NAVIGATING TRADITION. DELIVERING EXCELLENCE.

For over a century, Arnold Transit Company has been the trusted way to reach Mackinac Island. Our fleet combines classic charm with modern comfort, delivering smooth, scenic crossings and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re boarding a historic ferry or a specialty cruise, every journey with Arnold is part of the island’s timeless tradition. Explore our vessels below!

Straits of Mackinac II

Built in the 1950s, Straits of Mackinac II is one of Arnold Transit Company’s classic boats. This vessel acts as both a leisurely ferry and a cruising boat on the water with a capacity of 295 passengers.

Ottawa

Built back in the 1950s, the Ottawa is one of our classic boats. Doubling as a leisure ferry and a classic cruise boat experience, the Ottawa is one of our largest vessels with a capacity of over 500 passengers.

Huron

Built in the 1950s, the mighty Huron is Arnold Transit Company’s winter service vessel. With a reinforced steel hull, Huron can break through the forming ice of Lake Huron during the winter months. A capacity of 330 passengers, Huron is one of Star Line’s larger vessels.

Anna May

Named after Arnold Transit Company board member Anna May Timmons, Anna May was purchased by Star Line in 2012, refurbished and put back into service in 2014. She is certified for 24,000 Lbs. freight and 150 passengers.

Mackinac Express

Built in 2015, Mackinac Express is the only catamaran on the Straits of Mackinac and one of Arnold Transit Company’s newest vessels. With open decks and spacious seating, Mackinac Express can carry up to 345 passengers at a time.

Marquette II

Built in 2005 and named after Father James Marquette, founder of Sault Ste. Marie in 1688 and St. Ignace in 1671, this is one of Arnold Transit Company’s newest vessels. This vessel has three engines and a capacity of 330 passengers.

Joliet

Built in 1993, “the Jo” was named after French-Canadian explorer and geographer Louis Joliet. Joliet met Father Marquette at Sault Ste. Marie in 1669 and spent the winter of 1672-73 in St. Ignace. This vessel holds a capacity of 150 passengers.

Cadillac

Built in 1990, Cadillac was named after Antoine Cadillac, who as the commandant of Fort de Baude in St. Ignace. This vessel holds up to 150 passengers.

Radisson

Built in 1988, Radisson was named after Pierre Espirit Radisson, who spent much time exploring Lake Superior and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This vessel has four engines and a capacity of 350 passengers, making it one of our largest hydro-jet ferries.

LaSalle

Built in 1983, the LaSalle was named after Robert LaSalle, explorer of the Mississippi River all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. LaSalle came to St. Ignace in 1679 aboard the Griffin, the first ship to sail the Great Lakes. She holds up to 150 passengers & was Arnold Transit Company’s first Hydro-Jet.