can either of you fill me andothers in on this.

Mackinaw Island Permits for Sleds

When did it start? Where do you get them permits?

And how do you think the locals will like 25mph (they don't wear helmets as it is LOL)?

So what do you want to know? (I can't read the whole story without the subscription and my paper has not come yet.)

You have always had to have a permit to have a sled on the island. Sometimes it is enforced, sometimes not. I have never had one, and never had a problem. I have also heard a few years ago that the police were standing on the shore, and as soon as a sled crossed from the ice to land they were ticketed if they did have the permit.

The speed limit thing is the city council saying that they are doing something for the people. There isn't much opportunity to get above 30 over there anyway. (You could try to race around the shore road, but too dangerous) I did a survey over there a week ago and was actually watching my speed, for some odd reason, and I never got above 35 with me and my trailer. You have to respect the horses anyway.


I should get my paper around lunch and read the article

Yeah, that's what I was hoping for Neil, you or Steve to have a local paper. I wasn't paying to read it online.

As for the speed...no arguement from me! I can't see the place or need to go over 25mph over there. To much for us Fudgies to see for zooming around.

The permit I was unaware of. Does it mean a Trail Permit or a special Island permit. That's what puzzled me.

Thanks as always for the feedback.

I'll have my paper today, too. I'll read it and see what I can get out of it-run with it, Toivo.

Ron,

My first trip over to the Island was back in 1997 and was told before crossing by a local to behave and you will be just fine. The Island has their own trail permits and supposedly the rule is that as soon as you reach the Island, you're supposed to go buy one. I heard that the Chamber of Commerce sold them, but I've never bought one. Just been respectful and enjoyed the sights and never had any problems.

OK, Neil...how'd you get over there? The ice isn't crossable yet is it?

Hey I just thought of something.

The survey wasn't for the sale of the Governors vacation mansion on the Island was it?

The sale proceeds could go to help the deficit

WOW...I thought I knew quite a bit about sledding in Michigan. As many times as I have been over to the Island I never knew about the permit. Lucky I guess? Seen the local LEO in his Explorer many times too. He even waves.

I actually bought the sticker a few years ago just to have it. Not many people have ever been on the island with a sled. If you behave, not race around the island, and mind your own business, there is usually never a problem. Is the ice bridge open?

Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?

Ron, here's the skinny (sorry, Toivo, couldn't help myself) The permits are free, just have to pick them up at the local pokey. Speed limit is 25 throughout the island except for downtown, where the limit is 20. There will not be any posted speed limit signs.

Apparently you have to sign a sheet-I will direct quote the paper here

'Permit holders must sign an agreement "to operate their snowmobiles at a careful and prudent speed for the existing conditions and not to exceed 25 miles per hour in the Mackinac Island State Park."'

Apparently the city thought that there was an assumed speed limit of 35 mph, but learned that there was no enforced speed limit set.

Hope this answers any questions.

Thanks a bunch my Northern Friend.

So you have to go by the PD which is the size of a phone booth to get it eh?

I don't think the speed is an outsider issue from what I saw everytime I was there. Some of the locals on their 80 Panthers with no helmet were passing us when we were right downtown. Have to say there are a lot of clean older sleds on there. But they only go 8 miles a day when the lake is frozen LOL. Island to St. Iggy and back.


But like anything or anywhere else, I know there are tourists that pop wheelies also. I'm just not one of them. That Island is like a foreign country to me, and you don't want to screw up in a foreign land.

Thanks again Neil & Steve

You nailed that one on the head, Ron.

We were over there a few years ago and when we got the permits they actually came out,checked all our registrations and vin #'s.I got into a hassel with them because I was rideing the Tison, which does not have a vin stamped in the tunnel,plus, they didnt know what it was.They finally let me go, but there was some BS involved. Then they wouldnt let us park the sleds downtown,but in a "corral" they had set up,then you had to walk downtown to eat.I'll just stay on the mainland,it only takes a half hour to ride around and see it all anyway.

No prob on that Steve, I kinda busy today. Just like you, I gather the skinny is that nothing is changing, just formalized.

Yes I did some work over there, I took the boat, and have an arrangement with a local plumber that lets us use his sleds. Very nice arrangement for me!

No the ice bridge is not open yet, in fact it froze over last week, then the wind took it all back out. The bay is froze now, and there is some shore ice on teh island, but he majority is still open. If we get that super cold snap they are calling for this weekend, I doubt the boat will run much longer though.