Biking is one of the best ways to experience Mackinac Island. With no cars allowed, cycling offers a safe, scenic, and fun way to explore the island’s coastline, historic sites, and hidden trails. Whether you want a leisurely ride along the waterfront or an adventurous trek through the island’s forests, Mackinac Island has bike routes for every skill level.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Mackinac Island bike rentals, the best cycling routes, and tips for making the most of your ride.
Where to Rent Bikes on Mackinac Island
Since Mackinac Island is a bike-friendly paradise, there are plenty of rental shops offering everything from single-speed cruisers to tandem bikes and electric-assist models.
1. Mackinac Wheels
📍 Location: Downtown, near Main Street
🚲 What They Offer: Single-speed cruisers, tandem bikes, kids’ trailers, and fat-tire bikes.
2. Ryba’s Bike Rentals
📍 Location: Near the ferry docks
🚲 What They Offer: Hybrid bikes, mountain bikes, and adult trikes.
3. Island House Bike Rentals
📍 Location: At the Island House Hotel
🚲 What They Offer: Premium multi-speed bikes, perfect for longer rides.
4. Mackinac Bike Barn
📍 Location: On Market Street
🚲 What They Offer: Electric-assist bikes, great for those who want extra help on hills.
Pro Tip: Many rental shops charge by the hour or by the day. If you’re planning to bike all day, a full-day rental is often the best value.
Best Bike Routes on Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island has routes for every rider, whether you want an easy shoreline ride or an inland adventure through wooded trails.
1. The M-185 Perimeter Loop (Easy – 8.2 miles)
🚴 Best for: First-time visitors, families, and scenic riders
🕒 Time: 1–1.5 hours (leisurely ride)
This paved, car-free road follows the entire shoreline of Mackinac Island. With stunning lake views, gentle terrain, and plenty of places to stop and explore, it’s the most popular bike route on the island.
Highlights Along the Route:
- Arch Rock – A short detour takes you to this famous natural landmark.
- British Landing – A great picnic stop with lake access.
- Sunset Rock – A hidden overlook perfect for evening rides.
Pro Tip: Ride clockwise to take advantage of smoother terrain and less wind resistance.
2. Fort Holmes & Tranquil Bluff Trail (Intermediate – 5 miles)
🚴 Best for: Riders who want a mix of history and nature
🕒 Time: 1 hour (with stops)
This route takes you through Mackinac Island State Park’s interior trails to Fort Holmes, the highest point on the island.
Why You Should Ride It:
- Offers a mix of paved and dirt paths.
- Less crowded than the perimeter loop.
- Includes amazing views of the island and surrounding waters.
3. The Mackinac Island Interior Adventure (Advanced – 6 miles)
🚴 Best for: Experienced cyclists and mountain bikers
🕒 Time: 1.5–2 hours
For those looking for a more challenging ride, Mackinac Island’s interior trails provide steep climbs, fast descents, and rugged terrain.
Top Trails to Explore:
- Tranquil Bluff Trail – A scenic ride through dense forests.
- Leslie Avenue Trail – A historic route with remnants of old military roads.
- Winnebago Trail – A fun, curvy dirt path great for mountain bikers.
Pro Tip: Mountain bikes or fat-tire bikes are best for these trails.
Tips for Biking on Mackinac Island
🚲 1. Start Early – Morning rides mean fewer crowds and cooler weather.
🚲 2. Pack Water & Snacks – There are limited stores on the interior trails, so bring hydration and energy bars.
🚲 3. Take Breaks & Explore – Some of the best views come from stopping at overlooks and historic sites.
🚲 4. Respect Pedestrians & Horses – Cyclists must yield to horse-drawn carriages and walkers on shared paths.
🚲 5. Plan for Weather – If it’s windy, stick to interior trails to avoid gusty lake breezes.
Final Thoughts: The Best Way to See Mackinac Island
Biking is the ultimate way to experience Mackinac Island, offering a fun, scenic, and active way to explore. Whether you stick to the easy M-185 loop or venture into wooded trails, you’ll get to see the island at your own pace.
Need more trip planning tips? Check out our top guides to Mackinac Island’s best hotels, restaurants, and activities!
