Bipartisan Win for Mackinac

Mackinac Island has long been one of Michigan’s most beloved destinations, drawing families, workers, tourists, and history lovers to a place known for its natural beauty, horse-drawn carriages, small businesses, and unmistakable charm.

Now, state leaders from both parties are working to make sure getting there remains affordable.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed a bipartisan bill that gives Mackinac Island voters the opportunity to decide whether the city should have the authority to regulate all aspects of ferry service to and from the island. The new law comes after growing concerns about rising costs tied not only to ferry tickets, but also to additional fees for parking, baggage, bike transport, and early boarding.

A Bipartisan Answer to a Local Problem

The measure was sponsored by state Senator John Damoose, a Republican from Harbor Springs, and signed by Whitmer, a Democrat. It also drew support from local officials, tourism leaders, business owners, and community stakeholders who argued that access to Mackinac Island is not just a convenience, but a necessity.

For residents, workers, and business owners, ferries are the main connection to daily life. For visitors, they are the gateway to one of America’s most unique destinations. As Damoose put it, “In the Straits of Mackinac, the ferries are the roads.”

That simple reality helped turn the issue into a bipartisan effort. While many political debates become divided along party lines, this one centered on a practical question: how do you protect affordable, reliable access to a place that supports jobs, tourism, and a regional economy?

Why Ferry Costs Matter

Mackinac Island is not an ordinary tourist stop. More than 80% of the island is state land, and the island welcomes an estimated 1.2 million visitors each year. It also supports nearly 5,000 jobs, making ferry access important not only for vacationers, but for workers and businesses across northern Michigan and the eastern Upper Peninsula.

According to the governor’s office, the total cost of passage to Mackinac Island has increased from $34 to $51 after ancillary fees were added or increased. While two major ferry services still operate, both have been under one parent company since 2024, raising concerns about competition, pricing, and consumer choice.

The new law does not automatically change ferry pricing. Instead, it gives voters in the City of Mackinac Island the chance to approve a charter amendment. If a majority approves it, the city would gain the authority to regulate ferry service, including related fees.

Protecting Tourism and Local Economies

Supporters say the legislation is about fairness, transparency, and protecting a destination that belongs to more than one company or one city.

State Representative Parker Fairbairn, also a Republican from Harbor Springs, said the legislation came after more than a year of work with stakeholders, tourism leaders, and community partners. After reviewing several options, he said this path became the clearest way to protect affordable and reliable access.

Mackinac Island Mayor Margaret Doud praised the signing, saying the island “belongs to everyone” and that the city will now place the charter amendment before voters. She pointed to fairness, accessibility, and preservation as the values driving the effort.

Tourism leaders echoed that point. Liz Ware of Mission Point Resort called the legislation vital to the visitor experience and to the broader economy that depends on Mackinac Island.

A Reminder That Government Can Still Work

At a time when Americans often see politics through the lens of division, this legislation offers a different picture. A Democratic governor, Republican lawmakers, local officials, and business leaders came together around a shared goal: keeping one of Michigan’s greatest treasures accessible.

The issue was not abstract. It was about families planning vacations, workers getting to jobs, businesses staying open, and communities protecting the character of a place that has become part of Michigan’s identity.

Mackinac Island may be famous for slowing down the pace of life, but on this issue, state leaders moved quickly. The final decision now rests with local voters, who will decide whether the city should have greater power to oversee ferry service and costs.

For Michigan, the message is clear: when access, affordability, and local economies are on the line, bipartisanship still has a place.