Mackinac Island voted Best Summer Travel Destination in US second year in a row
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Michigan’s famous vacation spot is putting its crown back on, having scooped up accolades as the No. 1 Best Summer Travel Destination for the second year in a row.
The back-to-back honors come courtesy of voters in the 2024 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice travel awards contest.
“We are so incredibly proud Mackinac Island has earned the title of the No. 1 best summer travel destination for the second year in a row,” said Tim Hygh, executive director of the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau. “We are immensely grateful for our island community for casting their votes and to the travel experts and readers at USA Today 10Best for recognizing the island once again. We look forward to welcoming guests to come experience all the charm the island has to offer this summer.”
The island is known as much for its busy downtown filled with shops, fudge stops and restaurants as it is the beautiful bike and hiking trails that crisscross the forested interior. During the summer, more than 500 horses are pulling cargo and people on this island that bans most motor vehicles. Fudge is its signature candy, with more than a dozen shops dotting Main Street.
This year, there are lots of new things to see and do on the island. You can see the rundown of all of them here.
Other winners in this year’s 10Best Summer Travel Destination category include Ocean City, New Jersey; Catalina Island in California; Door County, Wisconsin and Florida’s Space Coast.
“Earning this top honor for the second year in a row demonstrates just how special of a place Mackinac Island is to many people,” said Mackinac Island Mayor Margaret Doud. “I want to thank our island community for their unwavering commitment in creating unforgettable experiences for our guests and extend my gratitude to the all the individuals near and far who voted for Mackinac Island.”
What the USA Today 10Best editors said about Mackinac Island’s repeat win: “Between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, you’ll find Mackinac Island, where you’ll ride on horse-drawn carriages along car-free roads, observe fudge being made (and then sample it), and tour the historic Fort Mackinac. This Lake Huron-based continental island is also home to Mackinac Island State Park, where you can hike, bike, kayak, and take photos of the local natural beauty, including the stunning limestone Arch Rock.”
Todd Callewaert, president of Island House Hotel and Mackinac Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, said the latest win is a testament to the island’s timeless charm. Visitors come for the breathtaking scenery and remember Mackinac’s special brand of hospitality.
“This recognition celebrates the hard work of our community, the warm spirit of our hospitality, and the memorable experiences we provide to guests from near and far. We look forward to continuing to enchant and delight travelers for generations to come.”
USA Today has numerous 10Best lists, which are first nominated by a panel of experts made up of editors from both USA Today and 10Best.com.