HORSE IS KING ON MACKINAC
Work horses headed to the barn
F rom a horse-drawn taxi to a lively carriage ride to trail riding on horseback, horses are a way of life on Mack- inac 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 horse- less 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 old- timers 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 ve- hicles. Ever since, 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 a great 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 per- sonalized 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. MACKINAC EQUESTRIAN CENTER New for 2025, the Mackinac Horsemen’s Association is offering daily tours open to the general public at the Equestrian Center. Come learn the history of the horse on the Island, and meet their breed ambassadors! The Equestrian Center is available for tours, lessons, and horse boarding. The public is also welcome to visit and interact with the horses. Open daily and located on British Landing Road across from Wawashkamo Golf Course. For more information and tour details, visit their website mackinachorses.org. 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 $9.00 to $11.50 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 Com- pany has horse-drawn flatbed wagons called drays, that deliver goods anywhere on the Island. 906-847-3713.
24 Inside Mackinac
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