Mackinac Island

First-time visitors to Mackinac Island usually think they’ve traveled back in time or stumbled onto a movie set. Each year, large crowds of tourists flock here to explore the island on bicycle, visit the historic fort and buy a few bricks of signature Mackinac Island fudge.

Cars were banned on the island in 1898, 10 years before the first Model-T even rolled off the assembly line. Today, visitors arrive by ferry, private boat or plane and are greeted much as they would have been in the Victorian era—by the clip-clop of horse hooves pulling gracious carriages. One of the major tourist draws is Fort Mackinac, established by the British during the American Revolutionary War. The majestic Grand Hotel is another thriving attraction; the lovely inn boasts the world's longest porch, has hosted five U.S. presidents and maintains strict traditions like formal dinner dress. Rent a bike to explore the island, a casual and relaxed escape.