With fewer than 200 Hackney horses living in America today, the Grand Hotel Stables provides a rare opportunity to see these elegant, high-stepping horses up close.
Visit our 8,700-square-foot working stable to learn more about these iconic Island animals, and take a free and interactive self-guided tour of the vintage sleigh and carriage collection. Our concierge is also happy to arrange Mackinac Island carriage tours and horseback riding.
The Grand Stables, located minutes away from the hotel near Surrey Hill and just across from Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory, is free of charge and open to all Mackinac Island visitors. At 8,700 square feet and home to 12 horses, this working stable is a great way to see the horses up close.
The Grand Stables is also an antique carriage museum with approximately 30 antique carriages and sleighs on display from both Grand Hotel and Mackinac Island Carriage Tours.
The gentle clip-clop of horses is a familiar sound on Mackinac Island. Take a narrated group Mackinac Island carriage tour, starting downtown and stopping along the way at points of interest. Private carriage tours are also available, where you can choose your own itinerary and pick-up/drop-off points. Our Concierge Desk can help you design a personalized route, including parts of the island unseen by many.
For the more adventurous, saddle horses are a great way to explore Mackinac Island’s 40 miles of bridle paths. Or take a leisurely ride around the island in a drive-your-own carriage, available from local liveries.
For tour arrangements or more information, please contact the Concierge Desk, open to assist you with all your requests from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Or contact the Concierge directly by calling 906-847-3331 ext. 567.
Maiden came from a farm in New Jersey where she was broke to drive as a young mare then turned out to become a broodmare. Lady is her teammate and daughter. She joined the Grand Hotel stables in 2019.
Lady joined the Grand Hotel team in 2019 with her mother Maiden. She came from the same farm as her mother, and they have adjusted well to make an incredible team pulling the Hotel’s VIPs.
Jester was bought as an untrained two-year-old. He spent the next two years learning the necessary skills needed to become the dependable horse he is today. Jester moved to the island in 2009 and has been with Grand Hotel ever since.
Crown has been with the Grand Hotel since 2020. He was raised on a farm in Illinois with Noble. Crown and his teammate Jester are best friends despite their age difference. Crown is full of personality and loves attention.
Royal moved to the island in 2019. Royal is a loving horse in the barn, but when it comes time, he is a focused workhorse and is great to train new horses.
Noble moved to the island in 2020 with Crown, but is the perfect match to Royal. Noble is a very serious horse but still loves to grab your attention.
Jake joined the Grand Hotel Stables in the 2021 season. He is our biggest horse in the barn and loves to eat, always looking for something delicious. He enjoys playing out in our paddock with his brother Elwood.
Elwood came to the Grand Hotel with his brother Jake in 2021. He is a great work horse and is focused on the task at hand.
Mario is a young horse that joined Grand Hotel in 2023 with big brother Luigi. He is learning the job and becoming a great work horse for the team. He is a big baby when it comes to love and attention and he is a big sweetheart.
Luigi came to Grand Hotel in 2023 with his little brother Mario. They are our smallest draft team and are enjoying the island life. Both brothers are focused on the road and learning new things every day.
Buzz and his brother Woody joined Grand Hotel for a short part of the 2021 season and came back in 2022. He is a good worker and always eager to see you coming at mealtime. He is a true gentle giant.
Woody came to Grand Hotel with his brother Buzz. He is a sweet horse and is always eager to work. He can often be seen holding his ears out to the side but is rarely bothered by anything.
Enjoy 25% savings on Grand and Lake View Rooms or 35% savings on Balcony Rooms and Suites on select dates May – August. Your stay includes daily breakfast in the elegant Main Dining Room and access to all of Grand Hotel’s signature amenities.
