For those seeking a vacation away from the hustle and bustle, one frequent traveler has found the ideal location.
Travel vlogger Josh took a trip to Mackinac Island in Michigan with his dad, sharing the inside scoop from the completely vehicle-free island.
Mackinac Island, which has accommodation in the area, can be accessed by ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, which are 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 small price – there’s a ‘good amount’ of horse poop on the road, Josh noted.
‘First thing we see? The horses. This is a wild spot. When was the last time you got off on an island and then there was just horses and carriages waiting for you?’ Josh exclaimed.
Mackinac Island, Michigan, can be accessed 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’s a ‘good amount’ of horse poop on the road
‘I’m never going to get over the fact that I’m just sitting here and there’s horses and carriages coming by,’ he marveled, watching them trot down the streets.
The three main ways to get around the island are a carriage tour, renting a bike or walking.
Josh, who was traveling with his father, opted for a full horse and cart tour, as well as completing the entire eight-mile bike ride around the island.
When disembarking the ferry, passengers are welcomed by charming stores and fudge shops – which the island is known for.
‘Some of them have been here for over a hundred years,’ the travel enthusiast added.
Vehicles are not allowed on the island, meaning everything – including trash pickup – is done primarily by horse and cart.
‘If you’re wondering what they do with all the poop [from the horses] on the streets there’s a poop cart right there,’ he pointed out.
The island is full of many historic sites, including museums, centuries-old fudge companies, churches and military sites.
Josh opted for a full horse and cart tour, as well as completing the entire eight-mile bike ride around the island
Travel vlogger Josh (pictured) took a trip to Mackinac Island in Michigan with his dad, sharing the inside scoop from the completely vehicle-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 awe-inspiring natural wonders including Arch Rock, one of the more popular photo spots on the island (pictured)
Vehicles are not allowed on the island, meaning everything – including trash pickup – is done primarily by horse and cart
The father-son duo stopped in for a donut and to check out the butterfly display on the tour, which his dad noted was ‘the best’ butterfly house he’d visited and would be great for people visiting with kids.
Mackinac Island is also home awe-inspiring natural wonders including Arch Rock, one of the more popular photo spots on the island.
Due to the historical military past, there are several demonstrations and reenactments throughout the day, including cannon firings and rifle firing demonstration.
‘Fort Mackinac has a storied history that dates back over 200 years,’ Josh explained.
The island is full of many historic sites, including museums, centuries-old fudge 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 sprawling hotel built in 1887 on the island with panoramic views of the water from its massive 660-foot long patio.
He did note that if you’re not staying at the hotel it is $12 to go to the patio, and room rates vary depending on the time of year but were between $750 – $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’re walking around,’ Josh added.
‘I think that’d be pretty fun to do for at least a night.’