St. Ignace in Mackinac County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
State Ferry Service
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 19, 2019
1. State Ferry Service Marker
This dock and the auto ferries which landed here were once the Upper Peninsula's "highway" to lower Michigan.
In the early 1900's, the few cars which reached the Straits crossed on railroad ferries, at a cost of $40 each! Better roads brought a surge of traffic and in 1923 the Michigan State Ferry service was established to transport autos between here and Mackinaw City at the reasonable cost of $2.50.
During the first year 10,351 vehicles made the crossing, weather permitting, in 1 hour. In 1936 winter service began. By 1950, over 600,000 vehicles rolled onto this dock each year. Summer weekends, holidays and the deer-hunting season brought line-ups of several miles and a wait of 6 to 12 hours.
In 1952 the State Ferries began landing at a new dock to the south. The Mackinac Bridge replaced the Ferry Service in 1957, after its 8 ships had safely carried more than 12 million vehicles.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1923.
Location. 45° 52.088′ N, 84° 43.382′ W. Marker is in St. Ignace, Michigan, in Mackinac County. Marker can be reached from North State Street (Business Interstate 75), on the right when traveling north. Marker is on the Huron
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. St. Ignace (within shouting distance of this marker); Michigan State Ferry (within shouting distance of this marker); Diving into History (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); People and the Great Lakes (about 300 feet away); Mooring Facilities (about 500 feet away); William H. Barnum (about 500 feet away); Civilian Conservation Corps (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mackinaw Boat (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Ignace.
2. State Ferry Service Marker - upper images
Top: Ariel (1923 - 1926)
The first state ferry was a wooden-hulled ship built in 1881, which carried 16-20 cars. Its low profile prevented operation on stormy days when waves were high.
Bottom: Straits of Mackinac (1928 - 1957)
Built specifically for the Straits with upper deck loaded by an elevator on the dock. Collided with the ferry "City of Cheboygan" in 1937, resulting in one fatality when a large kettle of boiling soup fell on the ship's cook.
The first state ferry was a wooden-hulled ship built in 1881, which carried 16-20 cars. Its low profile prevented operation on stormy days when waves were high.
Bottom: Straits of Mackinac (1928 - 1957)
Built specifically for the Straits with upper deck loaded by an elevator on the dock. Collided with the ferry "City of Cheboygan" in 1937, resulting in one fatality when a large kettle of boiling soup fell on the ship's cook.
3. State Ferry Service Marker - lower image
City of Petoskey (1940 - 1957)
A converted railroad ferry, with a capacity of 105 cars. After retirement, she was used as a floating potato warehouse near Chicago.
A converted railroad ferry, with a capacity of 105 cars. After retirement, she was used as a floating potato warehouse near Chicago.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 19, 2019
4. State Ferry Service Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 18, 2019. It was originally submitted on September 18, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 240 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 18, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
