Getting Around Mackinac Island, MI

Because there are no cars on Mackinac Island, people get around in old-fashioned ways:

By Horse

Clip-clop. That’s the soothing, ever-present sound on Mackinac Island, which has been car-free for more than 100 years. In place of the mechanized horsepower than harries much of the rest of the world, Mackinac Island runs peacefully on authentic horsepower – from horse-drawn carriage rides through town to horseback rides through the wilderness of Mackinac Island State Park.

Not only are horses one of the primary means of transportation on Mackinac Island, but a narrated horse-drawn carriage tour is perhaps the most popular thing to do.

Additional Information:

• See all the ways of horsing around on Mackinac Island
• How much does it cost to ride horses on Mackinac Island?
• Everything to know about horses on Mackinac Island

By Bicycle

You’ll also hear the delightful ding of bicycle bells as people pedal their way from place to place on Mackinac Island. There are more than 1,500 bikes to rent; including tandem bicycles built for two, burleys for the kids, fat tire bikes as well as electric mobility scooters for visitors with limited mobility. You also can bring your own bike to Mackinac Island on the ferry boat from the mainland.

Additional Information:

• Are e-bikes allowed on Mackinac Island?
• See all the fun you can have riding a bike on Mackinac Island
• How much does it cost to rent bikes on Mackinac Island?
• What to expect on the 8.2-mile bike ride around Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island Bicycle Safety Rules

For your bicycle safety, please read and follow these simple rules:

1. WATCH FOR HORSES – Please be prepared for very busy streets in the downtown area on Mackinac Island with the many bikers, pedestrians and horses. Please be especially cautious of horses at all times as it is difficult for them to stop quickly.
2. NO TRAINING WHEELS – No person shall operate, or allow to be operated, a bicycle with training wheels on Main Street., Market Street or Cadotte Avenue (between Market Street and Grand Hotel).
3. WALK ON SIDEWALKS – Pedestrians need to walk on the sidewalk for their own safety. Please look before stopping in the street, turning or crossing streets at all times.
4. STAY TO THE RIGHT – Please stay to the right side of the street and keep bikes within the white line when parking on the street.
5. BIKE PARKING – Please do not park bicycles on sidewalks or lock them to fixed objects. Burleys, tandem or bikes without kickstands must use off street parking.

On Foot

Of course, walking is a popular way of getting around Mackinac Island, too, whether you’re hiking some of the 70-plus miles of trails or just strolling around town. You’ll find a variety of Walking Tours that are great ways to experience Mackinac Island. And whenever you get tired, just call Mackinac Island Taxi at 906-847-3323 for a horse-drawn carriage ride to your next destination. Wheelchairs also are available for rent from many Mackinac Island bike vendors.

Additional Information:

• See Mackinac Island attractions you can reach on foot
• Experience Mackinac Island’s stunning viewpoints and varied terrain
• Walking Tours and Trails on Mackinac Island