MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. (WPBN/WGTU) — The Hoffmann family of companies announced Wednesday that it would invest $4 million to repair and modernize Mackinac Island Ferry Company ferries.
Previously, the owner of MIFC (Star Line) requested that all services be suspended next week for necessary repairs. This request is still subject to approval by Mackinac Island.
“In order to have a full fleet of boats ready for next season, Hoffmann Marine – which also owns Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry – will take the MIFC boats out of service on August 19. Repairs and upgrades will begin immediately,” Hoffmann Marine said in a statement.
The company said that only three of the ten MIFC boats were operational and that none of them were speedboats.
To best serve guests, Shepler’s has increased its capacity and runs its boats every 15 minutes during peak times, the company said.
“It is impossible to keep these boats in service for the remainder of the season while maintaining our high standards of customer service,” said Jenny Gezella, President of Hoffmann Marine.
“We expect to complete repairs by next spring and are confident we can have most boats back in service in time for the 2025 season,” Gezella said.
The company announced that the following changes are expected from August 19:
- The MIFC docks are closed for ferry service. Shepler’s will serve all ferry passengers.
- All ticket sales are online at sheplersferry.com or on-site at Shepler’s ticket counters.
- All valid, pre-purchased MIFC tickets will be honored by Shepler’s for the remainder of the 2024 summer season and guests may exchange them at Shepler’s ticket counters.
- All ferry guests should use the Shepler’s parking lot and proceed to the Shepler’s docks for boarding.
- Guests who have prepaid for on-site parking at MIFC are permitted to park in the Shepler parking lots, subject to space availability. If space is not available, guests may drop off luggage at the Shepler dock, report to the ticket booth for a parking permit, and be directed to an off-site parking lot. Ground transportation is available from the off-site parking lots to the Shepler docks.
- All MIFC web traffic is redirected to www.sheplersferry.com There, guests can purchase tickets at current Shepler prices. Only current Shepler services are available, including parking and ferry tickets. MIFC valet, pirate ship and classic ferry tickets are no longer available.
- Tickets are no longer being sold through hotels and other third-party sellers. Shepler’s will accept discounted tickets from third-party sellers through August 31st. After that, customers can request a refund through the hotel or third-party seller where they purchased the ticket.
