Michigan attorney General sues to break up Mackinac Island ferry monopoly

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel filed a civil antitrust lawsuit Thursday in Ingham County Circuit Court, seeking to break up single-company control of passenger ferry service to Mackinac Island. The suit targets the Hoffmann Family of Companies, alleging the private equity group acquired its competition to hike prices on tourists and residents rather than offering better value.

The complaint states that Hoffmann now controls every passenger ferry route, most docks, and roughly 80% of mainland parking near the terminals. Following the acquisition of its last rival in June 2024, the company raised adult round-trip tickets to between $37 and $39, eliminated free parking for island residents, and increased overnight rates by up to 167%.

Nessel is asking the court to force the sale of the former Mackinac Island Ferry Co. to restore competition and issue a permanent injunction against anti-competitive practices. The lawsuit, assigned to Ingham County Circuit Judge James S. Jamo, seeks a jury trial, civil fines, and triple damages for affected Michigan residents and businesses.

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