Photo: Debbie Wilson
Photo: Ashley Atondo
Photo: Alexia M
Mackinac Island Carriage Tours
★4.3(1,169 reviews)$$Adventure
🕑 1.5 to 2 hours👶 Best for ages 3 and up. Toddlers and preschoolers love watching the horses and the gentle ride, while school-age kids and teens appreciate the historical stories and island legends shared by the guides.🧡 Saved by 50+ families
About
Step back in time with a horse-drawn carriage tour around car-free Mackinac Island, where your family will enjoy a narrated journey through Victorian-era charm and stunning natural beauty. Kids are captivated by the gentle horses and fascinating stories about the island's history, famous fudge shops, and the Grand Hotel, making this a relaxing yet engaging adventure for all ages.
Highlights
- ✓Riding in authentic horse-drawn carriages on an island where cars are completely banned
- ✓Learning fascinating island history and folklore from entertaining, knowledgeable guides
- ✓Seeing iconic landmarks like Arch Rock, Skull Cave, and the Grand Hotel from the comfort of your seat
- ✓Meeting the gentle draft horses up close before or after your tour
- ✓Taking in panoramic views of Lake Huron and the Straits of Mackinac
Pro Tips
- 1.Book your tour early in the day (9:00-10:00 AM) to beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures during summer months.
- 2.Bring a light blanket or jacket even in summer, as the open-air carriages can get breezy, especially along the waterfront sections.
- 3.Ask your driver questions! They love engaging with curious kids and often have extra stories to share about the horses and island wildlife.
- 4.Combine your carriage tour with a visit to Fort Mackinac afterward, as the tour passes by and gives kids a preview of what's inside.
- 5.Sit on the right side of the carriage for the best water views during most of the tour route.
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings in late May, early June, or September for smaller crowds and pleasant weather. The first tour of the day offers the most intimate experience with fewer carriages on the road.
What to Know
Tours depart from downtown near the ferry docks on Market Street, making it easy to start your island adventure right after arrival. No reservations required for the standard tour, but private carriage tours should be booked in advance.
Seasonal Notes
Tours operate from late April or early May through late October, weather permitting. Peak season is June through August. The island and tours close for winter as ferry service becomes limited and most businesses close from November through April.
Nearby Eats
Stop at Doud's Market on Main Street for picnic supplies and fresh sandwiches, or grab lunch at Millie's on Main for kid-friendly classics like mac and cheese and burgers in a casual atmosphere.
More Activities Near Mackinac Island
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Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry
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Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry whisks families on an exciting boat ride to Michigan's magical car-free island, where horse-drawn carriages replace automobiles and fudge shops line historic streets. The fast, modern ferry service makes getting there half the adventure, with kids loving the wind-in-their-hair boat ride across the Straits of Mackinac. Once on the island, families can explore Victorian-era charm, bike around the 8.2-mile shoreline, visit Fort Mackinac, and of course, sample world-famous fudge.
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Sip N' Sail Cruises
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Sip N' Sail Cruises offers an unforgettable educational adventure on the waters surrounding historic Mackinac Island. Kids will be captivated by the captivating narration about shipwrecks beneath the waves, iconic lighthouses dotting the shoreline, and the chance to spot local marine life while enjoying stunning island views from the boat.
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Mackinac Wheels
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Mackinac Wheels offers the perfect way to explore car-free Mackinac Island with your family. Rent bikes sized for everyone from toddlers to teens and cruise along the scenic 8.2-mile perimeter road, past historic sites, beaches, and stunning Lake Huron views. With multiple rental locations throughout town and excellent safety equipment, it's an accessible adventure that lets families cover more ground than walking while creating unforgettable memories together.
Museum
British Landing
$
British Landing offers families a fascinating glimpse into War of 1812 history at the actual site where British forces came ashore in 1814. Kids can explore interpretive displays and monuments while learning about Mackinac Island's military past through engaging educational programs. The scenic location also provides beautiful views and a peaceful spot for a family picnic along the island's northern shore.