We just recently got back from our trip to Mackinac Island with our horses and it was an absolutely amazing experience. This trip was planned a year in advance and definitely worth it! Here's a few tips and some things to keep in mind while planning your trip.
PLANNING AHEAD
- Plan a year in advance - they book up fast
- Horse boarding - Mackinaw Community Equestrian Center
- https://www.mackinachorses.org/boarding
- TIP - become a member and save 10%
- Everything you need to know about paperwork, vaccine requirements, etc. is included on this website so review
- Bed & Breakfast closest to the equestrian center
- The Inn at Stonecliffe https://www.theinnatstonecliffe.com/
- TIP - they occasional have discounts for equestrians so ask
- TIP - rent bikes at the equestrian center (it’s way cheaper this way ($25/stay and it’s about a 10 minute bike ride to get to barn so be prepared to get some additional exercise while visiting the island)
GETTING THERE
- Trailer horses to St. Ignace ferry dock (FYI this requires you to go across the bridge so plan ahead based on weather)
- TIP - don’t plan to travel on Labor Day (it’s the only day the bridge is completely closed from 6am-12noon)
- TIP - horse boarding in case of bad weather, travel plans or emergency (Hiawatha Horse Ranch 231-445-2495)
FERRY RIDE
- There are 2 ways to get there:
- Star Line Ferry is the most common (this is the option where you park your trailer/truck, tack your horse and take everything on foot onto the ferry) Price $80/horse (round trip); don’t forget your adult passes ($25/ round trip)
- TIP - we choose the Star Line option because it was 1/2 the cost and took our camping/hiking back packs with all of our clothes/gear; we used saddle bags to pack the horses feed
- Arnold Ferry (you can take your truck, trailer and horses all in one but you have to have someone drive your trailer back) - Price $200/horse
- Arrive about an hour before ferry time (to park trailer, tack up your horse, put all your gear on your horse or self)
- Ferry ride is about 30-45 minutes and you are allow to stand next to your horse (tied to the rail on the inside of the boat)
- You can have a dray pick up your luggage at the dock but you need to call your hotel in advance to schedule this (we just brought our camping packs so we didn’t have to work about extra steps
ARRIVING TO THE ISLAND
- If you ever want to see if your horse is really, really desensitized to things, take them to Main Street Mackinaw Island on lunch hour (which is pretty much when all the horse ferry boats arrive (leave at 11:30 - and it’s about 30-45min ride) Bikes, people, carriages, music, food smells, sensory overload for anyone. Our horses weren't phased a bit.
- You're not allowed to ride downtown so we had to walk up to the top of turkey hill (steep hill) It’s probably about a 1/2 mile walk. About 1 mile from the barn you can mount your horse and ride the rest of the way
HORSEBACK RIDING TRAILS TO TRY & PLACES WHILE THERE
- RULES: Horse drawn carriages have the right away, then your horses, then bikes and then people. Stay to the right and if you’re passing a carriage (on horse or bike) announce yourself and pass on the left.
- British Landing - shore access & you can tie your horse while you eat at Cannonball Drive-Inn
- Allouez trail - nice/flat trail for gaiting
- Coffee trail
- Lousignon trail
- Scott’s (cave) Rd and Scott’s shore Rd (shore access)
- Manitou Trail to Robinson’s Folly - beautiful scenic outlook
- TIP - tranquil bluff is not so tranquil once you get close to Arch Rock (lots of very steep hills)
OUR FAVORITE PLACES TO EAT/DRINK
- Mary’s Bistro Draught House - they have 50+ Michigan Beers; outdoor seating waterside
- The Pink Pony - great food and beer selection
- The Gate House - yummy food and outdoor seating
- Lucky Bean Coffeehouse - great coffee
- Island Slice Pizza - best bread sticks
- Seabiscuit - yummy appetizers and they have the Seabiscuit movie on continuous play :) Fun fact - this restaurant was opened by two sisters and their father’s (a veterinarian) favorite movie was Seabiscuit (hence the name)
- Woods restaurant (a Grand Hotel Restaurant but it's right next to the Inn at Stonecliffe) - very cool history and they have America's oldest duckpin bowling alley.
- May’s Candy Shoppe - best pricing for fudge and free samples
OTHER FUN THINGS TO DO WHILE AT THE ISLAND
- The Original Butterfly House (behind Sainte Anne’s Church)
- Eat Fudge….obviously
Enjoy! If you have any questions feel free to email or message me.
Melissa
