Have you ever gone on vacation to a quaint little resort town and wondered what it would be like to actually live there? In America's unique and celebrated resort towns, life is certainly interesting and fun. But we've never seen a resort town like this that doesn't allow motor vehicles. Step inside this small town and see some of the available things to do on Mackinac Island, Michigan, one of the most beautiful places in the U.S. -- and all-around best small towns in the U.S.!

To discover more incredible off-the-beaten-path destinations across America, Destination Detour has you covered.

What Makes Mackinac Island Special?

Nothing short of a national treasure, Mackinac Island has captured the hearts of residents and visitors alike for centuries. It's been called the Jewel of the Great Lakes, and upon visiting, you'll understand why.

Mackinac Island is home to a year-round population of about 500 residents, some of whom live in the heavily trafficked tourist area of downtown. In season, the daily population of Mackinac Island soars to a whopping 10,000 people. Hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to this small island in Michigan without cars annually to get a taste of this walking city, the history, the fudge the island is so famous for, and the unique resort flair. Visitors to Mackinac Island love the novelty of being in a quiet place without the chaos caused by motorized vehicles. This makes it a favorite among Michigan resort towns.

Residents love it too! Mackinac Island is a car-free town in Michigan that placed a ban on motor vehicles way back in 1898. It makes an exception only for emergency responders and snowmobiles. Golf carts are allowed on golf courses. Other than that, residents here get around just like the tourists: by foot, by bike, or by carriage.

How To Get To Mackinac Island

Given that there's no bridge into Mackinac Island, and no cars are allowed anyway, the best way to get to Mackinac Island is by ferry. Ferry boats depart from Mackinaw City, which is just at the tip of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, or St. Ignace, which is at the bottom of the Upper Peninsula.

The ferry rides take just 16-18 minutes, and they'll bring you right to the heart of town. If you've arrived for a quick day trip, you can park your car for free at the designated ferry lots in Mackinaw City or St. Ignace. Or, if you're planning to spend the night on the island, the ferry companies offer a range of options to choose from.

There's a third option for getting to Mackinac Island: flying! The Mackinac Island Airport has a 3,500-foot paved runway that can handle small jets and propeller planes. In fact, in the heart of winter when parts of the Straits of Mackinac are frozen, flying is the only way to get into town. Learn more about flying to Mackinac Island.

Where To Stay Near Mackinac Island

If you're looking to stay the night on Mackinac Island, the best option is the Grand Hotel. It's here you'll find world-class hospitality, old-world charm, and what's been called the longest front porch on the planet! Learn more about staying at Michigan's famous Grand Hotel.

Of course, if you'd prefer something a bit more quiet, there are plenty of options too. Photographed above is a scene from a private cottage in Cheboygan, Michigan, just across the lake from Mackinac Island. Guests will enjoy over 100 feet of a private beach at this lovely stay, which can accommodate up to six guests.

And while you may not be staying directly on the island, you'll be just a quick boat ride away. Plus, you'll be able to spot Mackinac Bridge, Mackinac and Bois Blanc Islands, and even some passing freighters.

Things To Do In Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island is famous for being one of the best places in the U.S. to relax and recharge, but that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of ways to have an adventure. From sunset kayaks to horse-drawn carriage tours, there's no shortage of fun things to do on Mackinac Island.

Since there aren't any vehicles on the island, you may want to rent a bike for a leisurely tour along the shoreline. On a beautiful summer day, there's hardly a better place to be than peddling lakeside and enjoying some fresh air and sunshine.

After your adventure, be sure to stop into Murdick's Famous Fudge shop for a delicious treat! This fudge has been famous among Mackinac Island vacationers for well over a century, and the fudge-making method uses copper kettles, marble slabs, and the highest-quality ingredients. You'll simply have to try some for yourself!

Need-To-Know Information About Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island is three miles long and two miles wide. Sometimes it's just too far to walk from one point to the other. If you live on Mackinac Island, then you've got to be willing to pay for taxi rides when necessary. Of course, we think this only adds to the charm!

Mackinac Island is also famous for its beautiful lilac blooms. The island is home to over 300 plants, some of which are over 100 years old. The sweet, floral scent pervades the island between the end of May and mid-June.

Lastly, in case you're curious about how to pronounce Mackinac Island, the answer is "MACK-In-Awe," which is a shortened version of the Native American name, Michilimackinac. This Anishinaabek word means "place of the great turtle."

No matter your motivation for venturing to this car-free destination in the U.S., we can guarantee you're in for a remarkable adventure!

Have you been to this car-free town in Michigan and did you travel by foot, bike, or carriage? Share your stories with us in the comments below -- we would love to hear from you!

For related content, take a look at our list of the most remote places in the U.S.:

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