Mackinac Island Golf Cart Laws (2026)

Mackinac Island is one of the most famous car-free places in the United States, but here is the part most visitors do not expect: golf carts are also banned on public roads. The island banned motor vehicles in 1898 after horse-drawn carriage drivers petitioned the village council, and that ban extends to golf carts, e-bikes, and all other motorized vehicles. The only way to get around is by foot, bicycle, or horse-drawn carriage. Golf carts do exist on the island, but only on the golf courses themselves. M-185, the 8.2-mile road circling the island, is the only state highway in the country where motor vehicles are not allowed.

• Golf carts are NOT allowed on any public road on Mackinac Island
• The motor vehicle ban dates to 1898 and covers all motorized vehicles, including golf carts, cars, trucks, e-bikes, and scooters
• Golf carts are only permitted on the island's golf courses (Wawashkamo Golf Club, The Jewel, and Grand Hotel's The Grand Nine)
• M-185, the 8.2-mile road circling the island, is the only state highway in the U.S. where motor vehicles are prohibited
• Transportation on public roads is limited to walking, bicycling, and horse-drawn carriages
• Emergency vehicles (police cars, fire trucks, ambulance) are the only motor vehicles allowed on roads
• Snowmobiles are permitted during winter months when the island is iced in and ferry service stops
• E-bikes are also banned within Mackinac Island State Park and the City of Mackinac Island without special authorization
• Violations of the motor vehicle ban are enforced by the Mackinac Island Police Department

• Do not bring a golf cart to Mackinac Island expecting to drive it on the roads. Golf carts are banned on all public streets, just like cars
• Rent a bicycle when you arrive. Bike rentals are available at multiple shops near the ferry docks. The 8.2-mile loop around the island on M-185 is flat and scenic
• Horse-drawn carriage tours are the classic Mackinac Island experience. Mackinac Island Carriage Tours operates from Main Street
• If you want to play golf, Wawashkamo Golf Club (1898), The Jewel, and Grand Hotel's The Grand Nine all provide golf carts for use on their courses
• The island is only 3.8 miles long and 1.5 miles wide. Walking is practical for reaching most destinations
• Three ferry companies (Shepler's, Star Line, Arnold) run boats from Mackinaw City and St. Ignace. The crossing takes about 15 minutes