Mackinac Community Equestrian Center

The Mackinac Community Equestrian Center (MCEC) is nestled away on a beautiful 3.5 acre site on the back half of Mackinac Island. The facility is located across from historic Wawashkamo Golf Course and only a short distance from British Landing.

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The land is leased to the Mackinac Horsemen’s Association for a nominal fee per year from Mackinac State Historic Parks (MSHP). While looking for a new home for the MHA barn (previously located on Mission Hill downtown), the MSHP was generous enough to offer this lovely piece of land, adjacent to the island trails. Previously, this location was the site of the 160 acre Douseman/Early family farm, a Works Progress Administration (WPA) camp, and a sand pit/landfill. (The complex to the east of the property is the City of Mackinac Island Solid Waste/Recycle Facility).

Started in early April of 2011, the stable is by Wick Buildings, built by Mystic Meadows Construction, the stalls are by Classic Equine and the beechwood flooring is from Maples Saw Mill in the UP.  The landscaping was done by island resident Jack Barnwell & Barnwell Landscape and Design. The stable was designed to allow maximum air circulation, open site lines and wood flooring, all for the comfort of our horses, currently there are 13 box stalls, 7 turnout paddocks, a working round pen, and 100’ x 200’ arena. The front entry and office welcomes guests into the Mackinac Museum of the Horse honoring our location on the Dousman/Early Farm, our equestrian heritage and our many great horses throughout the ages. Anna May Timmons Learning Center dedicated in 2017, includes several flat screen monitors, seating for up to 50 and an equestrian educational book collection. The room is available to be leased  for events, clinics and other equine-related activities.

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The 100’ x 200 outdoor arena is filled with natural sand that was found when the property was first being constructed. An archeologist was onsite for every post hole dug on the property, no artifacts of significance were found mainly due to the fact the property was farmed. This sand was originally part of the Island's ancient shoreline as the glaciers receded. Our friends at the Solid Waste Facility sometimes come over and donate their time to help us maintain the vegetation-free sand. It is truly a community facility! The arena is used for lessons, speed and action events, carriage driving courses and competitions, jumping and flatwork clinics, and horse shows. 

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The three-bedroom caretaker’s cottage was also built in 2011 and houses our wonderful MCEC team.

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The wooden turn-out fencing was installed in 2013 by a group of volunteers. All of our horses get to be outside for the majority of the day and/or night—where they are happiest. 

We love visitors at MCEC! Please stop by when you are on the island!