Car Rental - Pellston

 

Rent a car in Pellston, the ‘Icebox of the Nation’, to explore the luscious lakes of northern Michigan and to visit the gorgeous Mackinac Island.

Our pick-up branch is at Pellston Regional Airport, the closest travel hub for Mackinac Island and Mackinaw City. Get behind the wheel in the Pellston rental car of your choice and you can be there in around 20 minutes. You can reserve SUVs with space for all the family, hatchbacks, cabriolets, sedans and more – a range fit for any kind of trip.

Whether it’s in the famously freezing Michigan winters or the gorgeous summer, you’re surrounded by memorably landscape in Pellston. Or take your Pellston car rental on memorably coastal drives to east and west. For longer day trips, the cities of Lansing, Grand Rapids and Detroit are all just over three hours to the south.

Reserve your rental car in Pellston today and live the lakeside life in style.

Pellston Locations

Google
Map data ©2026
Map data ©2026

A Quick Guide to Pellston

Luther Burbank Home & Gardens

Fort Mackinac

7127 Huron Rd, Mackinac Island, MI, 49757

This historic fort was constructed by the British back in 1780, and today it’s a great place to learn about the past. You’ll find costumed staff on hand to answer questions and explore the remaining features. There are cannon and rifle firing demos, stunning views and interactive, hands-on games for the kids. It’s the perfect spot after exploring in your Pellston rental car.

Trione-Annadel State Park

Carriage Tours

Mackinac Island, MI, 49757

Mackinac Island is car-free, so your only options for exploration are on foot, bike hire and the island’s many horses. Carriage Tours are a comfortable way to make the most of the scenery at a sedate pace, with informative guides who’ll talk you through the landmarks and history of this historic place. Livery stables let you hire your own horse and buggy too.

Safari West

Wilderness State Park

Carp Lake, MI, 49718

Blanketed in snow during winter, kissed by the sun in summer, the 100,000 acres of Wilderness State Park are a wonderful place for recreation on the northern fringe of Michigan. There are miles of trails for cycling and hiking, 26 miles of shoreline and great places to camp. Stargazers will love it too – it’s a dark sky preserve. Hop out your Pellston car rental and stretch your legs at this fun-filled park.

Grand Hotel

286 Grand Ave, Mackinac Island, MI, 49757

Walk in the footsteps of Thomas Edison, Mark Twain and numerous presidents at this historic late-19th century hotel close to Lake Huron. It’s an elegant and genteel place, with its vast porch (the world’s longest), attention to detail and superb service making this very much a premium stay. Best of all, it’s just 30 minutes from our Pellston Airport car rental lot. 

Chippewa Hotel Waterfront

7221 Main St #103, Mackinac Island, MI, 49757

There are wonderful harbor views at this Downtown hotel, which offers rooms and suites, with balconies perfect for drinking in the sights of Mackinac Island. It’s also know for the Pink Pony bar and grill, with its funky décor and superb whitefish burger and dip. There are ample parking spaces for your Pellston rental car too. They’re located near the boat docks, with valet service to boot .

 

Stafford’s Crooked River Lodge & Suites

6845 US 31, Alanson, MI, 49706

The epitome of cozy, this lodge is close to some of northern Michigan’s loveliest spots, only a short drive from Burt Lake, Hay Lake and Crooked Lake. In winter you can snowmobile across the frozen landscape, up to Petoskey or Cheboygan. Rooms are snug, the pool and hot tub the perfect place to warm yourself after a day of exploring.

Kingston Kitchen at the Village Inn

1384 Hoban St, Mackinac Island, MI, 49757

Mixing American classics with Caribbean flair is a winning formula at this popular Island eatery. Fusion is handled with real aplomb in dishes like the tomahawk pork chop with caramelized walnuts and mango, or a jerk-seared Scottish salmon. A mac ‘n’ cheese with jerk bacon is simply genius. Although you’ll need to park your Pellston rental car in the designated ferry lot to reach this unique diner, it’s well worth the journey.

The Chuckwagon

7400 Main St, Mackinac Island, MI, 49757

Small but full of personality, this friendly, Cowboy-themed diner is the place to be for breakfast and lunch. Sweet tooths will love the French toast and flap jacks, while the bleu cheeseburger and patty melt are both generous and delicious. Park your Pellston rental car at the ferry llot in Mackinaw City or St. Ignace and make your way to this scrumptious spot. 

Rusty Saw North Smokehouse

3459 US 31, Brutus, MI, 49716

Located at Maple River Golf, just to the south of Pellston, this is some of the best and most addictive barbecue in the area. The pulled pork and brisket are consummate, burgers, sandwiches and sides all stacked. The meats also make their way on to wood-fired pizzas – go for ‘The Viking’ laden with brisket, smoked gouda and tomato, caramelized onion, mozzarella and BBQ sauce.

Driving In and Around Pellston

  • The Star Line Ferry (49701) offers secure, fenced valet parking at both its Mackinaw City and St. Ignace docks. Text them on your return from Mackinac Island and your Pellston rental car will be waiting for you.
  • Shepler’s Ferry (49701) has a complimentary day lot for those day-tripping on Mackinac Island. After parking up your Pellston car rental, there’s a free shuttler service to their dock.

 

  • US Route 31 (US 31) goes north to south through Pellston. Follow it north and you’ll skirt Carp Lake before joining up with the I-75N Mackinaw City. It runs south to Crooked Lake before swinging west for Little Traverse Bay.
  • Robinson Road (C-64) is an east-west route in the area that is called Mill Street in Pellston itself. South of Douglas Lake it becomes Riggsville Road and intersects with the I-75.
  • Interstate 75 (I-75) runs north to south to the east of Pellston. It carries you to Mackinaw City to the north, south and then south-east to Detroit.

 

How to Get From Pellston Regional Airport to Mackinaw City

Depending on traffic, it should only take 20 minutes or so to drive the 16 miles from the airport to Mackinaw City. Here you can park your Pellston rental car for the ferry to car-free Mackinac Island.

 

How to Get From Pellston to Burt Lake

Beautiful Burt Lake is 15-20 minute drive from our Pellston Airport car rental location. Leave the village of Pellston on US 31 South then take a left on to M-68 East after eight miles.

 

BESbswy