Meet the Horses of Mackinac Island: Stables, Trails & Car-Free Travel
Imagine a world that runs on real horsepower, where life happens at a clip-clop pace. Mackinac Island is that place. It’s a car-free destination where the horse is king. Where the most popular attraction is a horse-drawn carriage tour. And where horse lovers will find many ways to come face to face with equine friends. After all, horses aren’t just a way of getting around on Mackinac Island. Horses are a way of life.
The Car-Free Island Where Horses Rule
“Horseless carriages” have been banned on Mackinac Island since the advent of the automobile. Back then, it was an attempt to preserve the island’s peaceful vibe and protect horses from “mechanical monsters.” Over time, horses have become a Mackinac Island tradition just like sweet-smelling lilacs and world-famous fudge.
Why Mackinac Island Is Unique
As a car-free destination, getting to Mackinac Island is an experience itself. Then, once you’re here, instead of the whir of traffic you’ll hear the clip-clop of horse hooves and the delightful dings of bicycle bells. The road that runs around Mackinac Island is the only state highway in America that doesn’t allow cars! The car-free culture creates a slow-paced lifestyle that feels a world away from the busyness of the mainland.
What to Expect in Downtown Mackinac Island
Horses are not just a nostalgic symbol on Mackinac Island. They’re an essential part of daily life. You’ll see them making deliveries around town on horse-drawn drays, for example. And, of course, horses play a huge role in people getting around on Mackinac Island on horse-drawn carriages and horse-drawn taxis.
Mackinac Island Horse Etiquette & Carriage Safety
When you’re on Mackinac Island, remember that streets are for horses and bicycles while sidewalks are for pedestrians. Plus, horses always have the right of way. Try to avoid sudden movements that might startle the horses and slow down on bikes in busy areas to keep everyone safe.
Mackinac Island Horse Experiences You Will Love
Public Horse-Drawn Carriage Tours on Mackinac Island
Out of all the Mackinac Island tours you can take, the most popular is a public horse-drawn carriage tour that gives you a relaxing, narrated overview of Grand Hotel, Fort Mackinac, Arch Rock and other top sights to see. The tour lasts about 1 hour 45 minutes and no reservations are needed. Just look for Mackinac Island Carriage Tours on Main Street downtown.
Private Horse-Drawn Carriage Tours on Mackinac Island
Get the VIP version of the No. 1 visitor attraction for a personalized experience. Your guide from either Mackinac Island Carriage Tours or Gough Livery Carriages will take your party of up to 6 or 8 passengers even farther into the wonder and magic of Mackinac, showing you sights that are not part of the public tours. Rented by the hour, these private carriage tours can be customized to hit your favorite photo ops.
Horseback Riding on Mackinac Island
Horseback riding is one of the best hiking and trail experiences to have on Mackinac Island. Saddle up and explore miles of wooded trails through Mackinac Island State Park or meander through town. Both Jack’s Livery Stable and Cindy’s Riding Stable offer guided horseback rides on Mackinac Island, or you can go off on your own on an unguided excursion.
Drive-Your-Own Horse-Drawn Buggy on Mackinac Island
Fancy yourself a coachman and take the reins of a horse-drawn carriage with Drive Your Own Buggies from Jack’s Livery Stable. It’s like a private carriage ride except you’re the driver! There’s no experience necessary. They’ll teach you what you need to know to lead your horse wherever you want to go. Drive-your-own carriages are rented by the hour and fit either two, four or six passengers.
Horse-Drawn Taxi Service on Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island’s horse-powered taxis are a delightful option for getting around. Just know that you don’t hail a taxi from the curb. Instead, you can arrange a taxi ride 24 hours a day by calling the Mackinac Island taxi service at 906-847-3323. It can take some time for your taxi driver to arrive, so plan accordingly.
Meet the Horses of Mackinac Island Up Close
Visit Grand Hotel Stables on Mackinac Island
Get up close and personal with Mackinac Island horses at the Grand Hotel Stables. It’s free to view the horses in their stalls and learn about the different jobs they do and their daily routines and care. The stables are in Surrey Hill, where public carriage tours make a stop.
Explore the Surrey Hill Carriage Museum on Mackinac Island
Other sights to see in Surrey Hill include the Surrey Hill Carriage Museum where antique horse-drawn carriages illustrate Mackinac Island’s long tradition of horse-powered travel. The neighborhood also is home to a blacksmith shop, butterfly house, and retail outlets including a fudge shop and The Feed Bag where you can get fresh donuts made daily.
Take a Class at the Mackinac Community Equestrian Center
Mackinac Island is pet friendly, and that includes horses! You can make arrangements with Mackinac Island ferry companies to bring your own horse along on your visit. The Mackinac Community Equestrian Center offers overnight boarding for horses and programs for all ages including horseback riding and carriage-driving lessons, barn tours and special events.
Mackinac Island Trip Planning Tips for Horse Lovers
Best Season for Horse Rides and Photos on Mackinac Island
Horse activities happen throughout the visitor season with beautiful photo backdrops from May through October. Summer provides long daylight hours and brilliant Mackinac Island sunsets, while spring brings tulips and wildflowers in Mackinac Island State Park and fall offers the gorgeous colors of changing leaves.
What to Wear and What to Bring for Horse Activities on Mackinac Island
Long pants and comfortable shoes are best for horseback riding. It’s also a good idea to bring a water bottle and a small daypack for snacks and other essentials. For carriage rides, there’s no special clothing needed. Just come as you are, sit back and enjoy the views!
What Horse Activities Cost on Mackinac Island
Prices vary by activity, ranging from a few bucks for a horse-drawn taxi ride to a few hundred dollars for certain private carriage experiences. Whenever you have a driver, it’s also customary to give a cash tip on Mackinac Island as a thank you for their service.
Accessibility Considerations for Horse Activities on Mackinac Island
Accessible carriages are available for both horse-drawn carriage tours and horse-drawn taxi rides. Downtown Mackinac Island is also accessible for mobility devices and has generally flat terrain on Main Street.
Come and Meet the Horses of Mackinac Island
Of all the unique attributes of Mackinac Island, it’s perhaps the car-free character and horse-driven culture that makes the biggest impression. Horses are among the first and most remarkable sights you’ll see when visiting. And it’s exciting to participate in Mackinac Island’s historic tradition of horses. Whether you prefer to relax on a narrated carriage tour and browse antiques at the museum or saddle up and grab the reins for a drive-it-yourself adventure, Mackinac Island offers extraordinary equine experiences just right for you. Come share in the charming transportation heritage of Mackinac Island, where the horse is king!
Now that you’re excited about all things horses on Mackinac Island, don’t delay! Use the links below to plan the details of your trip and book your Mackinac Island lodging. All your new friends can’t wait to horse around with you!
Mackinac Island Horse FAQ
Do I need reservations for carriage tours on Mackinac Island?
Public horse‑drawn carriage tours do not require reservations. You can buy tickets downtown and board the next available carriage. Private carriage tours are reserved by the hour and may accept same‑day bookings depending on availability.
How do I choose between public and private carriage tours on Mackinac Island?
Public tours are narrated, follow a set route with scheduled stops and seat multiple parties together. Private tours are reserved just for your group and allow more flexibility to customize the route and pace.
Where can I go horseback riding on Mackinac Island?
Horseback rides traverse the wooded trails in Mackinac Island State Park, with options for guided or unguided rides depending on your experience and preference.
Can I bring my own horse to Mackinac Island?
Yes. Mackinac Island allows visitors to bring their own horses, with overnight boarding arrangements available through the Mackinac Community Equestrian Center.
How do Mackinac Island’s horse-drawn taxis work?
Don’t try to hail a horse-drawn taxi on Mackinac Island. Instead, call 906-847-3323 to schedule a pickup for point-to-point transportation.