The Beauty of Mackinac, America's Car-Free Island

October 22, 2025 | 08:42 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - While the world is racing to create innovations in automotive technology, in Michigan, United States, there is a serene island that resembles a journey back in time. Located in Lake Huron, Mackinac Island offers a peaceful atmosphere that allows visitors to reminisce.

As reported by BBC News, the island is known for its unique policy of prohibiting motor vehicles, which has been in place since the late 19th century, making it the only national highway in the United States where cars are not allowed to pass through.

The ban on cars on this 3.8 square kilometer island originated in 1898, when the sound of the first motor car engine frightened the local horses. Since then, the community chose to maintain a peaceful way of life, relying on horses, bicycles, and horse-drawn carriages for transportation.

During the summer, approximately 600 horses work on the island to assist with the transportation of goods, postal services, and tourism. Every year, about 1.2 million tourists cross by ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace to enjoy the classic atmosphere, legendary fudge shops, and a 70-mile bike trail around the island. In the fall, Mackinac Island becomes a romantic destination as the leaves change from green to gold.

As stated in CBS News, it is the beauty of the fall season that has earned Mackinac Island a nomination in the USA Today Readers' Choice Award for the Best Place to Visit for Fall 2025. Apart from enjoying the vibrant foliage, tourists can take horse-drawn carriage tours, go biking, and attend the annual Halloween festival held at the end of October.

However, the allure of Mackinac Island does not solely lie in its natural surroundings. The island is also rich in historical and cultural value. Before the colonial era, the Anishinaabe indigenous community had settled in this area and named it Michilimackinac, meaning "place of the big turtle." Their traces are still preserved in the Biddle House Native American Museum and various ancient burial sites that are thousands of years old.

Another interesting museum to visit is the Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum. It focuses on fine and decorative arts, with a special emphasis on photographs documenting the island's history.

The main attraction of the island is Fort Mackinac, which is the oldest building in Michigan. Located in Mackinac Island State Park, visitors can explore its historical richness through guided tours. The fort provides in-depth insights into the island's role as a military stronghold.

According to a report by Travel and Tour World, Mackinac Island is now being seen as a domestic alternative for tourists who usually seek tropical vacations in the Caribbean. It boasts coastal scenery, fresh air, and historic accommodations, such as the elegant Grand Hotel and the iconic Pink Pony.

Annisa Nur Alimah contributed to the writing of this article

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