Mackinac Island, Michigan, has soared to the top — again. The island has been named the No. 1 Best Summer Travel Destination in the USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards, marking the third consecutive year this beloved Great Lakes gem has earned the honor.
What Makes Mackinac Island So Special?
A Car-Free Island
Motor vehicles have been banned since 1898, making it one of the few places where visitors explore by foot, bicycle, horse, or horse-drawn carriage. This unique transportation environment adds a charming, timeless vibe to every moment of the island experience.
History & Architecture
Fort Mackinac, perched over the harbor, has origins dating back to the Revolutionary War. The island’s architectural tapestry weaves styles ranging from early French and Colonial to elaborate Victorian-era homes, including the iconic Queen Anne–style Grand Hotel with its famously long porch.
Nature
Over 80% of the island is preserved as Mackinac Island State Park, offering miles of trails for hiking, biking, kayaking, and horseback riding. Standouts like Arch Rock, shaped over millennia along Lake Huron, provide breathtaking natural beauty and photographic moments.
Fudge Culture
Mackinac Island is synonymous with fudge — with dozens of shops crafting it on marble slabs, its aroma drifting through Main Street. Visitors not only taste world-famous fudge but witness its creation first-hand. The island even celebrates its fudge-loving visitors with a nickname: “fudgies.”
Vibrant Atmosphere
Main Street buzzes with locally-owned shops, bars, restaurants, and live music. The summer calendar features events like the Lilac Festival, a decade-long tradition that blends floral beauty, horse-drawn parades, and community spirit.
Plan Your Visit to Mackinac Island
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned “fudgie,” here are a few tips to maximize your experience:
- Use Trivago to compare hotel prices from major travel sites and get the best price. Compare Mackinac Island Hotels
- Arrive by ferry: From St. Ignace or Mackinaw City. Look for tours that cruise under the iconic Mackinac Bridge.
- Pack layers: Lake Huron breezes and sun-soaked afternoons call for variable weather gear.
- Enjoy the fudge trail: Visit multiple fudge shops to compare flavors—from double chocolate to maple walnut.
- Spend time at Fort Mackinac and explore preserved buildings downtown and in the state park.
Mackinac Island’s three‑time win as USA TODAY’s Best Summer Travel Destination reflects a reputation well-earned. With its car-free charm, historic ambience, natural landscapes, and community-driven character, it offers a summer escape unlike any other. If you’re seeking a place of timeless beauty, simple pleasures, and heartfelt hospitality — Mackinac Island delivers all that and more.