Mackinac Island wins top spot on USA Today’s summer travel ranking.
A Michigan location has been named the best summer travel destination in the nation.
Mackinac Island topped the list, ranking No. 1 in USA Today's 2026 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.
Advertisement
Article continues below this ad
Mackinac Island is located about 100 miles north of Traverse City, and is only accessible by ferry boat or plane. Known for its ban on motor vehicles, historic charm and fudge shops, the island has long been one of Michigan’s most recognizable tourist destinations and draws visitors from around the world each summer. 
“Between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, you’ll find Mackinac Island, where you’ll ride in horse-drawn carriages along car-free roads, observe fudge being made (and then sample it), and tour the historic Fort Mackinac,” USA Today wrote. “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.”
Mackinac Island, Michigan, August 8, 2016: Vacationers take on Market Street on Mackinac Island that is lined with shops and restaurants. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the island.
Related: Where to take your dog: Michigan’s best pet-friendly beaches and parks
Advertisement
Article continues below this ad
Among its most famous landmarks is the Grand Hotel, featuring the world’s longest porch, 660 feet of rocking chairs and panoramic lake views. 
While nearly 1 million people visit Mackinac Island each year, fewer than 600 people live there year-round, and more than 500 horses call the island home, according to the Grand Hotel.
Mackinac Island has ranked among the top destinations in several USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards over the years. It earned the No. 1 spot for Best Summer Travel Destination in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
The island also ranked second for Best Place to Visit for Fall in 2024 and first in 2025. In the Best Historic Small Town category, Mackinac Island ranked runner-up in 2022, ninth in 2023, seventh in 2025 and fifth in 2026. It also placed ninth for Best Small Town in the Midwest in 2023, 10th in 2025 and fifth in 2026.
Advertisement
Article continues below this ad
Related: Michigan campground named among the top 3 glamping spots in the US
The city is the only Michigan location to make this year’s national summer travel destination rankings.
A panel of USA Today 10Best experts first selected the country's top summer travel destination, and then readers voted to decide which one deserves to be named the best in the United States.
Advertisement
Article continues below this ad
Crystal Huggins is a 2023 graduate of Delta College with an associate’s degree in electronic media broadcasting. During her time at Delta, she gained hands-on experience in media production and was recognized for her academic achievements, earning multiple honors. She has worked as a news producer and anchor for NEWSnet, where she delivered daily broadcasts for audiences in Hawaii, Northern Michigan, and Los Angeles. She also has experience in radio broadcasting, having served as a morning show producer and on-air personality for MacDonald Broadcasting. A mid-Michigan resident, Crystal is passionate about storytelling, multimedia content creation, and engaging audiences through digital and social media platforms.
About
Contact
Services
Account

source