Mackinac Island Ferry Company Changes Hands: What’s Next For Visitors?

Mackinac Island is an icon in the state of Michigan. The small island that features beautiful scenery, no cars, amazing restaurants and shops, and more horses than you can count, has long been a destination for Michiganders and those who travel to the Mitten State from out-of-state.

But now, the one way for most folks to make their way to the island is owned by one family - and they don't reside in Michigan.

Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry Sold

This all started back in 2022 when Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry was sold to the Hoffmann Family of Companies, which is based in Naples, Fla. The good thing is that at the time of the sale, the former owners said that they really connected with the family, and knew they would uphold the level of service that patrons had come to expect from Shepler's.

Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry/Mackinac Ferry Co. Sold

Fast forward to June of 2024. It was announced on Saturday, June 29, that the second of two companies that provides ferry service to Mackinac Island, Mackinac Island Ferry Company (which changed its name from Star Line Ferry Company in 2022), had been sold to Hoffmann Family Companies, as well.

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While the family may not reside here in Michigan, that doesn't mean that they don't have ties to the island and aren't committed to keeping up the rich tradition of Mackinac Island. In fact, in an interview with the Detroit Free Press, Tim Hygh, the director of the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau, said,

The Hoffmann ... team has really immersed itself in the island culture over the last few years.

What Does This Mean for Travel to Mackinac Island?

If you've ever been to the island before, know that your expectations should be no different than they were before. Rates to take the ferry aren't expected to change.