• Home
  • Energy
  • Sustainability
  • Climate Change
    • Eco Editorial
  • Environment
    • Environmental Issues
      • Environmental Pollution
      • Global Warming
      • Population Explosion
      • Renewable Energy
      • Species Extinction
      • Sustainable Management of Resources
    • Animals
    • Pollution
    • Environmental Policy
  • Green Technology
    • Green Tips
  • Contact Us
  • Home
  • Energy
  • Sustainability
  • Climate Change
    • Eco Editorial
  • Environment
    • Environmental Issues
      • Environmental Pollution
      • Global Warming
      • Population Explosion
      • Renewable Energy
      • Species Extinction
      • Sustainable Management of Resources
    • Animals
    • Pollution
    • Environmental Policy
  • Green Technology
    • Green Tips
  • Contact Us
Car Free Mackinac Island
July 12, 2013
Photo Credit: Some rights reserved by Chris Clayson via Flickr.

Photo Credit: Some rights reserved by Chris Clayson via Flickr.

Do you know a place where driving your car on the road is illegal? Well now you can say you do because nestled in between Michigan’s peninsulas is a small city called Mackinac Island and it hasn’t seen a car ride through town in over a century.

When cars first came about in the early 19th century not everyone was so ‘gung-ho’ about them. Many locals and townspeople were put off by the noise and exhaust they expelled that they were outlawed in certain areas. This was the case for Mackinac Island. The once serene and peaceful streets were being disrupted with these so called “mechanical monsters”, as one resident was quoted calling them, so the government enacted a law before they had a chance to “take over.”

Mackinac Island — City Where Cars Have Been Outlawed Since 1898 http://t.co/7kbtAoZ4kH

— bikocity (@bikocity) July 6, 2013

Through the decades, society and technology has evolved and cars are seen pretty much everywhere you look, but little Ol’ Mackinac Island has remained car-free ever since the Village Council enacted that law in 1898.

The Island is a mere 3.8 square miles in total area and boasts the only car-free highway, the M-185, with killer views of the coastline. It may be small in size- with an 8.3 mile circumference you could probably bike around it in less than an hour – but it’s still quite impressive to see carless roadways actually exist. Much like a page out of early 19th century the only way to get around here is by foot, bicycle, or horse drawn carriage.

Is there anywhere in US to get away from the automobile? Actually—yes, Mackinac Island, which banned cars in 1898. http://t.co/CnSq44mNis

— Taras Grescoe (@grescoe) July 8, 2013

Mackinac Island is located in the upper and lower peninsulas of the of state Michigan, surrounded by the beautiful waters of Lake Huron. The Island is not just appreciated for its environmental friendliness but is actually most recognized for its deep roots in American history. Mackinac was once the center of fur trading operations, home to a military outpost during the Revolutionary war, and was the stage for two strategic battles during the war of 1812. In addition, this serene little town has been virtually untouched as far as land development since the 1870′s. The federal government stepped in to ensure its treasures were preserved for prosperity and so far they have done an amazing job at that.

Through the years it has undergone extensive historical preservation and restoration and as you can imagine it is now a major tourist attraction and listed as a National Historic Landmark. It’s home to 500 residents but that number surges to about 15,000 in the summer as tourists flock to the Island for family vacations and events.

Cars Outlawed On Mackinac Island Since 1898 http://t.co/VNOEZkpJsB @EcoJive

— EcoJive (@EcoJive) July 6, 2013

There are many great activities and attractions for all ages on Mackinac Island like a butterfly conservatory, horse carriage tours, a haunted theater, and performance arts. You can wake up to the subtle clip clop of horses on the cobblestone, see original 18th century French-Canadian architecture, and breathe in that cool fresh breeze off the beautiful surrounding waters.

The air is crisp and there are few distractions on the Island so it also makes for a romantic getaway for couples. The small Victorian Isle seems to have everything on the checklist for a quiet and beautiful vacation.

car free island
Share

Sustainability

John Tarantino
My name is John Tarantino … and no, I am not related to Quinton Tarantino the movie director. I love writing about the environment, traveling, and capturing the world with my Lens as an amateur photographer.

Leave a reply


Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

  • Recent Posts

    • The Environmental Impact Of Biomedical Waste And How To Reduce It
    • What Are the Most Eco-Friendly Types of Water Filters?
    • The Top 7 Eco-Friendly Kitchen Cabinet Picks For 2023
    • How To Sustain A Carbon-Neutral Lifestyle
    • Sustainable Fishing Methods to Fish More Responsibly
  • Categories

    • Animals
    • Climate Change
    • Eco Editorial
    • Energy
    • Environment
    • Environmental Policy
    • Green Food
    • Green Technology
    • Green Tips
    • Green Travel
    • Infographics
    • Other Stories
    • Pollution
    • Recycle
    • Sustainability
    • Toxics
    • Uncategorized
  • Archives

    • March 2023
    • February 2023
    • January 2023
    • December 2022
    • November 2022
    • October 2022
    • September 2022
    • August 2022
    • July 2022
    • June 2022
    • May 2022
    • April 2022
    • March 2022
    • February 2022
    • January 2022
    • December 2021
    • November 2021
    • October 2021
    • September 2021
    • August 2021
    • July 2021
    • June 2021
    • May 2021
    • April 2021
    • March 2021
    • February 2021
    • January 2021
    • December 2020
    • November 2020
    • October 2020
    • September 2020
    • August 2020
    • July 2020
    • June 2020
    • May 2020
    • April 2020
    • March 2020
    • February 2020
    • January 2020
    • December 2019
    • November 2019
    • October 2019
    • September 2019
    • August 2019
    • July 2019
    • June 2019
    • May 2019
    • April 2019
    • March 2019
    • February 2019
    • January 2019
    • December 2018
    • November 2018
    • October 2018
    • September 2018
    • August 2018
    • July 2018
    • June 2018
    • May 2018
    • April 2018
    • March 2018
    • February 2018
    • January 2018
    • December 2017
    • November 2017
    • October 2017
    • September 2017
    • August 2017
    • July 2017
    • June 2017
    • May 2017
    • April 2017
    • March 2017
    • February 2017
    • January 2017
    • December 2016
    • November 2016
    • October 2016
    • September 2016
    • August 2016
    • July 2016
    • June 2016
    • May 2014
    • March 2014
    • February 2014
    • January 2014
    • December 2013
    • November 2013
    • October 2013
    • September 2013
    • August 2013
    • July 2013
    • June 2013
    • May 2011



Home | About | Advertise With Us | Bike The Netherlands | Current Environmental Issues | Eco Editorial | Contact