Mackinac Island — The Island That Banned Cars
Eight miles around the Great Turtle — an island where cars have been illegal since eighteen ninety-eight and roughly five hundred horses do all the work. A fort that surrendered without firing a shot, a doctor who spent eight years studying a hole in a living man's stomach, a hotel built in ninety-three days by candlelight, and an 'ancient legend' that was written in nineteen seventy. Most of what the Bad Historian tells you is true. A little of it he made up — you find out which at the end.
What You'll Experience
Plan your walk
Know the route before you buy
- Starts at
- Introduction
- Ends at
- The Reveal
- Walking plan
- 44 min at your own pace
- Schedule
- Start, pause, and resume anytime
Included in the app
- Professional narration
- GPS-triggered stops
- Downloadable tour audio
- Ask the Historian Q&A
- Optional end-of-tour reveal
- All 10 story stops
A taste of what you'll hear
10 stops, each with its own story. Here's a preview.
"You're standing on Main Street, Mackinac Island, and something is missing. It might take you a second to place it. There are no cars. None. No engines, no horns, no exhaust — just bicycles, and horses, and the sound of hooves on pavement."
"You've made it to British Landing — the far side of the island, right about the halfway mark of the loop, and a good place to catch your breath. There's a nature center here, and restrooms, and usually something cold to drink."
"You made it all the way around the Great Turtle, so let me come clean. All eight miles, I've been slipping things in — mostly true, occasionally invented — and I promised I'd tell you which was which."
Tour itinerary
Every stop on this walk
Explore the route before you go. Each stop has its own story preview, location details, and place in the larger tour.
- 11IntroductionYou're standing on Main Street, Mackinac Island, and something is missing. It might take you a second to place it. There are no cars. None.45.8505, -84.6195 Read this stop
- 22Marquette Park & Main StreetYou're on Main Street, at the foot of the hill, with the harbor on one side and a green park climbing toward that white fort up on the bluff.45.8505, -84.6195 Read this stop
- 33The American Fur Company Store & Dr. Beaumont MuseumOne street back from the water, away from the fudge crowds, you're looking at a plain white building on Market Street.45.8503, -84.6188 Read this stop
- 44Fort MackinacYou climbed the hill, and it was worth it. You're at Fort Mackinac — long white limestone walls, black cannon pointing out over the harbor,...45.8522, -84.6172 Read this stop
- 55Arch RockLook up. That's Arch Rock — a natural limestone arch, curving out of the cliff a hundred and forty-six feet above the water, with nothing...45.8578, -84.6073 Read this stop
- 66British LandingYou've made it to British Landing — the far side of the island, right about the halfway mark of the loop, and a good place to catch your...45.8775, -84.6450 Read this stop
- 77Devil's KitchenYou're on the west shore now, and there are two things to look at. Close up, right off the road, there's a small dark cave scooped into the...45.8524, -84.6377 Read this stop
- 88The Grand HotelYou climbed the bluff again, and there it is: the Grand Hotel. That impossibly long white front with the row of columns and the flags...45.8511, -84.6258 Read this stop
- 99Main Street & the HarborYou've closed the loop. You're back on Main Street, back at the harbor, eight miles all the way around the island and you're standing right...45.8497, -84.6199 Read this stop
- 1010The RevealYou made it all the way around the Great Turtle, so let me come clean. All eight miles, I've been slipping things in — mostly true,...45.8497, -84.6199 Read this stop
Stories first
Every stop is built around people, conflict, ambition, and consequences—not a plaque read aloud.
Most of it is true. The extra mischief is just a wink at the end, but the story is what carries the walk.
Have questions? Just ask.
Curious about something you heard? Want to know more about a place? Ask us anything — we have a lot to say. It's more fun when it's a conversation.
Ready?
Download the app, head to the starting point, and press play. The stories start themselves.
Get the AppBefore you go
Quick answers
How much is this tour?
$9.99 as a one-time purchase in the iOS app. The Northern Michigan city pack is $14.99 and includes every currently available tour in the city.
Can I use it with spotty cell service?
Download the tour audio on Wi-Fi before leaving. Cached narration plays without streaming; map tiles and other online features may still need a connection.
Do I have to start at a specific time?
No. Start when it suits you, pause for a detour or meal, and resume later. Check the opening hours of any venue you personally plan to enter.
Are admission tickets included?
The purchase covers the Bad Historian audio experience. Transportation, food, and admission to third-party attractions are not included.
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Mackinac Island — The Island That Banned Cars
$9.99 · one-time