Car Ferry Service begins at Straits of Mackinac

Michigan’s State Car Ferry Service Launches Across the Straits of Mackinac

On July 31, 1923, Michigan officially launched its state car ferry service across the Straits of Mackinac. This forever changed transportation between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. The initial ferry, named Ariel, was a modest riverboat that could carry only 20 cars. Despite its small size, it marked the beginning of an essential connection for residents and travelers before the Mackinac Bridge was even a dream.

The Ariel had a history of its own — previously serving between Walkerville, Ontario, and Detroit. After its debut on the Straits route, it was sold in 1924 to ferry vehicles between Port Huron and Sarnia. Even though the Ariel was soon outgrown by increasing traffic, the state ferry service persevered. The service ran reliably until the Mackinac Bridge opened in 1957.

Rail Ferries and Private Boats

Before the state stepped in, ferry service was mainly handled by private boats and railways. The railroads had pioneered ferries that could break ice and handle the harsh northern winters. The complaints about cost and reliability led Michigan to provide its own auto ferry service. By the mid-1950s, five ferries were operating, carrying nearly a million cars annually, with the largest ferry able to transport 150 vehicles at a time. The ferries employed around 400 people during their last years of operation.

The ferry docks also became a scene of seasonal bustle, especially in November when deer hunters crowded the docks and highways. Veteran travelers would patiently wait, enjoying hot pasties sold from car to car and feeding the always-present seagulls. Despite the volume, delays were rare, and service continued almost without interruption year after year.

While many today think of the famous passenger ferries to Mackinac Island — a car-free destination accessible only by boat — it’s important to remember the significant role these state car ferries played in Michigan’s transportation history. They bridged a gap, quite literally, until the monumental Mackinac Bridge opened and forever transformed travel across the Straits.

Marisa Fancy along with her husband and four children dreamt of moving “Up North”. They had vacationed for years in northern Michigan and in 1995 they finally made the move.

The family was always out exploring, but with 4 kids there was some limitations on what they could do. Marisa discovered the amazing network of trails in Northern Michigan after Steve died and she would walk for miles. The trails provided her with peace, comfort and solitude at a difficult time in her life. Later, after meeting Guy who would become her second husband, she learned to golf and found another passion she could enjoy in beautiful Northern Michigan.

Marisa has been the family historian, writer, and poet for as long as she can remember. She has always loved to write and has now found a creative outlet for it other than family. You can read her articles in Adventures in Northern Michigan, Northern Michigan History and Golf Up North.