Mackinac or Mackinaw
Source: https://www.mackinacbridge.org/history/michigan-state-ferry-album
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:20
Mackinac or Mackinaw
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Mackinac Bridge Authority
N 415 I-75
St Ignace, MI 49781
(906) 643-7600
Contact Us
Thursday, Apr 23 - 1:20 PM
All Clear, Have a Pleasant Trip!
Full condition report
History
The “Mighty Mac”
Facts & Figures
History of the Bridge
Historical Construction Album
Michigan State Ferry Album
In Memory Of
Thursday, Apr 23 - 1:20 PM
All Clear, Have a Pleasant Trip!
Full condition report
Check out our views of the Bridge
Michigan State Ferry Album
Most travelers, including many who made regular crossings, viewed the passing of the state ferries with mixed emotions. The new $100 million bridge came as a blessing and a necessity, boosting tourist traffic in the Upper Peninsula and helping economic development. Driving by auto high above the blue waters of the Straits is a memorable experience. But the leisurely five-mile ferry trip was a thrill of its own. For many passengers, it was their only experience aboard a ship.
The majestic panorama of the Straits, with Mackinac Island in the background, is one that few who stood on the decks of the ferries will forget. Even more exciting were the winter crossings aboard the icebreaker Vacationland as it crunched through massive ice floes as if they were paper boxes.
During the November deer hunting season, thousands of hunters jammed the docks and the adjoining highway while they waited to board the ferries. Patient veterans of the Straits crossing would calmly munch hot pasties sold by car-to-car vendors and feed the ever-present sea gulls. Long delays were infrequent, however, and service went on day after day and year after year with few interruptions.
The state ferry operation, in effect a highway over water, was unique in being the first service of its kind operated by a state highway department. It came into being through an act of the State Legislature, which reacted to public displeasure with the infrequent and expensive ferry service for motor vehicles provided by railroad boats.
Ariel - 1923
City of Cheboygan - 1937
City of Munising - 1938
City of Petoskey - 1940
End of an Era
Mackinaw City - 1924
Sainte Ignace - 1924
The Straits of Mackinac - 1928
Vacationland - 1952
Winter Service
Copyright © 2026
•
Produced by
Michigan Digital
•
All Rights Reserved.
Home
MBA Board
Meet the Board Members
Schedules, Agendas, and Minutes
About MBA
Press Releases
Frequently Asked Questions
Tower Tour Certificates
Career Opportunities
Location
Kids Corner
History
The “Mighty Mac”
Facts & Figures
History of the Bridge
Historical Construction Album
Michigan State Ferry Album
In Memory Of
Events
Event Schedule
Annual Bridge Walk
Projects
Dirty Jobs 2007
Links of Interest
Photo Galleries
Shop
Mackinac Bridge Posters
Token Gift Packs / Medallion
Mackinac Bridge Books & DVD’s
Tolls & Traffic
Toll Schedule
Transport Services
Rules & Regulations
Oversized and Heavy Vehicle Escorts
Current Conditions
Monthly Traffic Statistics
Bridge Cam
MACPASS
MacPass Website
MacPass Frequently Asked Questions
MacPass Information
MacPass Toll Account Agreement
Mackinac Bridge Authority
N 415 I-75
St Ignace, MI 49781
(906) 643-7600
Contact Us
Thursday, Apr 23 - 1:20 PM
All Clear, Have a Pleasant Trip!
Full condition report
History
The “Mighty Mac”
Facts & Figures
History of the Bridge
Historical Construction Album
Michigan State Ferry Album
In Memory Of
Thursday, Apr 23 - 1:20 PM
All Clear, Have a Pleasant Trip!
Full condition report
Check out our views of the Bridge
Michigan State Ferry Album
Most travelers, including many who made regular crossings, viewed the passing of the state ferries with mixed emotions. The new $100 million bridge came as a blessing and a necessity, boosting tourist traffic in the Upper Peninsula and helping economic development. Driving by auto high above the blue waters of the Straits is a memorable experience. But the leisurely five-mile ferry trip was a thrill of its own. For many passengers, it was their only experience aboard a ship.
The majestic panorama of the Straits, with Mackinac Island in the background, is one that few who stood on the decks of the ferries will forget. Even more exciting were the winter crossings aboard the icebreaker Vacationland as it crunched through massive ice floes as if they were paper boxes.
During the November deer hunting season, thousands of hunters jammed the docks and the adjoining highway while they waited to board the ferries. Patient veterans of the Straits crossing would calmly munch hot pasties sold by car-to-car vendors and feed the ever-present sea gulls. Long delays were infrequent, however, and service went on day after day and year after year with few interruptions.
The state ferry operation, in effect a highway over water, was unique in being the first service of its kind operated by a state highway department. It came into being through an act of the State Legislature, which reacted to public displeasure with the infrequent and expensive ferry service for motor vehicles provided by railroad boats.
Ariel - 1923
City of Cheboygan - 1937
City of Munising - 1938
City of Petoskey - 1940
End of an Era
Mackinaw City - 1924
Sainte Ignace - 1924
The Straits of Mackinac - 1928
Vacationland - 1952
Winter Service
Copyright © 2026
•
Produced by
Michigan Digital
•
All Rights Reserved.