Yes, a special exception was granted for filming Somewhere in Time on Mackinac Island, allowing a car to be present and driven for specific scenes.
The Unique Car Ban on Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island is famously known for its long-standing prohibition on private motor vehicles, a policy that has been in effect since 1898. This unique regulation contributes significantly to the island's historic charm and peaceful atmosphere, with primary modes of transportation including horse-drawn carriages, bicycles, and walking. The ban is a deeply ingrained part of the island's identity, making any instance of a motorized vehicle on its roads an extremely rare event.
A Rare Exception for "Somewhere in Time" Filming
Despite the strict, century-old ban, filmmakers received special permission to bypass this rule during the production of the 1980 romantic fantasy film Somewhere in Time.
- Filming in 1979: While making the movie in 1979, an unprecedented allowance was made.
- Christopher Reeve Driving: Filmmakers were permitted to shoot the late actor Christopher Reeve driving a car on the island for scenes in the film. This was a notable deviation from the island's typical regulations, underscoring the unique nature of the production.
- Highlighting Rarity: Such instances are incredibly rare. For example, on the 100th anniversary of the auto ban, the town specially brought over a vintage steam-powered car for a brief spin around the island, further illustrating the extreme rarity of any motorized vehicle being driven there. The permission granted for Somewhere in Time was a distinct privilege to facilitate the storytelling required for the movie.
