The Mackinac Blog

Celebrate the Fourth of July Weekend on Mackinac Island with historical displays and re-enactments and good old-fashioned family fun! Visit Fort Mackinac for a Star Spangled Fourth of July. The historic island fort is decked out in patriotic finery, with banners, flags and bunting. It is a 1880s Independence Day, with 38-gun salutes honoring the states of the period, performances of patriotic music, and Victorian children’s games. Guests join the party and participate in Victorian dances and games on the fort parade ground. No additional admission charge for this special event above standard Fort Mackinac admission rates.

The Annual Stone skipping Tournament is also scheduled for the Fourth with the pro tournament starting at noon. Here’s a list of a few of the great activities set for the Fourth of July Weekend on Mackinac Island:

Grand Hotel – Old Fashioned Mackinac Fourth of July Celebration – July 2 – 6, 2026
[ July 2, 2026 to July 6, 2026. ] Available Thursday, July 2, 2026 - Monday, July 6, 2026 In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, we invite you to Grand Hotel for a Fourth of July celebration unlike any other! This year’s celebration promises endless fun for the entire family, from lively poolside parties and kid-friendly movies to festive cookouts and a spectacular fireworks display over [...] more...

Mackinac Island Stone Skipping Tournament – July 4, 2026
[ July 4, 2026; ] The annual 4th of July tournament on Mackinac Island is sure to be another crowd pleaser. Everyone is eligible to compete in the tournament. The more the merrier. The tournament is open to all ages and always occurs at Windermere Pointe Beach (Located next to Hotel Iroquois) every year at 10:00 am on the 4th of July. [...] more...

Star Spangled Fourth of July – Fort Mackinac – July 4, 2026
[ July 4, 2026; ] July 4 @ 9:30 am - 7:00 pm An America250 event! The historic island fort is decked out in patriotic finery with banners, flags and bunting. It is an 1880’s Independence Day, with 38-gun salutes honoring the states of the period and children’s games. Guests join the party and participate in games on the fort parade [...] more...

For More Information On Fourth of July Events on Mackinac Island Click Here >>>>

Looks like fantastic weather for Memorial Day Weekend on Mackinac Island… sunshine and highs in the 70s… still splashes of color from the tulips and the lilacs are starting to bloom… here’s the view you’ll be treated to on your visit to Mackinac Island this weekend….

(Note: Photo is from June 2009)

If you can’t make it this weekend the lilacs should be blooming strong for the weekend of June 5 & 6 and the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival is June 11 – 20, 2010…

From Starline Mackinac Island Ferry (April 19, 2011)

Just a little reminder to everyone that we start running from St. Ignace this Monday, April 25, and the following Friday, April 29, from Mackinaw City. Hopefully you don’t have to shovel your way out through the snow to come see us by then. (Via Facebook)

From Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry (April 19, 2011)

3 days until we open in Mack City!! – April 22, 2011 (Via Facebook)

From Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry (April 14, 2011)

Small change to our schedule from April 15 – May 5 out of St. Ignace.
Leaves St. Ignace: 7:30am*, 11:30am, 1:30pm, 4:30pm
Leaves Mackinac Island: 8:00am*, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, 5:00pm
*This departure does not run Sundays. (Via Facebook)

From Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry (April 14, 2011)

Exciting News!! We are running the Capt. Shepler out of St. Ignace starting today at 11:30am! The first fast ferry service to the Island this season! (Via Facebook)

From Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry (April 4, 2011)

Good news! The Sacre Bleu made it out of the harbor today in St. Ignace for its first trip to the Island. Starting tomorrow we plan on making 3 trips from St. Ignace: 7:30 a.m., 12 noon and 4:15 p.m and leaving the Island at: 8:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. No 7:30 or 8:30 a.m. departure on Sundays. All aboard for Mackinac Island! (Via Facebook)

Visit Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry Website >>>>

Arnold Transit Co – March 30, 2011

The Huron, the steel-hulled ferry operated by Arnold Transit Co., made the first trip of the spring from St. Ignace to Mackinac Island on March 30, 2011. Arnold Transit Co. is now operating its spring schedule from St. Ignace. Here’s a video clip from the first trip to the island.

Arnold Transit Co. Spring Schedule – From St. Ignace

March 30, 2011 thru April 10, 2011
*7:30 9:00 12:00 4:15	am am noon pm		*8:15 10:00 1:00 4:30	am am pm pm
*This trip Monday thru Saturday only.
April 11, 2011 thru May 4, 2011
*7:30 9:00 11:00 2:00 4:15	am am am pm pm		*8:15 10:00 12:00 3:00 5:00	am am noon pm pm
*This trip Monday thru Saturday only. Schedule subject to change without notice

Visit Arnold Transit Co. Website >>>>

STAR LINE MACKINAC ISLAND HYDRO-JET® Ferry

Star Line ferry service to the island will begin in late April.

Visit Star Line Website >>>>

The original caricatures by Eddie Renner has now moved… Click >>HERE<< for more information.

Or check out the >>gallery<< here.

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Visit Eddie Renner Caricatures Website >>>>

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No other ferry service to Mackinac Island offers a longer sailing season than Arnold Transit Co. From early spring to late fall, Arnold’s triple-deck catamarans and classic ferries cross the straits seven days a week.

Our ferries are the largest on the straits so you will always be on our next trip across!

St. Ignace Spring Schedule
March 15, 2010 until further notice
8:00 11:00 3:45	am am pm		8:45 12:00 4:30	am noon pm
Due to Ice conditions Schedule subject to change without notice

Arnold Transit Co.
PO Box 220
Mackinac Island, MI 49757
(800) 542-8528 or (906) 847-3351

Visit Arnold Transit Co Website >>>

 
Family Escape Package – Starting at 344.00 Per Night **

Three Day – Two Night Accommodations
Breakfast Buffet Daily at Round Island Bar & Grill
Dinner Buffet Daily at the Round Island Bar &Grill*
2 Adult and 2 Children (under 12) Round Trip Ferry Tickets on Arnold Ferry Line
4 Tickets for Fort Mackinac
4 – Rounds of Golf at the Greens on Mackinac
4 Tickets for The Butterfly House
4 Tickets for Observation Tower and Maritime Exhibit
4 – 2 Hour Bike Rentals at Mission Point
For Weekends Add 25.00 Per Night

Package is based on a two adults and 2 kids under 12 ** Taxes and Fees not included. Black Out Days Apply

Romance Escape Package – Starting at 320.00 Per Night **

Three Day – Two Night Accommodations
Breakfast Buffet Daily at Round Island Bar & Grill
Romantic Dinner in Chianti*
Welcome Amenity of Champaign and Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Round Trip Ferry Tickets on Arnold
Wine and Cheese Pic Nic Basket and half day bike rental

Package is based on a two adults ** Taxes and Fees not included. Black Out Days Apply

Summer Value Package – Starting at 194.50 Per Night *

Three Day – Two Night Accommodations**
Breakfast Buffet Daily at Round Island Bar & Grill
2 Adult Ferry Tickets on Arnold Ferry Line
For Weekends Add 25.00 Per Night

Package is based on a two adults * Taxes and Fees not included. *** Black Out Days Apply – Extra Person Charges Apply.

Visit Mission Point Resort Website >>>>