by Allison Peters
This summer on Experiencing Northern Michigan I’ve shared Mackinac Island, adventures from my first-ever visit there at the start of the season. From watching the Grand Parade at the 70th Annual Mackinac Island Lilac Festival and staying at the Lilac House Bed & Breakfast to touring historic Fort Mackinac, visiting the Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory, and flying kites and biking all around the lush Island, my own Mackinac Island weekend escape was jam-packed with incredible memories, brand new experiences, and refreshing adventures that will stay with me for a lifetime.
On that trip to the Island, I got to experience Mackinac Island’s natural beauty and interesting history up close while exploring many remarkable tourist attractions that make the Island an unforgettable destination for those who seek a serene, unique place where you can relax and watch time stand still. Thanks to the one-of-a-kind carriage tour, taxi service, and wedding transport provider Mackinac Island Carriage Tours, I got the chance to take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage (horse-drawn carriage rides are kind of becoming a thing on my blog) around the Island touring some of its most interesting and breathtaking sights.
The fun, laid-back, and educational horse-drawn carriage tour experience is a must-do for any first-time visit to Mackinac Island. An impressively well-trained guide drives the carriage and tends to the horses all while simultaneously telling jokes and sharing stories and teaching histories to the passengers of real events that occurred on the Island long ago. Sightseeing tour ticket prices (season ending October 27) are quite reasonable, especially with combo tickets (season ending September 29) including admission to the Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory plus a chance to see the Grand Hotel Stables, parks, cemeteries, and the some of the Island’s most interesting and iconic landmarks, including the famous Grand Hotel.
What I loved about the carriage ride was that we all had a chance to relax and simply soak in our surroundings while going at a comfortable pace for taking photos and learning from a tour guide some of the coolest, craziest, and funniest footnotes in the Mackinac Island history books. I also loved getting to stop every now and then to explore a little closer up. We initially stopped near the Grand Hotel Stables adjacent to the butterfly conservatory, where there were great gift shops, food and ice cream vendors, and unique vintage carriages on display. After lingering there for a while on our own time, we hitched another carriage through the parks, cemeteries, and wooded areas of the Island with a stop at the gorgeous Arch Rock.
The carriage tour is a perfect way to get acquainted with the history, culture, and vibe of Mackinac Island if you’re a first-timer like I was.
What would your dream Island adventure involve? How would you spend a weekend escape to Mackinac? My first experience on Mackinac Island this summer was unforgettable. Enchanting. It was the epitome of a Pure Michigan escape. I have more fond memories and serendipitous adventures from my inaugural trip there to share later this year, so stay tuned for future Mackinac Island experiences coming soon!
This article originally appeared in The 9&10 NEWS and is re-printed here with permission. Find out more about Driving in our Riding Disciplines section. Discover more about Vacations in our Travel & Tourism section.
