This Michigan island banned cars over 100 years ago and tourists keep coming back

In a world fueled by fast ravel and digital distractions, one Michigan island has taken the slow route—and visitors are loving it. Welcome to Mackinac Island, a car-free haven where bikes and horse-drawn carriages rule the roads, and the scent of fudge lingers in the air.

Horses instead of horns

Mackinac Island, nestled in Lake Huron between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, made a radical decision in 1898: it banned motor vehicles. More than a century later, that rule still stands and it’s what sets the island apart.

Instead of taxis and tour buses, visitors travel by horse-drawn carriages, bicycles, or simply on foot. This shift in pace isn’t just charming, it’s transformational. Streets once made for congestion now echo with the rhythmic clop of hooves and the quiet whir of bike tires. In summer, more than 500 horses work the island.

Getting there is part of the charm

Accessing the island adds to the experience. Ferries leave daily from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, gliding across the water in about 30 minutes. There’s no bridge to the island—and no cars waiting on the other side. From the moment you step off the boat, modern stress begins to melt away. The island’s downtown is a lively stretch of Victorian architecture, local shops, and fudge makers who’ve turned candy into performance art. With no honking horns or speeding cars, it’s a pedestrian’s paradise.

Must-see landmarks and natural beauty

Mackinac is rich in both history and scenery. Fort Mackinac, built during the American Revolution, sits high above the town and offers panoramic views of the Straits of Mackinac. Living-history demonstrations and uniformed interpreters bring the fort to life.

Then there’s Arch Rock—a natural limestone arch soaring 146 feet above the water. It’s one of the island’s most photographed spots, accessible by bike, foot, or carriage. The ride there is as memorable as the view. Over 80% of Mackinac Island is state park land. That means miles of trails, dense forests, and shoreline paths for biking or hiking. Rent a tandem bike, bring a picnic, and lose track of time under the shade of ancient trees.

The Grand Hotel and a touch of luxury

Few landmarks are as iconic as the Grand Hotel. Opened in 1887, the white-facade resort boasts the world’s longest front porch at 660 feet. Its rocking chairs offer unbeatable views of the Straits—and a reminder that…