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Mackinac Island Transportation

Transportation methods on Mackinac Island are bicycle, by foot, horse-drawn carriages or saddle horses. This is due to the historic ban on horseless carriages in 1898. Motorized vehicles have been prohibited on the island since 1901, with the exception of limited snowmobiles during winter, emergency vehicles, and service vehicles.

On July 6th, 1898, the Mackinac Island Village Council resolved that "the running of horseless carriages be prohibited within the limits of the village of Mackinac." A man by the name of Earl C. Anthony ignored the automobile ban and brought his Locomobile to Mackinac Island in 1900. While driving in Mackinac Island State Park, he frightened and hurt several horses and wrecked some carriages. The Mackinac Island State Park Commission outlawed automobiles in 1901 as a result.

Roller skates and roller blades are allowed on Mackinac Island, except in the downtown area. Bicycles, roller skates/roller blades, carriages, and saddle horses are available for rent. Visitors may elect to bring their own bikes to the island for an extra ferryboat fee. Electric scooters for persons with disabilities are available as well as adult strollers.

Plan your visit to Mackinac Island with the information, reviews and comments for local transportation methods with the links below.

Mackinac Island Transportation Methods Include:

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