How to Get Around on Mackinac Island

Bikers on Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island is a wonderful Michigan escape, right at the junction where the Mackinac Bridge connects the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan, and it is also a wonderful historic gem. One element of its history that the residents have chosen to retain is that no motorized vehicles are permitted on the island. So, to get around on Mackinac Island you'll have to get a little creative. There are, however, several different fun methods of transport that are open to tourists.

Things You'll Need

• Money
• Time

Instructions

Getting Around on Mackinac Island

1. Boat to the island. If you have your own boat the trip to Mackinac Island is a particularly beautiful way to view the Great Lakes. Otherwise, travel to Mackinac City and you'll encounter more than half a dozen ferry services that offer shuttles back and forth to Mackinac Island every 15 to 30 minutes.

2. Fly to island. For those who'd rather fly, Mackinac does permit small planes to land at its single-strip airport.

3. Bike around the island. There's no shortage of vendors who rent bicycles to tourists all through the Spring, Summer, and Fall. You can rent a bike and then take the beautiful trail that runs around the entire island or simply bike to and from your hotel, restaurants, and other destinations.

4. Walk. Sure, it'll take a little more time, but walking on Mackinac Island is the main method of transportation and a great way to work off all of the calories of fudge, ice cream, and other delectable Mackinac food you consume during your visit.

5. Use horsepower. At various places on the island you can rent a horse to ride or charter a horse-drawn carriage and driver. Either way, this is a great, fun way to get around Mackinac. It is, however, a fairly expensive method compared with all of the others.

6. Use your boat. If you've got one, one of the easiest ways to get to less touristy parts of Mackinac Island is to simply boat around the island and then weigh anchor and swim inland or take a dinghy.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't worry, there are motorized vehicles kept on the island in case of emergency.

• Some of the resorts on Mackinac Island offer free shuttles to help their lodgers get around. The truth is, though, that anyone can board one of these horse-drawn shuttles by simply walking up and getting in line.

• During the off-season, from about late October until mid-April, most of Mackinac Island closes down and transportation becomes much more difficult.

• Don't expect to get around quickly on Mackinac Island, and don't miss your last ferry back to mainland. If you do, you'll likely be stuck on the island until the next morning.