America’s car-free island; Here people live in the past

Mackinac Island in the state of Michigan, despite the state’s reputation as the “car capital”, is the only place in the United States where driving combustion engines is completely prohibited.

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Photographer: Unknown / Getty Images

This 3.8 square kilometer island with about 600 residents has provided a peaceful atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of modernity. The origin of this law goes back to 1898, when the sound of a car scared the horses and the authorities decided to ban motorized vehicles completely.

In Mackinac, all transportation, from municipal garbage collection to postal package delivery, is handled by approximately 600 horses and buggies.

Photographer: Unknown / Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau

This ancient mode of transportation provides visitors with a “travel back in time” experience. Every year, about 1.2 million tourists travel to this island to taste the island’s famous sweets, walk in the forest and visit attractions such as the Grand Hotel.

In addition to horse-drawn carriages, about 1,500 bicycles are available for rent. The long stretch of island highway has now been converted into a bike and walking trail that offers views of the Mackinac Suspension Bridge.

Photographer: Unknown / Mackinac Island Tourism Board

Beyond tourism, Mackinac Island has a special historical significance; The original name of the island means “big turtle” and it has been the place where the natives live and gather for thousands of years. With the end of the tourist season in the fall, most of the horses and tourists leave the island and Mackinac returns to absolute winter tranquility.

Photographer: Unknown / Mackinac Island Tourism Board

Do you think such a way of life and car ban can be a model for reducing pollution in some of our cities? Share your thoughts with us and other Kajaro readers.

Cover photo source: Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau | Photographer: Unknown