Grand Island Ferry Services — Hotel in Grand Island Township

This is still fresh on my mind and I promised that I would write a review. Grand Island is large and beautiful. I brought my mountain bike and my dog - such was my last day up here and I wanted to go big.

I had been to Valley Spur and Brunos run so I felt pretty good about this one. I had plenty of water and snacks. In spite of courteous and helpful advice from staff - I went ahead and felt I could do the Island loop.

I want to mention that though Grand Island is large - it is not an endless expanse of wilderness. I love being out of doors and especially in the mountains. I was able have a very teachable moment on Grand Island and was incredibly fortunate to have the Ferry owner come and grab me - well off course and 3 hours late to the ferry (which had stopped coming 2hrs prior).

My wrong turn was in spite of signage. Also, although I did encounter others - it was few and far between. During my wrong turn I actually got off trail for a moment and there was some deep mud that almost took my shoe. I actually started to get worried and I was past exhaustion. I had to use my gps to get to a marked beach. I was exhausted and started considering how I would spend the night. I knew I had veered far off course and overconfidently believed I had everything under control.

I managed to just get to an identified beach, by this time I could not even register the mosquitoes and biting flies - full exhaustion. So I lay down on a picnic table, considered my options and finally used my cell to call emergency. I had no service. The call went through and I was told to call back in 10 minutes. Even the emergency calls would not go through after that - for about 35 more minutes. I finally got through again and was told to wait - help was coming.

That was an incredible relief. I was an idiot all the way around. There had been moments of genuine concern for me. Then help arrived with a side by side. The ride from where I was picked up was unexpectedly long. I wondered if I hadn't called if I could have gotten out. I admit this was my fault and I learned some valuable lessons. I was fully prepared to pay for the effort.

I asked what I owe.

We like to take care of our customers - was the reply.

So there you go - the finale of my trip was worth every moment today - the fact that these folks helped me end it with incredible satisfaction, humility and some teachable moments means you should give them a try. Go check out Grand Island with Grand Island Ferry Services. Try not to do what I did - but I was told I won't be the last. I 'm not the first. If necessary though, they got you. Thank...

From arriving to the ferry to getting to the island to getting back to mainland, my groups experience was pretty alright. The island itsepf was beautiful and full of wonder. Upon checking in, we went in to grab tickets for the ferry and check in. We didn't realize the prizes were a little on the higher side of things so when planning your visit, definitely make sure to check out their website ahead of time. Upon paying for our groups tickets, we were greeted in an unwholesome way as the wlman working the desk seemed offputting and in poor mood. It was not early morning, we had arrived just before the noon ferry was to leave. The two men (I didn't catch their names) were very nice guides as they helped everyone with bikes load everything up in a tasteful manner, nothing but respect and good vibes from them. Not really knowing what to expect once we got to the island, we figured out quickly that the island isn't for the faint of heart, at least on bikes. I consider myself an avid cyclist and the terrain was a bit rough and challenging. Through past reviews and info I found online about riding on the island, there wasn't much explaining what the terrain was going to be like. You definitely need a mountain bike for the main trail around the perimeter of the island. Another thing to keep in mind is you will need 5-6 hours to fully enjoy the trails but also the outlooks and all the little viewing spots around the area. Leaving on the noon ferry and trying to catch the last ferry at 6 deemed pretty difficult to be able to enjoy the island to its full potential, so plan well and give yourself enough time to get around the island before possibly missing the last ferry and being stuck on the island. Be prepared for the worst. If it's cool out, bring extra layers and at least a hammock in the rare case you do end up getting stuck. All around it was a good experience especially when you plan accordingly. The island is beautiful and deserves a full days worth...

I wish I had gotten the gentleman's name who ran the boat the day I went. He was AMAZING. We were all entertained that he was a jack of all trades! He sold the ticket to me, told me about the island, drove the boat across, helped people with their bikes, did the kayak rentals, and on the way back to mainland, helped get the barge docked before setting off! Hahaha. We couldn't believe it. And when we were back on land, he offered to spray down my mountain bike and for the other rider on the boat! I loved it! Such an amazing soul. He has been there 11 years and I would return just to be energized by his joy. Thank you for a great ferry experience!

Grand Island was amazing for me. Yes, bugs can be quite a gamble. They weren't bad for me when I went. I was biking, but the southern end there weren't very many even when I wasn't moving. There was one spot that they got REALLY bad swarming around my head, but that was 1% of my entire time there so not enough for me to be scared away. Just bring bug spray! Definitely a requirement. There is so much to explore. I was surprised to learn this island is MUCH bigger than Mackinac Island. I cant wait to go back and explore more. VERY rugged. Drinking fountains are on the southern half of the island only. Cell signal was good in some parts, but not others. The toilets are outhouse style but zero smell. Boat ride is 5-7 minutes and is a pontoon style boat. Everyone is friendly, workers and visitors. They have kayak rentals, bike rentals, campsites, and a bus tour (didn't do those though). Biking the trails is challenging is not all flat and not all smooth. No where near the "loop around the island" Mackinac Island experience. This is rugged...