On July 6, 1898, the Village Council of Mackinac Island made a pivotal decision: “Resolved: That the running of horseless carriages be prohibited within the limits of the village of Mackinac.” This proclamation set a precedent for the Lake Huron’s Mackinac Island (pronounced MAK-in-aw) and turned it into a rare American town that resisted the automobile’s encroachment.
Sainte Anne’s church by the harbor of Mackinac Island
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As the automobile gained popularity and ubiquity over the years, Mackinac Island remained resolute in its prohibition, resulting in it being the only city in the United States where cars are still outlawed.
Around 500 permanent residents and approximately 14,500 seasonal visitors navigate this unique island on foot, bicycle, or horseback. The prohibition extends to vehicles like scooters, ATVs, and golf carts, with few exceptions such as motorized wheelchairs, emergency vehicles, and snowmobiles during winter. An iconic feature of the island is the Lake Shore Boulevard (M-185), the only state highway in the U.S where cars are prohibited.
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Mackinac Island‘s commitment to its automobile ban seems quite fitting considering the island’s old-world charm and relentless preservation efforts. The entire island, covering an area of 3.8 square miles, is a recognized National Historic Landmark and over 80 percent of it is preserved as Mackinac Island State Park. The park offers more than 70 miles of hiking and biking trails for visitors to immerse themselves in Mackinac’s natural splendor. Landmarks like Fort Mackinac, Colonial Michilmackinac, and Historic Downtown exemplify the island’s historical importance and architectural authenticity. The Grand Hotel, another significant landmark, has hosted five U.S. presidents, various dignitaries, and cultural figures such as Mark Twain and Thomas Edison, who performed the first public demonstration of the phonograph on the hotel’s renowned 660-foot porch.
Arch Rock on Mackinac Island in Michigan
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Unique Attractions on and around Mackinac Island, Michigan
Skull Cave
Skull Cave, despite its small size and modest appearance, has a dark history filled with human remains. Initially carved by natural processes of the extinct Lake Algonquin, it was used as a resting place for the dead by local Native Americans in the 18th century. Discovered by a fur trader…
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