Iconic Michigan place named best summer travel destination in America

Mackinac Island wins for second straight year

This Sept. 23, 2012 photo shows the ferry to Mackinac Island, Mich., and the Round Island Lighthouse, which dates to the 1890s but is no longer a functioning lighthouse. The picturesque lighthouse once marked the channel between Round Island and Mackinac. The ferry brings visitors to Mackinac, a vacation destination known for Victorian charm in modern times. (AP Photo/Anick Jesdanun) (Anick Jesdanun, Associated Press)

One of the crown jewels of Michigan was just named the No. 1 summer travel destination in the country.

USA Today released its 2024 list of the top summer travel spots across the country, and for the second year in a row, a place in Michigan took the top spot: Mackinac Island.

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Mackinac Island is one of the most popular travel spots in the state, but a lot of out-of-state travelers also visit the charming, historic island.

"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,” USA Today wrote.

In need of some Michigan summer travel destinations? Check out this list of off-the-beaten-path Michigan attractions to check out this summer.


About the Author

Ken Haddad has proudly been with WDIV/ClickOnDetroit since 2013. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters, and helps lead the WDIV Insider team. He's a big sports fan and is constantly sipping Lions Kool-Aid.

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