From the moment you set foot on Mackinac Island, Michigan, you can see that life there revolves around the horse. If you close your eyes, the clip-clop of horses will transport you back in time! The entire island is like a living history museum.

Seeing the island from a horse drawn carriage is a must during your stay. There are a number of carriages for hire and frequently departing tour wagons. But if you are looking for something truly unique, why not rent a drive-your-own horse drawn carriage?

Jack’s Livery Stables gives you the opportunity to see what it was like to travel over 100 years ago. The stable is located near the Grand Hotel and there are signs to point the way.

Check in at the office and the first order of business is to fill out a short questionnaire about previous experience with horses. Don’t worry if you’re just a novice. The point of the questionnaire is to determine what horse is best suited for you.

After completing the forms, you will be asked to pay for the first hour up front. Any time after that is pro-rated to the nearest quarter hour and charged upon your return. Next the staff will go over the basic rules with you. For example, never leave the carriage unattended, and there are no drive-your-own carriages allowed on Main Street for obvious safety reasons. Then you will meet your horse.

The employees of the stable will hook up your horse, give you some instructions, and hand you a map. Then you’ll be on your way!

You really don’t need the map as all of the horses know where to turn and which routes to go. Nevertheless you are in control. Renting a drive-your-own carriage is one of the most relaxing things you can do on the island. Traveling along at a speed of 3-4 miles per hour, you can really enjoy the scenery and take it all in.

Jack’s Livery Stables is the only stable on the island where you can rent your own carriage. Any trip to the island is not fully complete without the experience of driving your own carriage!