All of my research is based on the book "Michigan State Ferries" by Les Bagley, published by Arcadia Publishing.
To me the ferry is "The Straits of Mackinac", which entered service in June of 1928. There were three steel ferries in use in 1928, but the other two had a different window pattern on the forward facing windows on the deck under the pilot house. There appears to be a white space between the two black sections where the windows are, which would make it The S of M and not one of the other ferries.
Although that baggage cart is partially blocking the view, the ferry does not appear to have its upper deck installed yet. This upper deck was added on The S of M in early 1929 to increase its capacity. This upper deck was eventually removed during World War II. The upper deck started at the bow on went aft to the middle of the boat, up to where those windows are located. The upper deck distinctly changed the appearance of the boat.
Assuming your photos are from before WW2, this is my reasoning as to it being 1928. Any corrections are welcome.
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