Mackinac Island Activities & Info

Mackinac Island Carriage Tours - Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island Carriage Tours

There's no better way to see the unique and interesting scenery of Mackinac Island than by horse-drawn carriage.

To early Native American tribes who frequented the area, the Straits of Mackinac were the home of the Great Spirit. To hold the island with such high regard, these tribes must have revered the beauty, serenity and magical feeling of Mackinac Island, Michigan, as they came to the island for tribal gatherings and to bury their chiefs. Throughout history, Mackinac Island has been important to explorers, soldiers, fur traders and fishermen, and lives today as one of the most popular and beautiful destinations in the Midwest. A combination of rich history, well-maintained parks, unique shopping opportunities and unforgettable attractions make Mackinac Island a top-notch getaway spot.

Since motorized vehicles are not allowed on Mackinac Island, visitors may choose among several unique modes of transportation: carriage, bicycle, horseback or foot. Mackinac Island Carriage Tours offers 2-hour rides with stops at several attractions along the way. For visitors who want to turn their own wheels, bicycles can be rented at several hotels or from one of the numerous bike shops. Another great way to tour the sights of the island is by foot on a Great Turtle Tales Tour, a 1 1/2 hour walking tour that shares the history and folklore of Mackinac Island, as well as visits to several historical sites.

Wings of Mackinac. Now that you know how to get around on Mackinac Island, it's time to start seeing the attractions! Be sure to visit Wings of Mackinac, the island's only conservatory, for an educational and eye-pleasing experience. Here you'll see hundreds of butterflies from all over the world among lush garden plants.

Mackinac Island State Park. If you're still craving more flora and fauna after Wings of Mackinac, you've definitely come to the right location, as 80% of Mackinac Island is designated as Mackinac Island State Park. This 1800-acre, free park is the perfect place to enjoy the 61 miles of trails and roads on horseback, bicycle or via a hiking excursion during the warm months, and cross country skiing in the winter. Be sure to visit Arch Rock, a spectacular limestone formation, one of the most photographed spots on the island.

Mackinac Island Candy Shops. After an adventure in Mackinac State Park, it's time to head back to town and find a tasty treat. Follow your nose to one of Mackinac's numerous candy shops, where you'll want to sample some fudge. This confection has been a staple of the Mackinac Straits since the 1880s. While you're keeping your eyes peeled for candy shops, be sure to also spot some of the island's historic buildings. Downtown, you can tour such sites as the Dr. Beaumont Museum, Mission Church and the Blacksmith Shop.

Mackinac Island Historic Sights. After you learn about the history of the town, visit some of the other historic sites on the island, like Historic Mill Creek and Ft. Mackinac. At Mill Creek, visitors enjoy seeing how a eighteenth-century water-powered saw milled logs into lumber, and kids will love helping work a hand saw to cut logs to the proper length. At Ft. Mackinac, visitors step back in time to the 1880s, where they observe social life, historic re-enactments and the military duties of British and American soldiers. This National Historic Landmark was built by British soldiers during the American Revolutionary War to protect the fur trade, and continued to be used by the American military until 1895.

As your fun-filled day comes to a close, it's time to think about lodging. With plenty of first-rate hotels on the island, such as the Island House Hotel, Lake View Hotel, and Chippewa Hotel Waterfront, you can't go wrong. Or, take a Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry back to the mainland, where you can stay near the Mackinac Bridge at Baymont Inn & Suites. Make sure you get a good night's rest, because tomorrow is another day to explore and enjoy all the activities Mackinac Island has to offer!