Mackinac Island: A Bicyclist’s Dream - Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau

Mackinac Island, MI

Mackinac Island: A Bicyclist’s Dream

There are roads on Mackinac Island, but no cars. That makes it the perfect place to pedal safely, while catching glimpses of the incredible sights. You can bring your own bike over on the ferry or rent a new ride from an island vendor, maybe a fat tire or a tandem bike for two. Once you’re here, the entire island is your playground, with more than 70 miles of paved trails and earthen paths to explore. You can bike all the way around Mackinac Island, right through the middle of it or just from point to point in town – wherever your two wheels take you.

A couple rides bikes down Main Street on Mackinac Island

Biking Experiences You Will Love

Rent a Bike or Bring Your Own

It’s easy to bring your own bicycle to Mackinac Island. Just take it on board the ferry for a small fee. You can also rent a bike once you arrive from one of many island vendors offering everything from single-speed cruisers and multi-speed comfort bikes to mountain bikes, fat bikes and tagalongs, too.

Ride All the Way Around

The iconic Mackinac Island bicycling experience takes you all the way around the 8.2-mile perimeter on M-185, the only state highway in the country without cars. Whether you ride clockwise or counterclockwise, there’s breathtaking sights to see the whole way.

Pedal the Trails

For a more challenging trek, bike up into the interior of Mackinac Island where the state park offers more than 70 miles of trails. These are the routes that take you to many of Mackinac’s most legendary landmarks including the Crack in the Island and Sugar Loaf.

Try a Tandem Bike

There’s nothing cuter than pedaling side by side and holding hands with that special someone. But the real test of a relationship is trying to power a tandem bicycle together. Riding a bicycle built for two makes for a great date night or family activity out in the gorgeous environs of Mackinac Island.

Go Mountain Biking

Go offroad on the dirt paths through Mackinac Island State Park for the ultimate mountain biking adventure. Tackling the trails on a fat bike makes for an even more exhilarating experience, as you huff and puff your way up and down hills and along the cliff’s edge on the bluff.

License Your E-Bike

With a ban on vehicles, there are specific rules and laws regarding E-bikes on Mackinac Island. Class I E-bikes with pedal assist only (no throttle) are allowed for persons with a mobility disability.

Pedal Power!

Nothing says leisure quite like a relaxing bike ride through town or peaceful pedal around Mackinac Island’s outer rim. Of course, you can ramp up the exertion by powering your way up the hills into the middle of the island and crisscrossing the miles of trails through the state park forest. Whichever kind of biking suits your style, Mackinac Island is the perfect place for it. There’s beautiful scenery, fascinating landmarks and, of course, no cars. Come get on a bike and have your run of America’s No. 1 Best Island!

A mother snaps a selfie of her and her family while riding bicycles near Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island

START PLANNING

Once you decide whether to bring your own bike or rent one on Mackinac Island, it’s time to plan the rest of your vacation. Check out the Visitor Guide below and sign up to receive updates in advance of your trip, then reserve your room at one of the island’s many incredible places to stay.

Other experiences you might like:

Whenever you need to take a break from your bicycle, just hop on a horse-drawn carriage and explore Mackinac Island at a clip-clop pace. Or book a seat on a boat tour of the surrounding waters. There are so many other things to see and do while visiting the Crown Jewel of the Great Lakes!

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