You and Mackinac Island: A Tale of Two Cities (Well, One City and a Very Cool Island)
Ever dreamt of escaping the hustle and bustle of Detroit for a car-free paradise? Look no further than Mackinac Island, Michigan's crown jewel nestled in the Straits of Mackinac. But before you dust off your fanciest bicycle helmet (because that's the main mode of transportation on the island), you might be wondering: just how far is this island getaway from Detroit?
Not as far as you think! In fact, depending on your tolerance for road trip singalongs and questionable gas station snacks, Mackinac Island is surprisingly close. We're talking about a distance of roughly 275 miles, which translates to approximately 4.5 to 5 hours by car.
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Hold on, there's more! Here's the thing: Detroit isn't exactly on an island (shocker, right?). So, to truly reach Mackinac Island bliss, you'll need to hop on a ferry. But fear not, intrepid traveler! The ferry ride itself is a delightful add-on to the adventure, offering stunning views of the Mackinac Bridge and a cool breeze to mess up your perfectly-styled hair (don't worry, it's a car-free island, so who's judging?).
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The scenic route, you say? We got you covered! You can also take a longer, more leisurely route that hugs the coast of Lake Michigan. It might add a couple of hours to your trip, but the payoff is epic sand dunes, quaint towns, and maybe even a pasty or two (a delicious meat and vegetable turnover, a true Upper Peninsula specialty).
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Now, the important stuff (because let's face it, planning is half the fun):
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- Driving time: 4.5 to 5 hours (depending on traffic and your love for karaoke)
- Ferry ride: 30 minutes to 1 hour (choose your ferry wisely, some offer snacks and beverages!)
- Scenic route: Buckle up for a potentially 6-hour adventure!
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| How Far Is Mackinac Island From Detroit |
## But wait, there's more!
How to Get to Mackinac Island from Detroit: Frequently Asked Questions (Because We Know You Have Them)
- How to get to Mackinac Island by car? Easy! Head north on I-75 until you hit the Mackinac Bridge. Then, just follow the signs to the ferry docks in Mackinaw City or St. Ignace.
- How to get to Mackinac Island without a car? No problem! Take a bus to Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, and then hop on a ferry to the island.
- Can I fly to Mackinac Island? You can actually fly into Pellston Regional Airport (PLN), which is about a 15-mile taxi ride from the ferry docks in St. Ignace.
- How long does the ferry ride take? Ferry rides typically take between 30 minutes and 1 hour, depending on the ferry service and your departure point.
- Is there anything to do on the ferry ride? Absolutely! Many ferries offer concessions, restrooms, and even outdoor viewing decks for taking in the beauty of the Straits of Mackinac.
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