Mackinac Island: Where it's Always the Year of the Horse

Horseback riders heading down Market Street toward Fort Mackinac

According to the Chinese zodiac, 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse. A great way to channel the energy and spirit of this year’s animal horoscope is to spend time on Mackinac Island - where cars are banned and the horse is king.

During the peak summer season, nearly 600 horses call Mackinac Island home. Spending time with these gentle giants is a key aspect of experiencing Mackinac Island to its full extent. In the heart of downtown, Pontiac Lodge, Village Inn Suites, and Downtown Harbor Suites are centrally located to all horsey activities.

Mackinac Island Carriage Tours provides private and public narrated tours around the

Mackinac Island Carriage Tours leaving from the ticket office on Main Street

island’s major landmarks and historical sites - with stops including Fort Mackinac and Arch Rock. They also provide horse-drawn taxi services to get you to and from island destinations.

For a private, more customizable tour, Gough Livery offers a variety of tour options for the curious traveller. Your tour guide can suggest a route based on points of interest that you'd like to see. They offer different size carriages based on the number of people in your group.

If horseback riding is more your style, Jack’s Livery and Cindy’s Riding Stable provide a variety of opportunities for the beginner or more advanced rider. You can ride through Mackinac Island State Park and on a number of

Mackinac Island’s interior trails. Jack’s Livery Stable also allows you to take the reins yourself with drive-yourself carriages!

Horseback riders coming up Turkey Hill

For the horse historian, there is a rich history of the horse on Mackinac Island. To explore this up close and personal, the Grand Hotel Horse Stables and Carriage Museum is a great place to get started. A detailed history of Mackinac Island’s horses, as well as antique carriages, can be explored here and at the nearby Surrey Hills Carriage Museum. 

Spectators are welcome at the Annual Island Horse Show

For the horse owner or equestrian enthusiast, you can bring your horse to Mackinac Island! Outside of the bustle of downtown, the Mackinac Community Equestrian Center offers boarding opportunities, riding lessons, and hosts a number of community related events and shows. Here, you can experience clinics, local 4-H meetings, and the Annual Island Horse Show.

Sunset Condos located in the Stonecliffe area

If you wish to stay in accommodations close to where your horse is boarding, Sunset Condos offers the opportunity to enjoy quiet and comfortable lodgings, with easy access to the boarding facility. Our hardworking porters at Mackinac Resorts are able to assist in the transportation of tack and baggage to your accommodations, and can assist in the navigation of your trip. 

If you’re tired of horsing around, our knowledgable staff at Mackinac Resorts can help you plan the perfect trip to Mackinac Island - where it's always the Year of the Horse. We’re chomping at the bit and ready to help you discover your perfect adventure!