you leave your car, which does make sense if you want to be sure you’ve got a spot waiting for you.
The Shepler’s Ferry lot goes for about $10 a day. You pay per vehicle, and they want it up front.
Arnold Transit Company does things differently. They’ve got free overnight parking, but it’s off-site and there’s no security. On the plus side, they run shuttles to the ferry docks, so you won’t be stranded.
Some areas let you use permits or prepay, so you don’t have to mess with daily fees. If you’re staying longer, that might be a better fit.
Here’s a quick summary of the parking options:
| Parking Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shepler’s Lot | $10/day | Paid parking, per vehicle |
| Arnold Transit | Free overnight | Off-site, no security, shuttle available |
| Other Permit Sites | Varies | Prepaid or permit required |
Definitely check prices and availability before you show up. Paid lots sit closer to the ferry docks, but if you don’t mind a shuttle, Arnold Transit saves you some cash.
Honestly, sorting out parking ahead of time for Ferry Parking in Mackinaw City saves a headache later.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| RV Parking |
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