For those looking for a vacation away from the hustle and bustle, one frequent traveler has found the ideal spot.
Travel vlogger Josh took a trip to Mackinac Island in Michigan with his dad and shared exclusive insights into the completely car-free island.
Mackinac Island, which has accommodations in the area, is accessible by ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, which are the towns at either end of the Mackinac Bridge that connects Michigan’s Lower and Upper Peninsulas.
Cars were banned on the island more than 125 years ago and that comes at a small price: there is a “fair amount” 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 went down to an island and there were only horses and carriages waiting for you?” Josh exclaimed.
Mackinac Island, Michigan, can be reached by ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, the towns at either end of the bridge that connects Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas.
Cars were banned on the island more than 125 years ago, so there is a “fair amount” of horse droppings on the road.
“I’ll never get over the fact that I’m sitting here and there are horses and carriages going by,” he marveled, watching them trot through the streets.
The three main ways to get around the island are by car, renting a bike or walking.
Josh, traveling with his father, opted for a full horse-drawn carriage tour, in addition to completing the full eight-mile bike ride around the island.
Upon disembarking from the ferry, passengers are greeted by charming shops and confectioneries, for which the island is known.
“Some of them have been here for more than a hundred years,” added the travel enthusiast.
No vehicles are allowed on the island, meaning everything, including garbage collection, is done mostly by horse-drawn cart.
“If you’re wondering what they do with all the horse poop on the streets, there’s a poop cart right there,” he said.
The island is packed with numerous historical sites, including museums, centuries-old dulce de leche factories, churches and military sites.
Josh opted for a full horse-drawn carriage tour, in addition to completing the eight-mile bike ride around the island.
Travel vlogger Josh (pictured) took a trip to Mackinac Island in Michigan with his dad and shared exclusive insight into the completely car-free island.
The three main ways to get around the island are a carriage tour, renting a bike or walking.
Mackinac Island is also home to stunning natural wonders, including Arch Rock, one of the most popular photo spots on the island (pictured).
No vehicles are allowed on the island, meaning everything, including garbage collection, is done mostly by horse-drawn cart.
The father-son duo stopped to buy a doughnut and check out the butterfly exhibit along the way, which their dad noted was “the best” butterfly house he’d ever visited and would be great for people visiting with children.
Mackinac Island is also home to stunning natural wonders, including Arch Rock, one of the island’s most popular photo spots.
Due to the historic military past, various demonstrations and re-enactments take place throughout the day, including cannon firing and rifle shooting demonstrations.
“Fort Mackinac has a rich history dating back over 200 years,” Josh explained.
The island is filled with many historical sites, including museums, centuries-old dulce de leche companies, churches, and military sites.
“The fort itself was built by the British in 1780 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 area during that time,” the history buff explained.
Josh also urged visitors to check out the Grand Hotel, a massive hotel built in 1887 on the island with panoramic water views from its massive 660-foot-long patio.
He noted that if you’re not staying at the hotel, going to the courtyard costs $12 and 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-school rule where after 6:30pm you’re not allowed to wear shorts and you’re basically required to dress up when you walk around,” Josh added.
“I think it would be a lot of fun to do it at least for one night.”