Shepler's Ferry

Shepler's Ferry is a ferry service that operates between Mackinac Island, Mackinaw City, and St. Ignace, providing transportation for tourists and residents of the area, with connections to Chicago, Detroit, and Toronto via Greyhound Lines and Amtrak. The ferry service is owned and operated by Shepler's Ferry Company, a family-owned business that has been in operation since 1945, with roots dating back to the Great Lakes shipping industry of the 19th century, involving companies like Great Lakes Shipping and Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.. Shepler's Ferry has become an integral part of the Mackinac Island experience, offering passenger ferry services to and from the island, as well as freight and vehicle transport, similar to services provided by Washington State Ferries and BC Ferries. The company has also partnered with other tour operators, such as Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau and Pure Michigan, to offer package tours and special events, including the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival and the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac.

● History

The history of Shepler's Ferry dates back to 1945, when it was founded by Captain William Shepler, a Great Lakes mariner with experience working for companies like United States Steel and Ford Motor Company. Over the years, the company has expanded its services to meet the growing demand for transportation to and from Mackinac Island, with the support of organizations like the Mackinac Island State Park Commission and the National Park Service. Shepler's Ferry has also played a significant role in the development of the island's tourism industry, working closely with hotels and resorts like the Grand Hotel and the Inn at Stonecliffe, as well as attractions like Fort Mackinac and the Mackinac Island Butterfly House. The company has received numerous awards and recognition for its contributions to the local economy and environmental sustainability, including the Michigan Governor's Award for Tourism and the Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Achievement Award.

● Services

Shepler's Ferry offers a range of services to its passengers, including passenger ferry transport, freight and vehicle transport, and tour packages, similar to those offered by Holland America Line and Princess Cruises. The company also provides special services such as wedding packages and group tours, working with event planners and travel agencies like Expedia and Orbitz. Shepler's Ferry has partnered with other tour operators to offer combined tours that include horse-drawn carriage tours and bicycle rentals, as well as accommodations at hotels and resorts like the Hotel Iroquois and the Mission Point Resort. The company's services are designed to provide a convenient and enjoyable experience for passengers, with amenities like food and beverage service and gift shops, similar to those found on cruise ships like the MS Statendam and the RMS Queen Mary 2.

● Fleet

The Shepler's Ferry fleet consists of several vessels, including the M/V Huron, M/V Mackinac, and M/V Straits of Mackinac, which are similar in design to ferry boats used by Washington State Ferries and BC Ferries. The vessels are equipped with modern amenities and safety features, including life rafts and emergency beacons, and are maintained to the highest standards by shipyards like Bay Shipbuilding Company and Derecktor Shipyards. Shepler's Ferry has also invested in environmental sustainability initiatives, such as fuel-efficient engines and waste reduction programs, with the support of organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The company's fleet is operated by experienced crew members who are trained in maritime safety and customer service, and who have worked with companies like Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean International.

● Destinations

Shepler's Ferry operates between Mackinac Island, Mackinaw City, and St. Ignace, with connections to other destinations in the Great Lakes region, including Chicago, Detroit, and Toronto. The company's services provide access to a range of attractions and activities, including Fort Mackinac, the Mackinac Island Butterfly House, and the Arch Rock, as well as outdoor recreation opportunities like hiking and biking on Mackinac Island State Park trails. Shepler's Ferry has also partnered with other tour operators to offer package tours that include accommodations at hotels and resorts like the Grand Hotel and the Inn at Stonecliffe, as well as transportation to and from airports like Pellston Regional Airport and Chippewa County International Airport.

● Operations

Shepler's Ferry operates on a seasonal schedule, with services running from April to October, and peak season services running from June to August, similar to the schedules of Holland America Line and Princess Cruises. The company's vessels depart from Mackinaw City and St. Ignace several times a day, with additional services during peak season, and offer special services like wedding packages and group tours. Shepler's Ferry has implemented safety protocols to ensure the well-being of its passengers, including life jacket requirements and emergency drills, and has worked with organizations like the United States Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board to develop its safety procedures. The company's operations are also subject to regulations and guidelines set by government agencies like the Federal Maritime Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency.