For all those who want to spend a holiday away from the hustle and bustle, a frequent traveler has found the ideal place.
Travel vlogger Josh took a trip to Mackinac Island in Michigan with his father and gives us insider information about the completely car-free island.
Mackinac Island, where there are accommodations in the area, can be reached 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 over 125 years ago, and that comes at a price: There’s “quite a lot” of horse manure on the road, Josh noted.
“The first thing we see? The horses. This is a wild place. When was the last time you got off on an island and there were only horses and carriages waiting for you?” Josh shouted.
Mackinac Island, Michigan, can be reached by ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, the cities at either end of the bridge that connects Michigan’s Lower and Upper Peninsulas.
Cars were banned from the island over 125 years ago, so there is a “fair amount” of horse manure on the road
“I’ll never get over just sitting here watching horses and carriages go by,” he marveled, watching them trot through the streets.
There are three ways to explore the island: a carriage ride, a rental bike or on foot.
Josh, who was traveling with his father, opted for a complete horse-drawn carriage tour and also completed a 13-kilometer bike ride around the entire island.
As passengers exit the ferry, they are greeted by the charming shops and fudge shops for which the island is known.
“Some of them have been here for over a hundred years,” added the travel lover.
Vehicles are not allowed on the island, which means that everything – including garbage collection – is done primarily by horse-drawn carts.
“If you’re wondering what they do with all the horse manure on the street, there’s a manure cart right there,” he explained.
There are numerous historical sites on the island, including museums, centuries-old fudge makers, churches and military sites.
Josh opted for a full horse-drawn carriage tour and also completed the entire 13-kilometer bike ride around the island
Travel vlogger Josh (pictured) took a trip to Mackinac Island in Michigan with his father and gave us insider information about the completely car-free island.
The three main ways to explore the island are by horse-drawn carriage, renting a bicycle or walking
Mackinac Island is also home to impressive natural wonders, including Arch Rock, one of the island’s most popular photo subjects (pictured).
Vehicles are not allowed on the island, which means that everything – including garbage collection – is done primarily by horse-drawn carts.
The father-son duo stopped by on the tour to grab a donut and check out the butterfly exhibit. His dad said it was the “best” butterfly house he’d ever visited and it would be great for visitors with children.
Mackinac Island is also home to impressive natural wonders such as Arch Rock, one of the island’s most popular photo subjects.
Due to its military history, there are several demonstrations and re-enactments throughout the day, including cannon firing and rifle shooting demonstrations.
“Fort Mackinac has a rich history that goes back over 200 years,” Josh explained.
The island is full of historic sites, including museums, centuries-old fudge companies, churches and military sites
“The fort itself was built by the British in 1780 and used during the American Revolution. It was particularly important because control of the Straits of Mackinac was crucial to the fur trade, which was important in the Great Lakes region at the time,” the history buff explained.
Josh also recommended that visitors check out the Grand Hotel, a sprawling 1887 hotel on the island that offers panoramic water views from its massive 200-foot-long terrace.
He pointed out that admission to the terrace costs $12 if you are not staying at the hotel, and that room rates vary depending on the time of year, but were between $750 and $800 when he visited.
“This hotel also has an old-fashioned rule that you can’t wear shorts after 6:30 p.m. and you’re basically required to dress up when you go out,” Josh added.
“I think that would be pretty fun, at least for one night.”
