Mackinac Island is as incredible as everyone says, but it can be pricey to visit. Between food, accommodation and transportation, the costs can add up quickly. It doesn’t have to break your bank to visit Mackinac Island.
Here are some tips to stay within a budget and see this amazing island!
Stay Off Island
Unless it is your dying desire to stay 1 night on the island, it’s going to save you a lot of money to stay on “the mainland.” The two cities that connect to Mackinac Island by ferry boat are Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, Michigan. Both cities have hundreds of hotels to choose from and several campground options. Accommodations on the mainland are typically a fraction of the price of staying on Mackinac Island.
In the peak of summer season, there will be ferries to and from Mackinac Island, every 15 minutes or so. Schedules do vary based on time of the year, so it is very important to check the schedule before heading to the island.
There are 2 Mackinac Island ferry lines to use, Starline Ferry and Shepler’s Ferry. Both companies charge the same price for a ticket, and take the same amount of time to arrive on the Mackinac Island. There are other perks like parking, valet and family packages – which vary between the ferry line. Bikes are allowed on the ferry, there is a charge per bicycle.
Many people visit Mackinac Island daily. Day visitors can take the first available ferry to the island at 7am. To make the most of your time on Mackinac Island, you may consider staying until the last boat leaves the island, which during peak season is at 11pm. But again, make sure you check the schedule for the dates you are visiting!
Also, multi-day ferry tickets are available. There is so much to do and see on Mackinac Island, one day just might not be enough!
Stay in St. Ignace
St. Ignace, Michigan is the lesser known of the 2 cities, connecting either side of the Mackinac Bridge. It is on the northern side of the bridge and typically sees less tourists than Mackinaw City. It can also be cheaper for accommodations, in St. Ignace.
There are 29 hotels available in the St. Ignace area, so it may be a bit overwhelming to decide where to begin. When traveling on a budget, free breakfast and free parking, are going to be your best friend! So always look for what is included and what is complimentary!
If you’re looking for hotels in the city of St. Ignace with freebies and discounts, start with:
- Budget Host Inn (ranked #2 hotel by TripAdvisor)
- Baymont Hotel
- Super 8 by Wyndham (#4 ranked hotel on TripAdvisor)
Camping & Cabins
Northern Michigan is incredibly beautiful with an abundance of wilderness and stunning sandy beaches. Imagine camping just feet from the Great Lakes with the sleepy sound of waves to tuck you in each night. A completely natural cure for insomnia!
Camping is not allowed on Mackinac Island but there plenty of options off island.
St. Ignace Campgrounds
- Cabins and camping at Straits State Park
- KOA
- Lakeshore RV Park
- Tiki RV Park
- Cabins at Balsams Resort
Mackinaw City Campgrounds
Planning a visit to Mackinac Island? To learn more, take a look at these:
Mackinac Island’s Best Kept Secrets
As soon as you arrive to Mackinac Island, a map will be your best friend. They’re easy to find at the Visitors Center, Tourism Bureau, your hotel front desk/concierge, stores and restaurants. Unless you’ve lived on the island your whole life, you’re going to be lost without a map. I highly recommend getting one before…
Mackinac Island on a Budget – 22 Ways to Save
To really get the biggest bang for my buck, I like to travel on a budget. I like to save a little where we can and really have a great experience. Here are 22 tips for saving money when visiting Mackinac Island. 1. Weekdays – Hotel rates during the week, Monday-Thursday are usually
Mackinac Island Bucketlist – Best Summer Vacation
Visiting Mackinac Island for the day or for a week, here are 17 items to add to your bucket list and make this the Best Summer Vacation! Things to do on Mackinac Island
Affordable Accommodations on Mackinac Island
Stay the night on Mackinac Island, even on a budget. Affordable Accommodations.
A Visit to Mackinac Island in the Winter
Did you know you can visit Mackinac Island in the winter too? It is everything you love about Mackinac Island, plus so much more. Imagine downtown without the crowds, no bicycles, just peaceful and quiet.
Cassondra Wanders the World 
Looks like a beautiful place. Yet another destination that I’ll have to stick it on my bucket list lol.
LikeLike