Getting Around Mackinac Island
There are many methods for getting around Mackinac Island. Tourists typically choose to walk, bike, or take a horse-drawn carriage to their destinations.
There is one method of transportation that is never used for getting around Mackinac Island. That method is by car or anything with a motor, as Motorized vehicles were banned on Mackinac Island in 1898. Today, Mackinac Island has plenty of places to rent a bike, and visitors can even take a taxi pulled by horses. Part of the fun of visiting Mackinac Island is the unique forms of transportation that are not seen anywhere else in Michigan.
Getting Around Mackinac Island - Table of Contents
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Horse Draw Taxis on Mackinac Island
Since Mackinac Island does not allow any motor vehicles other than emergency vehicles, horse-drawn carriages provide the taxi services. Taxis are available 24/7 but must be reserved by calling the dispatch line at 906-847-3323.
Taxis are not allowed to be flagged down on the side of the road. Taxi rates range from $8.00 per person to $10.50 per person depending on the length of the trip. Waiting time is $1 per minute. The taxis require a minimum of 2-4 fares based on the distance of the ride.
During the off-season, (November through April), taxis are limited and require advanced reservations.
Taxi drivers accept only cash. There is an ATM at the main taxi station on Main Street.
This photo is available for purchase by clicking HERE.
Grand Hotel Shuttle
The Grand Hotel provides its own horse-drawn carriage to transport guests from the docks to the Grand Hotel. Look for the maroon colored carriage with inside seating. The Grand Hotel carriages are not available for people who are not staying at the Grand Hotel.
Bicycling on Mackinac Island
Bicycling is one of the main methods of transportation on Mackinac Island. The ferry boats allow visitors to bring their bikes for $14. There are also many different companies that offer bike rentals on Mackinac Island. For guests renting bikes, there are hourly, half-day, and full-day rentals available. Most of the bike rental companies have similar prices. Here is an estimate of the 2024 season costs. Each company’s rates might be slightly higher or lower.
Mackinac Island Bike Rental Prices
Multi-Speed
Per Hour: $13 – $18
Half Day (4 Hours): $45 – $60
Full Day (8-24 Hours): $90 – $110
Kids Single-Speed
Per Hour: $9 – $15
Half Day (4 Hours): $40 – $60
Full Day (8-24 Hours): $70 – $80
Tandem Multi-Speed
Per Hour: $18 – $22
Half Day (4 Hours): $50 – $60
Full Day (8-24 Hours): $110 – $120
Mackinac Island Bike Rental Companies
Biking Mackinac Island Video Guides
Mackinac Island offers over 70 miles of paved bike paths and many other unpaved paths. A detailed map of Mackinac Island can be accessed HERE. Visitors typically have two options: ride the perimeter of the Island which is known as M-185 (the only Michigan State Highway without motorized vehicles,) or ride through the interior of the Island.
The perimeter route is an eight-mile circle that follows the shoreline completely around the Island. There are mile marker signs every mile. If during your ride you get hungry there is food are available at British Landing. The British Landing Nature Center also has restrooms.
The perimeter road passes by stairs that lead up to Arch Rock around mile marker seven. The trip around the Island via M-185 is relatively flat and takes about one to two hours depending on speed.
Biking the Perimeter (With 2021 Road Closures)
Biking the Interior
2024 Update: M-185 is once again open. As of June 15, you can ride the entire perimeter of Mackinac Island.
Biking the Interior of Mackinac Island
The interior of the Island is a much more difficult ride as it requires going uphill. The easiest way to do this is to start by Fort Mackinac and walk your bike up the hill. Once you get to the top of the hill, the ride is reasonably flat with only a few smaller hills. From the Island’s interior, it is possible to reach some of the main tourist attractions including Fort Holmes, Skull Cave, Sugar Loaf, Point Look Out, and Mackinac Island Airport.
When you are ready to leave the interior, I highly recommend taking British Landing Road to British Landing. This route goes by the runway of Mackinac Island Airport and features two miles of straight downhill. Once you get to British Landing, it is about four additional miles via M-185 back to Main Street.
Whatever you choose to do, DO NOT ride your bike up from British Landing. The 2.5 miles of uphill will make for a miserable ride.
If you choose not to go downhill on British Landing Road, the alternative is to coast down Cadotte Street by the Grand Hotel. Cadotte Street is extremely steep and riders must watch their speed.
North Bike Trail - My Favorite Non-Paved Bike Path on Mackinac Island
If you are looking for a non-paved trail to bike, I highly recommend taking Crooked Tree Road to the North Bike Trail. This route takes you to where British Landing Road, Annex Road, and Garrison Road meet up with Crooked Tree Road in an area called Four Corners.
Whatever route you choose to take, riding a bike is a “must do” while visiting Mackinac Island.
Walking Around Mackinac Island
If riding a bike is not your style, the bike paths double as walking trails. There are also a few routes that are only for walking. The best walking trail is the Mackinac Island Boardwalk which starts near Windermere Point and ends just past Mackinac Island School. Take a few moments to take in the scenic views of Windermere Point before walking the Boardwalk.
The Boardwalk has many benches for guests to stop and rest ,or take in spectacular views of the Mackinac Bridge and the ferry boats headed to St. Ignace and Mackinaw City.
Walking the Mackinac Island Shoreline Trail
Another great trail is the Shoreline Trail. The Shoreline Trail is at the opposite end of Main Street and begins just before the Greens of Mackinac Putting Course. The trail follows Lake Huron for one-half mile before meeting up with M-185 (Perimeter Road) shortly after passing Mission Point Resort
2024 Update - Shoreline Trail is Partially Open - Accessible to Mission Point Resort
Interior Trails on Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island also has many forested trails. Some, such as the Juniper Trail is only for walkers and are not suited for even the most adventurous mountain biker.
A highly recommended trail is the Mackinac Island Botanical Trail. This trail is open to both walkers and cyclists.
If you are feeling adventurous, try to walk the perimeter of the Island following M-185. M-185 is the only state highway in Michigan that does not allow motorized vehicles. The walk is eight miles, and takes anywhere from three to five hours, depending on walking speed.
In the winter, many of the trails are used by cross-country skiers and snowmobilers.
Mackinac Island Carriage Tours
Mackinac Island Carriage Tours are great for tourists making their first visit to Mackinac Island. The sightseeing tour visits some of the most famous sights on Mackinac Island. During your tour, your carriage driver will provide informative stories about the history of Mackinac Island.
The carriage tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes and has no set departure times. Tours depart once they are filled, which is typically multiple times per hour during peak tourist season.
Carriage Tour Quick Facts
Hours – 9 am to 5 pm (3 pm during May and September)
Length – 1 hour and 45 minutes
Adults and Seniors – $41.00
Children 5 to 12 – $16.00
Lap Children Under 5 – Free
The tour route gallops by (but does not stop) at many of Mackinac’s top tourist sights including: the Governor’s Residence, Historic Downtown, Skull Cave, Fort Holmes, and the Post Cemetery.
The Tour Stops at:
Surrey Hills Museum
Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory
Arch Rock
Fort Mackinac
Grand Hotel
Ride a Horse or Drive a Private Carriage on Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island Private Carriage Tours
Private Carriage tours are available from two different companies. The first is Mackinac Island Carriage Tours. Their rates can be prorated in half-hour increments.
The rate for Mackinac Island Carriage Tours Private Tours are as follows:
1-4 People – $210 per hour
5 People – $262.50 per hour
6 People – $315 per hour
7 People – $367.50 per hour
8 People – $420 per hour
Private tours from Mackinac Island Carriage Tours require a reservation and are available between 9 am and 5 pm by calling (906)-847-3325.
The second company is Gough Livery Carriages. They have been providing private tours of over 35 years. Their private tours can be reserved weeks ahead of time and they offer wedding carriage rides as well. To reserve a private carriage tour with Gough Livery Carriages call (906) 847-1053.
The rate for Gough Livery Carriages are as follows:
1-4 People – $210 per hour. Prorated after the first hour at the same rate.
5 People – $262.50 per hour
6 People – $315 per hour
Children 6-10 are $15 each
I recommend taking a private carriage tour if you want to see sights not offered on the public carriage tour.
Drive-Yourself Horse and Buggy on Mackinac Island
It is also possible to rent a Drive-Yourself Horse and Buggy. These rentals are available through Jack’s Livery Stable at the following rates:
$110/hour for a two-passenger carriage
$130/hour for a four-passenger carriage
$150/hour for a six-passenger carriage
Jack’s Livery Stable can be reached at (906)-847-3391
Rent a Saddle Horse on Mackinac Island
Cindy’s Riding Stable offers saddle horse rentals without the wagon. Riders must be under 250 pounds and fill out a questionnaire. The stable will do their best to match each rider with a horse of their skill level.
Saddle Horses are available at a rate of $70/per hour.
Cindy’s Riding Stable can be reached at (906)-847-3572
