In 1898, well before they had a chance to take over, cars were outlawed on Mackinac Island, Michigan. Interestingly, the law was never repealed and the ban stands firm to this day.

In 1898, well before they had a chance to take over, cars were outlawed on Mackinac Island, Michigan.

Residents of the Lake Huron island decided quickly that the automobiles showing up in their neighborhood were loud and, as one resident put it, “mechanical monsters”.

Interestingly, the law was never repealed and the ban stands firm to this day, making Mackinac Island the only US city that, save for a few emergency vehicles, prohibits their use.

Boats and planes are the only ways to the island, and once you’ve arrived you have your choice of travel via foot, bicycle, or horse.

Of course, with no car traffic to dodge, they are all pretty peaceful ways to travel.

The island has the nation’s only car-free highway, which stretches around its 8 mile coastline.

If you decide to be among the few who brave the Northern Michigan winter winds, skis, snowshoes, sleds and snowmobiles are also permitted as transportation means.

Even though the island’s population falls from 15 thousand to about 500, several businesses stay open to provide visitors and locals with good times through the winter months.