The Ironton Ferry is a great way to travel from Charlevoix or East Jordan across Lake Charlevoix to Boyne City. This hidden gem is especially convenient during the busy festival weekends. The ferry ride across the lake is approximately 5 minutes and only 4 vehicles can travel at a time. The ferry is a great way enjoy the view of the lake, and ride one of Michigan’s oldest car ferries still in service.
The Ironton ferry is located off M-66, about 6 miles south of Charlevoix or 9 miles north of East Jordan and 9 miles west of Boyne City off Ferry Road. The ferry is in operation from Mid-April through Mid-November making about 100 trips daily. A trip across the lake costs $4 a car. An important note: credit cards are not accepted. Click here for current rates and ferry info.
History of the Ironton Ferry
The ferry service across the lake started around 1883. The original ferry vessel started as a small cable guided scow with the capacity for one wagon and a team of horses. The vessel required the help of the captain and passengers to guide the ferry across the narrows.
The current ferry vessel the “Charlevoix”, started service in 1926. The ferry vessel is powered by a diesel and hydraulic engine with propellers at each end.
The Ironton Ferry also has an interesting piece of history too! It all started with Sam Alexander. Sam was a ferry worker from 1890 to 1941. He featured in Ripley’s “Believe it or Not” article from December 1936. The article described Alexander as the man who had traveled 15,000 miles while never being more than 1,000 feet from his home. The article gained national attention through the radio, making the small Ironton Ferry, “famous!”
For almost 150 years, the Ironton Ferry service has provided many locals a “short cut” across the Lake Charlevoix. The ferry is a great addition to your trip to the small towns surrounding the lake. Are you ready to take a historic ferry ride?
Looking for more trips around Lake Charlevoix area? Check out the towns of Charlevoix, Boyne City and East Jordan!
Ironton Ferry Information
10122 Ferry Rd, Charlevoix MI 49720
