Why Mackinac Island’s City Council Regulates Ferry Fares

Michigan's Upper Peninsula is a beautiful place that Michiganders are spoiled by. It is routinely voted as one of the most incredible places to visit, especially in the fall. However, outside of Detroit, the most nationally recognized place in the state is Mackinac Island, which has been named "Best Summer Travel Destination" in the US two years in a row.

Get our free mobile app

Mackinac Island is unique in many ways, but perhaps it's most known for how visitors arrive there. Since cars are not allowed on the island, the only way to reach it is by ferry. Two ferry services have transported tourists for over 100 years, but surprisingly, they do not set their ticket prices. That honor goes to a completely different entity.

⬇️24 BRIDGES TO ENTER THE UP THAT ISN'T THE MACKINAC BRIDGE⬇️

Mackinac Island's Ferry Services

Two ferry services have been the main providers of transportation from the mainland to the famed island. The Arnold Transit Company,  formerly known as the Mackinac Island Ferry Company, and Shepler's are the only two companies that have franchise agreements with Mackinac Island.

While the businesses do set their own prices, Mackinac is unique because the city of Mackinac Island is the only one that can approve the prices.

The Mackinac Island City Council holds control when it comes to approving both pricing and ferry schedules to keep the ferry companies in check avoid a potential monopoly and ensure access to the island remains manageable for everyone.

READ MORE: Famously Car-less Mackinac Island Has One Recorded Car Accident |

The council has been busy this year as well. Both Shepler's and Arnold Transit Co. are now owned by the same private equity firm, the Hoffmann Marine, and this has spurred concerns among the council about whether this is now considered a monopoly.

As a result, denied the ferry's requests to raise ticket prices in 2025 while they spoke to a consultant to decide if Hoffmann Marine has a monopoly now.

So if you're not happy with ticket prices, there are plenty of people to be upset at. Or you could swim there (not that I recommend it).