Ever dreamed of a getaway to an enchanting island free from cars for over 125 years? Welcome to Mackinac Island in Michigan! Here, you can breathe in the fresh, clean air and enjoy a slice of history where automobiles have been absent since the late 1800s.
This charming destination recently found fame thanks to a viral TikTok video by @zoeeeeeeeezz, racking up a whopping 3.9 million views since its posting on June 13.
In the video, a caption notes: “Pov [point of view] you’re in the only city in the US where cars are banned and it feels like you’re in Bridgerton,” referencing the popular 1800s-set TV drama.
The stunning visuals showcase people strolling through tree-lined parks, with horse-drawn carriages gliding by, and women biking under a clear blue sky. It beautifully wraps up with shots of the historic Grand Hotel, surrounded by lush greenery and a vintage-style interior.
Mackinac Island has maintained its car-free status since July 6, 1898, when all horseless carriages were prohibited, as stated by the Mackinac tourism bureau.
Among the vast 4 million miles of public roads in the U.S., M-185—the 8.2-mile road on Mackinac Island—is the only state highway where motor vehicles are restricted. Located at the meeting point of Lakes Michigan and Huron, Mackinac Island is often referred to as “the crossroads of the Great Lakes.” Though it has a year-round population of about 500 residents, that number swells significantly during the summer tourist season, according to the Great Lakes Islands Alliance.
Accessible only by ferry or plane, this quaint island offers a touch of “Old World Victorian charm.” Visitors are greeted by the melodious sounds of horse-drawn carriages rather than the usual roar of cars, making for a serene atmosphere, as noted by Visit the USA, the official travel site.
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Mackinac Island has even been nominated as one of the “best places to visit for fall” in USA Today‘s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards.
“The vibes are just right on Mackinac Island each fall,” reports USA Today. “Crisp, sunny days with vibrant foliage give way to a slower pace of life in this resort town.” Voting is open until September 9, with winners announced on September 18.
Why the Long-Standing Car Ban?
The island’s first horseless carriage made its debut in 1898 via ferry, sparking conflict between horse travel and automobiles. Islanders voiced concerns as these “dangerous horseless carriages” reportedly spooked the horses used by carriage owners.
In response, carriage workers submitted a petition to the village council on the same day, asserting that automobiles posed a risk to “the lives and property of petitioners and their patrons and to all others who use the streets and roads of this village.” The council agreed, and the car ban took immediate effect, later expanding to Mackinac Island State Park in 1901.