Michigan’s beautiful car-free island is one of America’s best hidden gems – but it comes at a price

For those looking for a holiday away from the hustle and bustle, a regular traveller has found the ideal location.

Travel vlogger Josh went to Mackinac Island in Michigan with his father and shared his experiences on this completely car-free island.

Mackinac Island, where you can find lodging nearby, is accessible by ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, the cities at either end of the Mackinac Bridge that connects Michigan’s Lower and Upper Peninsulas.

Cars were first banned from the island 125 years ago, and that has one small drawback: there’s “a lot” of horse poop on the road, Josh noted.

“First thing we see? The horses. This is a wild place. When was the last time you stepped onto an island and there were only horses and carriages waiting for you?” Josh exclaimed.

“I’ll never get over sitting here and watching horses and carriages go by,” he said in amazement as he watched them gallop through the streets.

The three main ways to explore the island are by carriage, bicycle or on foot.

Josh, who traveled with his father, opted for a full horse and carriage tour and also completed the full eight-mile bike ride around the island.

As passengers disembark the ferry, they are greeted by the charming shops and fudge stores for which the island is known.

“Some of them have been here for over a hundred years,” the travel enthusiast added.

Vehicles are not allowed on the island, which means that everything, including garbage collection, is done mainly by horse and cart.

If you’re wondering what they do with all that poop [from the horses] “There’s a poop cart on the street over there,” he pointed out.

The island is home to many historical sites, including museums, centuries-old fudge factories, churches, and military sites.

Father and son stopped by for a donut and to check out the butterfly exhibit that was on during the tour. According to his father, it was “the best” butterfly house he had ever visited and would be great for people visiting with children.

Mackinac Island is also home to breathtaking natural wonders, including Arch Rock, one of the island’s most popular photo spots.

Due to the historical military past, there are several demonstrations and re-enactments during the day, including demonstrations with cannon shots and gun shots.

“Fort Mackinac has a rich history dating back over 200 years,” Josh explains.

“The fort itself was built in 1780 by the British and was used during the American Revolution. It was especially important because control of the Straits of Mackinac was vital to the fur trade, which was important in the Great Lakes region at the time,” the history buff explained.

Josh also recommended visitors check out the Grand Hotel, a sprawling hotel built on the island in 1887 that offers panoramic views of the water from its massive 200-foot terrace.

He did mention that if you’re not staying at the hotel, you pay $12 to go to the terrace. Room rates vary depending on the time of year, but were between $750 and $800 when he was there.

“This hotel also has that old-fashioned rule that you can’t wear shorts after 6:30pm and you have to dress nicely when walking around,” Josh added.

“I think it would be quite fun to do that for at least one night.”