Most people reach Mackinac Island by hopping on a ferry. Even in the cold months, when the flow of tourists nearly disappears, Arnold Transit continues running boats so residents, workers and essential supplies can move between the island and the mainland.
But many winters bring a solid freeze to the Straits of Mackinac. And when that happens, the ferries shut down until the ice breaks in spring, and small planes become the only link to Mackinac Island.
Here’s a glimpse of what it feels like to fly into Mackinac Island when the landscape is blanketed in snow and ice:
Things To Know About Winter Flights To Mackinac Island
Because the flight from St. Ignace to Mackinac Island lasts only three to five minutes – depending on the wind – it’s a quick journey, but not an easy one. Winter gusts can be brutal over the Straits.
The short distance also means most of the flight is spent on takeoff and landing, the most demanding parts of flying. Instead of cruising along in a large jet with autopilot doing the work, Mackinac Island pilots are engaged in hands‑on flying from start to finish. Many pilots describe it as one of the most challenging flights they’ve ever taken, the kind of job that keeps you alert every second but rewards you with a real sense of accomplishment.
Along with handling tough weather, winter flights to Mackinac Island get front‑row seats to some of the most striking winter scenery in Michigan. Every departure and arrival offers a sweeping perspective of the Mackinac Bridge and flights often pass right over downtown Mackinac Island, giving a bird’s‑eye view of the snow‑covered streets.
What A Winter Day Is Like For Mackinac Island Pilots
Fresh Air Aviation is one of two airlines that fly to Mackinac Island Airport in the winter and throughout the year. When the ferries are unable to operate, the crew typically begins its day at the St. Ignace airport around 5:30 a.m. They run through pre‑flight inspections and a planning session that covers weather and runway conditions.
If everything checks out, passenger flights start around 6:30 a.m. Over the next few hours, they may move as many as 200 people. With planes that hold only five to eight passengers, that adds up to a remarkable number of trips back and forth!
By late morning, nearly everyone headed for Mackinac Island has arrived, and the team shifts focus. They remove the seats and load the airplane with freight – groceries for the market, supplies for restaurants, mail, UPS packages and plenty of other essentials. Because winter is the island’s busiest season for renovations, construction materials make up a large share of the cargo as well.
During the construction of Grand Hotel’s new swimming pool, roughly 10 tons of steel rebar were flown in. On another occasion, a truck arrived at the airport carrying an astonishing 20,000 pounds of drywall compound!
Once the freight deliveries are complete, the crew reinstalls the seats so passengers can return to the mainland at the end of the workday. Some afternoons, they also transport students from sports teams at Mackinac Island Public School who need to reach games or matches off the island.
Flight Options To Mackinac Island In Winter And During Visitor Season
In addition to Fresh Air Aviation, Northwoods Aviation recently broadened its winter services to include charter flights to Mackinac Island. Operating single‑engine and twin‑engine aircraft out of Pellston and Cheboygan, the company transports year‑round residents who need to reach the mainland for shopping or errands. Once the straits freeze and the boats are forced to stop, Northwoods starts hauling freight as well, helping ensure Mackinac Island stays stocked with needed supplies until spring returns.
North Country Aviation is another charter flight provider to Mackinac Island, operating several twin-engine aircraft year-round out of Gaylord. Private flights to Mackinac Island are available from thousands of locations across North America.
During the visitor season from late April through October – when ferries run constantly – the number of people choosing to fly drops to just a sliver of the winter traffic. Even so, some travelers see real value in the convenience and time they save by flying.
Pilots regularly pick up charter passengers bound for Mackinac Island from airports in Pellston (PLN), Traverse City (TVC), Sault Ste. Marie (CIU), Detroit (DTW), Chicago (ORD), and other cities. Over the years, there have even been frequent flyers coming in from places as far away as New York and Atlanta.
For many travelers, the appeal is simple: there’s no need to park a car at the Mackinac Island ferry docks or board a Mackinac Island ferry. A pilot can meet someone right at a nearby airport, and in a short time that person is stepping onto the island. That gives visitors extra time to spend exactly where they want to be.
Air tours by plane and by helicopter with My Flight Tours also become a major part of the flying business once the warm‑weather crowds arrive. Many visitors are eager to see the Mackinac Bridge and the surrounding scenery from above, and the aerial views are often a highlight of their trip.
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