HORSE IS KING ON MACKINAC
the museum and photo gallery to find out more about the horse culture on Mackinac . Open daily and located in the middle of the Island on British Landing Road across from Wawashkamo Golf Course . Stop by or call for a personal tour at 906-847-8034 .
Guided Horseback Riding Tours
From a horse-drawn taxi to a lively carriage ride to trail riding on horseback , horses are a way of life on Mackinac Island . There are more than 500 horses that call Mackinac Island home for the summer , all with important jobs to do .
In the 1890s , tourists attempted to bring the new horseless carriages to Mackinac Island , immediately alienating the residents with their noise , spooking the horses and disrupting the Island ’ s quiet way of life . It rapidly became a safety issue , as well as a lifestyle one . Plus , as some oldtimers recall that there simply weren ’ t enough places to park ! The year-round residents wanted nothing to do with them , so in 1898 , the town banned cars and motorized vehicles .
Ever since then , other than a few emergency vehicles , horses have been the primary alternative to cars giving Mackinac yet one more distinct characteristic . Here ’ s a breakdown of the various ways visitors and locals utilize horsepower .
PRIVATE LIVERY CARRIAGE TOURS For the best way to see Mackinac , take an intimate private carriage tour , these 2 to 8 passenger carriages are ready at a moment ’ s notice for a private tour . Gough Livery offers antique style carriages to tour the Island and are available by the hour . Very popular , their charming and experienced drivers will give you a personalized tour of the Island ’ s colorful history . Find them at Marquette Park or be picked up at your hotel by calling to reserve a carriage in advance . Gough Livery 906-847-1053 .
HORSEBACK RIDING Saddle horses are available to rent by the hour at Cindy ’ s Riding Stable and Jack ’ s Livery Stable . All levels of riders from novice to expert are welcome . A guide may join you to get you on your way . Cindy ’ s Riding Stable is located on Market Street and Jack ’ s is on Mahoney Avenue . Stop by to make an advance reservation or just come in - no telephone reservations are accepted .
EQUESTRIAN CENTER The Mackinac Community Equestrian Center is available for tours , lessons , and horse boarding . The public is welcome to visit and interact with the horses . View
DRIVE YOUR OWN CARRIAGE Jack ’ s Livery Stable rents two-person , four-person and six-person buggies with a single horse that you can drive yourself . No experience necessary , the people at Jack ’ s will teach you how to drive it and where to go . Tool around the lakeshore perimeter road to British Landing and back or up into the State Park on designated routes . Contact Jack ’ s at 906-847-3391 .
HORSE-DRAWN TAXIS Public transportation available 24 hours a day will take you from point A to point B . Based on your destination , they charge a set fee per person . Fares range from $ 7.00 to $ 9.50 one way . Some destinations have a minimum 2 to 4 passenger fare . Call 906-847-3323 .
DRAY SERVICE Moving food , freight , lumber , furniture , pianos , and everything else . Mackinac Island Service Company has horse-drawn flatbed wagons called drays , that deliver goods anywhere on the Island . 906-847-3713 .
Remember : All horses have the rightof-way over pedestrians and bicycles .
Mackinac Community Equestrian Center
Come Ride With Us
Home of the Mackinac Island Lakers Equestrian Team
English & Western Riding Lessons Mackinac 4H and Youth Camps
Clinics , Demonstrations , Horse Shows Equestrian Events & Meeting Space Available
Check out our upcoming events : www . MackinacHorses . org
906-847-8034 • 3800 British Landing Rd . Mackinac Island Mackinac Equestrian Center is a 501-c-3 nonprofit
26 Inside Mackinac