Mackinac Island, Michigan, has once again proven why it’s one of the country’s most beloved travel destinations. In the 2025 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, this Lake Huron gem earned three major honors:
- #1 Best Summer Travel Destination
- #7 Best Historic Small Town
- #10 Best Small Town in the Midwest
For families planning a summer or fall getaway, Mackinac Island’s peak tourism season runs through October, making it the perfect time to plan a trip before the island’s famous horses, hotels, and fudge shops prepare for winter.
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#1 Best Summer Travel Destination
Located between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, Mackinac Island offers something rare—an entirely car-free experience. Families travel by bike, foot, or horse-drawn carriage, setting the tone for a peaceful escape from the modern world.
The island is especially popular in summer, when visitors stroll downtown to watch fudge being poured and cooled in storefront windows. Kids and adults alike can sample flavors from shops that have been perfecting their craft for generations.
At Mackinac Island State Park, which covers more than 80% of the island, families can hike trails, rent bikes, or paddle Lake Huron. One of the most iconic photo stops is Arch Rock, a natural limestone formation perched 146 feet above the water.
#7 Best Historic Small Town
Mackinac Island’s past is just as captivating as its scenery. Long before it became a vacation destination, it was home to the Anishinaabek People, with French explorers arriving in the 1600s, followed by British and then American occupation. Today, the island honors that history with immersive, family-friendly attractions.
Fort Mackinac, built in 1780, is one of Michigan’s oldest surviving structures. It sits high on a bluff with sweeping views and reenactments that bring early American history to life. Just steps away, The Biddle House, Benjamin Blacksmith Shop, and the Native American Museum at the Biddle House highlight life during the fur trade era and the lives of early inhabitants.
#10 Best Small Town in the Midwest
Charming architecture, lush gardens, and waterfront views add to Mackinac’s timeless charm. Ranked #10 Best Small Town in the Midwest, this is a bucket-list spot for Midwest road trips. From afternoon tea at The Grand Hotel to bike rides around the island’s 8-mile perimeter, it’s the kind of place that turns family vacations into lifelong memories.
Guests can enjoy dinner on a porch overlooking the water or explore tucked-away paths filled with lilacs and butterflies. Whether it’s a first visit or a return trip, the island delivers on rest, play, and plenty of fresh air.
Plan Your Visit
Mackinac Island is most active between May and October, with warm-weather programming, family activities, and open lodging. Ferry services from Mackinaw City and St. Ignace run frequently, and accommodations range from historic inns to family-friendly hotels. Make reservations early—summer and early fall fill up fast.
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