Discover the Story of Vacationland Ferry

The Vacationland Ferry is a beloved transportation service that has been a staple of the region for decades. It connects the mainland to several nearby islands, making it a popular choice for tourists and locals alike.

The ferry has a rich history, with the first service launching in the 1950s. It was initially a small operation, but it quickly gained popularity and expanded to accommodate the growing demand.

One of the unique features of the Vacationland Ferry is its fleet of vessels. The ferry operates a range of boats, from small passenger ferries to larger cargo ships, each designed to meet the specific needs of its routes.

The Vacationland was a ferry that transported people and cars between Mackinaw City and St. Ignace from 1951 to 1957. It was a massive vessel, measuring 360 feet long and 75 feet wide.

This ferry was a vital connection between the two cities, especially during the summer months when it could carry up to 150 cars. It was also used to break ice in the winter, keeping the Straits open for other vessels.

The Vacationland had a crew of 47 members, led by Captain Frank Nelson. It's impressive to think about the hard work and dedication of these crew members, who kept the ferry running smoothly for six years.

On November 1, 1957, the Vacationland made its final passenger voyage, marking the end of an era. The next day, it took its last supplies from Mackinaw City to St. Ignace before being retired.

The Vacationland was sold three years later and had a few more lives before being retired. It was first sold to the Detroit Atlantic Navigation Company and renamed the 'Jack Dalton', and later to the North-South Navigation Company in Canada, where it became the 'Père Nouvel'.

The Michigan State Ferry service was a vital part of the region's transportation network for 34 years, carrying approximately 12 million vehicles and more than 30 million passengers across the Straits of Mackinac.

The ferries operated by the Department of State Highways offered a unique experience for travelers, with many passengers making regular crossings. The leisurely five-mile ferry trip was a thrill in itself, offering breathtaking views of the Straits and Mackinac Island.

The ferries were not just a mode of transportation, but also an attraction in their own right. Many passengers viewed the passing of the state ferries with mixed emotions, as the new Mackinac Bridge opened to traffic in 1957.

The ferries operated by the Department of State Highways were a vital part of the region's economy, boosting tourist traffic in the Upper Peninsula and contributing to economic development. The construction of the Mackinac Bridge, which cost $100 million, was a significant investment in the region's infrastructure.

Here are some of the notable ferries that operated in the region:

The Ferry Details section is where things get exciting! The Vacationland ferry is a popular mode of transportation in the area, with a rich history dating back to 1920.

It operates on a regular schedule, departing from the mainland to the island every hour on the hour. The ferry ride takes approximately 20 minutes.

The ferry has a total of 4 decks, offering ample space for passengers and vehicles. Each deck is equipped with restrooms and vending machines for convenience.

The ferry is equipped with modern safety features, including life jackets and emergency beacons. It's also equipped with a state-of-the-art navigation system.

In the event of bad weather, the ferry will not operate. However, passengers can still travel to the island via a smaller shuttle boat.