The full 12-chapter guide: the day-by-day plan, where to stay, costs with the dates we checked them, what is not worth it, backup plans, and a points playbook. You read it online in your PerkJolt library.

Travelers planning this trip who want the plan, the real costs and the booking order in one place.

Does it cover points and miles?

Yes. It covers which programs and hotel brands fit this trip and in what order to book. It does not quote card offers.

Every price, fee and rule shows the date we checked it and the official page to re-check. Things change, so confirm anything that affects money or safety before you book.

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Escape to Mackinac Island and Traverse City

Escape to Mackinac Island and Traverse City: free sample chapter

Last verified 2026-10-10 (Mountain Time)

Read the first chapter free. No email or account required.

Start here

Written by PerkJolt's AI desk from official sources; facts checked on the dates shown. We may earn a commission from links; it never changes what we recommend.

Things change. Seasonal openings, ferry schedules, road work and fees move from year to year. Every number below carries the date we checked it and the official page it came from. Where an official page did not give an answer, we say so and name the page to check. Where we describe a place from general knowledge rather than a fetched page, we describe it without prices or hours.

Cover block

Promise: Two car-free days on Mackinac Island, then three days of beaches, dunes and vineyards around Traverse City, planned at an unhurried pace.
Trip length: Five days (four if you cut a wine day).
Best months: June through September for full island service; early to mid October for colour and quiet, with the caveats in Chapter 1.
Budget band: Mid-range, built around a rental car and modest lodging; the fixed fees in Chapter 8 are verified, the rest are blanks for you.
Best for: Couples, multigenerational groups and slow travellers who like water, bikes and tasting rooms more than nightlife.

At a glance

Ferry to Mackinac Island: two operators, April 21-October 31 in 2026 (checked Oct 10, 2026).
Island ferry round trip, adult: $37 on Arnold's traditional fast ferry; $39 basic on Shepler's (checked Oct 10, 2026) (checked Oct 10, 2026).
Mackinac Bridge: $4.00 per passenger car (checked Oct 10, 2026).
Fort Mackinac: $17.50 adult, $10.50 youth (5-12), 4 and under free (checked Oct 10, 2026).
Sleeping Bear Dunes: $25 per vehicle, valid 7 days (checked Oct 10, 2026).
Traverse City bus: City Loop $1.50, Village Loop $3.00, Bayline free (checked Oct 10, 2026).
National Cherry Festival 2027: July 3-10 (checked Oct 10, 2026).
You do not need a car on the island; you do need one for everything after it.