Yes, you can bring your dog to Mackinac Island! Just two things to remember: Keep your dogs on a leash and pick up after them. Beyond that, have fun exploring one of our national treasures with your dog by your side.
You won’t be the only one visiting Mackinac with a pet. So don’t be the only one out of the loop when it comes to the island’s pet-friendly rules.
Here are answers to more questions about dogs on Mackinac:
Dogs are welcome free of charge on Shepler’s and Star Line ferries to Mackinac Island. They can either sit in your lap or travel in a crate. Dogs also can come along for free on charter flights to the island’s airport.
Dogs must be on a leash while on Mackinac Island. They are welcome in many stores in town. Just ask if it’s okay. Many restaurants have pet seating areas or will let you bring your dog right to the table on their outdoor verandas or patios. Of course, service dogs are permitted inside any restaurant or store on the island.
No worries about your dog getting hit by a car on Mackinac. Motor vehicles aren’t allowed on the island! The road that circles the outer edge of Mackinac, M-185, is the only state highway in the country that prohibits motor vehicles. It’s 8.2 miles all the way around the island.
Because there are no cars on Mackinac, bicycling is a popular way of getting around. Many bike shops on the island rent pet trailers, too, so your dog can go along for the ride.
Cuteness alert! Smaller dogs can fit in the bike basket up front and feel the Great Lakes breeze in their face.
Horse-drawn carriage tours on Mackinac also are pet-friendly. Small dogs can ride along for free, while larger dogs that need their own seat can get on board for the child’s rate.
More than 80 percent of Mackinac is a state park that’s available for you and your pup to explore. In fact, the island has more than 70 miles of trails that pass by cool geologic formations like the iconic Arch Rock or towering Sugar Loaf.
Pets can visit many of the attractions in the Mackinac State Historic Parks including historic Fort Mackinac. Pets on leashes are welcome at all of the historic sites in the state park except The Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum. There are even water dishes for pets at those sites.
Since Mackinac is an island, there’s water to play in, too!
And so many things to sniff! (Just don’t let your pet get into the world-famous Mackinac Island fudge.)
Not every lodging facility on Mackinac allows dogs, but a few are pet-friendly. When booking a place to stay, call the island’s tourism bureau at 906-847-3783 to make sure your pet is welcome.
Come enjoy the splendor of Mackinac Island with your pet. Just please remember to keep dogs on a leash and pick up after them. If you have any other questions about where you can go and what you can do on Mackinac Island with your pets, call the tourism bureau at 906-847-3783.
