1. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac Island has kept its ban on motor vehicles since 1898, relying instead on horses, bicycles, and walking, according too Mackinac State Historic Park. This rule has helped preserve the island’s old-world charm, making it a top destination for history lovers and those looking to escape modern hustle. Residents and visitors alike use horse-drawn taxis, and businesses depend on dray wagons for deliveries. The only exceptions are emergency vehicles, which can be used when absolutely necessary.
The ban isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s also practical, as the island’s small size and historic roads wouldn’t handle heavy traffic well. Every morning, the town wakes up to the sound of horses rather than honking horns, a rare treat in today’s fast-paced world. Even the local grocery store has adapted, using horses to bring in fresh goods from the docks. For those who live here year-round, it’s not always convenient, but they take pride in maintaining a way of life that’s nearly vanished elsewhere.
2. Beaver Island, Michigan
Though cars are technically allowed on Beaver Island, the use of automobiles is still heavily restricted, according to the Beaver Island Association. This remote island in northern Lake Michigan has long valued self-sufficiency, and for some, that means sticking to traditions. The island’s dirt roads and slower pace make it the perfect place for horse-drawn buggies to thrive. Visitors who come expecting modern transportation often find themselves charmed by the island’s old-fashioned lifestyle.
Horses are particularly useful in the winter, when deep snow can make driving a challenge. Some locals rely on horse-drawn sleds to get around when the roads become nearly impassable. The island’s remoteness has helped keep this tradition alive, as it’s more difficult to bring in and maintain vehicles. While not a full ban, the culture here heavily favors horses, keeping them a central part of daily life.
3. Supai, Arizona
Deep in the Grand Canyon, Supai is the only place in the U.S. where mail is still delivered by mule. The Havasupai Tribe, who have lived in the canyon for centuries, continue to rely on pack animals rather than cars, according to the National Park Service. The rugged terrain makes roads impossible, so residents travel on horseback or by foot. Supplies, including groceries and essential goods, are brought in by mule teams or flown in by helicopter.
Visitors who make the 8-mile hike into the village quickly realize that cars wouldn’t make sense here. Instead, they see horses and mules carrying everything from bottled water to building materials. The isolation means that life moves at a different pace, one dictated by nature rather than traffic lights. This reliance on animals is a key part of the community’s identity, preserving traditions that have existed for generations.
4. Smith Island, Maryland
Smith Island is a tiny water-bound community in the Chesapeake Bay where boats, bicycles, and walking are the main ways to get around. The island’s narrow pathways and marshy landscape make cars impractical, and most residents see no need for them, according to the Smith Island Cultural Center. Horse-drawn carts are sometimes used for hauling supplies, keeping a slower and more peaceful rhythm of life. The local culture is deeply tied to the past, with many families tracing their roots back hundreds of years.
The lack of cars also helps protect the island’s fragile environment, reducing pollution and preserving the delicate balance of its ecosystem. Tourists who visit often comment on the quiet, noting that the absence of traffic noise is refreshing. Many who grow up here never learn to drive, as they simply don’t need to. While the island is facing challenges like erosion, the traditional way of life remains strong, and horses are still a part of that.
5. Tangier Island, Virginia
Tangier Island, another Chesapeake Bay community, has long been cut off from the conveniences of the mainland, according to the island’s official website. While there are a few golf carts and bicycles, cars have never been a practical option due to the island’s small size. Horses were historically the main mode of transport, and while their use has declined, they are still kept by some families for work and tradition. The island’s isolation has helped maintain its unique way of life, even as other places modernized.
The slow-paced lifestyle means there’s little need for roads or traffic signs. Instead, narrow lanes and footpaths weave through the town, encouraging neighbors to stop and chat rather than rush from place to place. The community has resisted large-scale changes, preferring to maintain their connection to the past. While younger generations are slowly introducing new technologies, the island remains one of the last places in the U.S. where cars simply don’t fit.
6. Shackleford Banks, North Carolina
Shackleford Banks isn’t a town in the traditional sense, but it is home to a population of wild horses that have lived there for centuries. These feral horses, descendants of Spanish mustangs, roam freely across the barrier island, which has no roads and no cars. Visitors who come to see them must arrive by boat and explore the island on foot. The lack of development helps preserve the horses’ natural habitat, keeping the island pristine.
While no humans live here permanently, the presence of these horses serves as a reminder of how transportation once looked in early America. Some local historians believe the herd dates back to shipwrecks from the 16th century. Park rangers and conservationists work to protect the horses, ensuring they remain part of the landscape for future generations. In a world where cars dominate, this island offers a rare glimpse into a time before engines took over.
7. Monhegan Island, Maine
Monhegan Island is a remote fishing village where cars have never been part of daily life. The island’s rugged terrain and small population make walking and the occasional horse-drawn cart the best way to get around. Supplies are brought in by boat, and locals carry their groceries and goods by hand or with the help of small wagons. The lack of vehicles has preserved the island’s peaceful atmosphere, making it a popular retreat for artists and nature lovers.
The community values its simplicity, and visitors are encouraged to embrace the slower pace. Without the constant hum of traffic, the only sounds are the crashing waves, seagulls, and the occasional horse hoof on dirt paths. Many islanders believe that banning cars has helped maintain their tight-knit culture, where neighbors still look out for one another. While it’s not always convenient, residents take pride in keeping their way of life unchanged for generations.
8. Bald Head Island, North Carolina
Bald Head Island is one of the few places in the U.S. where cars are completely banned, and golf carts are the primary mode of transportation. While not strictly a horse-drawn town, the lack of cars makes it one of the quietest and most peaceful communities in the country. The island’s sandy roads and focus on environmental preservation mean that motor vehicles have never been welcome. Residents and visitors alike appreciate the relaxed pace, where walking and biking are the norm.
In earlier days, before golf carts took over, horses played a role in island life, helping with transport and labor. Though they’re not as common today, some residents still keep them for recreational riding and special occasions. The car-free rule has helped preserve the island’s natural beauty, keeping pollution and noise to a minimum. Those who live here say they wouldn’t trade the slower lifestyle for anything, even if it means extra effort to get around.
9. Fire Island, New York
Fire Island is a narrow barrier island off the coast of Long Island, where cars are strictly limited. While some emergency and service vehicles exist, everyday transportation is done on foot, bicycle, or occasionally by horse. The island’s soft sandy paths make it difficult for cars to navigate, and the small, close-knit villages have never needed them. This has kept the island uniquely quiet, especially compared to the bustling mainland just across the water.
For decades, horses were used to transport goods and people, and while they’re less common now, their legacy remains. Many longtime residents still remember when horse-drawn wagons were the main way to move supplies. The ban on cars has made Fire Island a haven for those seeking a more relaxed, nostalgic lifestyle. Instead of traffic lights and parking lots, visitors find boardwalks, beaches, and a pace of life that feels frozen in time.
10. Kelly’s Island, Ohio
Located in Lake Erie, Kelly’s Island is another place where cars are uncommon, though not entirely banned. Many residents still prefer to use horses and golf carts for getting around, as the island’s small size makes traditional vehicles unnecessary. The slow-moving lifestyle here is a major draw for visitors looking to escape city stress. With limited paved roads and a commitment to keeping things simple, the island has held onto its old-fashioned charm.
Horses are still used for certain tasks, especially during special events and parades. In the past, they were the primary mode of transport, and some islanders continue to use them for nostalgia and tradition. The absence of heavy traffic makes the island feel more peaceful and community-focused. While modern conveniences have made their way in, many residents believe that avoiding cars has kept the island’s unique character intact.
11. Blennerhassett Island, West Virginia
Blennerhassett Island is more of a historic site than a full-time town, but it remains a place where horses reign supreme. Located in the Ohio River, the island has no roads or bridges, and visitors arrive by boat. Once on land, transportation is mostly done on foot, though horse-drawn wagons and carriages are a key part of the experience. The island’s 19th-century mansion and historical reenactments bring the past to life, making it feel like stepping back in time.
For those who work on the island, horses are more than just a tourist attraction—they’re a practical part of daily operations. Park staff use them for hauling equipment and moving supplies, just as residents did centuries ago. The commitment to keeping the island car-free helps maintain its authenticity, giving visitors a rare glimpse of a pre-automobile America. While most people only experience Blennerhassett for a day, the charm of its horse-drawn world lingers long after they leave.
12. Love Valley, North Carolina
Love Valley is a tiny Western-style town where cars are banned in favor of horses. Designed to look like an Old West settlement, the town was founded in the 1950s by a man who wanted to create a cowboy haven. Today, visitors can ride into town on horseback, hitch their reins outside a saloon, and experience a way of life that’s almost entirely disappeared elsewhere. Locals and tourists alike get around by horse or wagon, keeping the town’s theme alive.
Unlike some other places on this list, the decision to ban cars was intentional, meant to create a specific atmosphere rather than just maintain tradition. Over the years, Love Valley has become a popular spot for horseback riders, drawing people from across the country. The town hosts rodeos, trail rides, and Western festivals, all centered around its horse-first culture. While it might not be the most practical way to live, residents wouldn’t have it any other way.
