Arnold Line Marks First Spring Crossing

A sure sign that Spring is upon is the start up of the ferries. This article from the Mackinac Island Town Crier describes the 2005 openning of regular ferry schedules to Mackinac Island:

The 2005 ferry season officially began Wednesday, April 6, for Arnold Transit Company as the passenger ferry Huron traveled across Lake Huron from Mackinac Island to St. Ignace at 10 a.m. The boat carried a full load of island residents eager to step from winter to spring on the mainland.

Arnold Transit broke ice near the Favorite Dock and Dock No. 1 in St. Ignace Monday, April 4, with its freight barge, Islander. Much of the ice that had covered the Straits had melted or drifted away last week.

Shepler’s Mackinac Ferry will begin its freight business in a couple of weeks. Its passenger ferry service will begin in Mackinaw City Friday, April 29, and in St. Ignace Thursday, May 5.

Star Line passenger service begins Monday, April 25, from its main dock in St. Ignace and Friday, May 6, from Mackinaw City. The Railroad Dock in St. Ignace will open Friday, May
27.