Shepler's Ferry
Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry is one of two ferry companies serving Mackinac Island, Michigan. The company has docks in Mackinaw City and St. Ignace. Shepler's provides ferry and freight service to Mackinac Island. History In 1945, Captain William H. Shepler, a native of Mackinac Island, returned to Michigan after service in World War II. He already had a full captain's license and began to command the large, 600-person capacity Algoma between Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island. He also operated a small snack bar for passengers waiting for the ferry. Capt. Shepler decided to offer a more distinctive service with smaller craft to and from Mackinac Island. In the winter of 1950, he built his own Bay Craft kit boat in Cheboygan, a cabin cruiser with twin gas engines with a capacity of 24 passengers. The vessel was christened the Miss Margy after Shepler's wife, Margaret. The Mackinac Bridge was completed in November 1957. During its construction, crowds came to watch the progress, increasing the need for tour boats. During the winter of 1953, Shepler built a second kit boat, a high-speed cruiser, the Billy Dick, named after the captain's son, William Richard. The fleet expanded over the years. Following the